**Teaching Freestyle – Part 4 (Legs & Kick Edition)**

This will be the fourth and final week of our series on teaching freestyle from the ground up, and on teaching fundamental freestyle concepts. This week: the kick.

*ChatGPT - Eh...*

*The flutter kick in freestyle swimming provides a significant portion of propulsion, but the exact percentage can vary depending on factors such as the swimmer's technique, strength, and efficiency in executing the kick. Generally, it's estimated that the flutter kick contributes around 10-15% of the overall propulsion in freestyle swimming. However, it's essential to note that the arm stroke, body position, and coordination with breathing also play crucial roles in generating speed and propulsion in freestyle swimming.*

**Monday**

**Steve Haufler Freestyle: Freestyle #3 – Flutter Kick**

Steve Haufler shows where we’re headed when teaching the flutter kick.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1777-freestyle-swim-lesson-3-flutter-kick>

:11 - where we’re headed

:25 - guided introduction - thighs

:39 - body posture

1:06 -release to movement

1:10 - instinctual knee bend

1:18 - back to guided minimal kick

1:26 - board in position 11

1:38 - no board position 11

1:48 - side kicking in balance

2:05 - balance makes the kick more effective

2:22 - fins 

**Tuesday**

**Rohan Taylor: Vertical Flutter Kick**

There’s no better way to train a narrow consistent kick than with vertical flutter kick. It’s Step 1 in the learning process.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1899-vertical-flutter-kick>

:07 - max kick angle is 127°

:09 - plantar flexion of the foot

:11 - notice the hands are out of the water

:16 - hands out of the water

:19 - max kick angle is 128°

:20 - plantar flexion of the foot

:35 - continue with a very narrow and quick kick

:47 - posture

:58 - quick core rotation

**Wednesday**

**Rohan Taylor: Streamline Kick on Your Back**

Step 2 in learning proper flutter-kick technique: Try it on your back. Australian Olympians Ash Delaney and Bindy Hocking demo the fine points.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1884-streamline-kick-on-your-back> 

:04 - streamline with hands under the surface

:10 - balanced body and stable

:19 - hands streamline and under the surface

:26 - arms parallel to the surface

:32 - body balanced

:37 - streamline and hands on the surface

:41 - thighs touching the surface

:46 - stability

:57 - incredible line

1:08 - incredible line

1:16 - integrity and purpose

**Thursday**

**Freestyle Drills: Flutter from the Hips**

Step 3 in learning proper flutter-kick technique: Try it while using a board.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1917-freestyle-flutter-from-the-hips>

:07.36 - 146° angle - 

:15.90 - look at the angle from the torso to the knee

:27.7 - plantar flexion

:33 - very low head position when using a board

:34 - mouth in the water when not breathing

:35 - hips on the surface

:37 - bottom of the foot pushing UP

:39 - more splash up than down

:46 - more splash up than down

:49 - very low head position

:54 - slight uphill bodyline… but…

:57 - very little or no air on the front of the foot

1:10 - pushing up

1:27 - stable and clean

1:30 - watch the toes

**Friday**

**Kristian Golomeev: Flutter Kick on a Board**

We kick with a board at almost every practice, so it makes sense to do it correctly!

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2239-flutter-kick-with-a-board> 

:06 - over loading - no air

:07 - closer to 90° angle

go back to :02 and play at regular speed

:09 - play at regular speed

:17 - play at regular speed - overloading again

:35 - pushing water up

:49 - faster tempo - less angle

1:00 - pushing water up

1:12 - not getting the angle, but much less

**Saturday**

**Kara Lynn Joyce: Flutter Kick**

Olympic sprinter Kara Lynn Joyce has a steady six-beat kick that syncs powerfully with her armstrokes.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1176-flutter-kick> 

:06 - 129° max angle

Play at full speed

:31 - how clean the front of the foot is

:31.1 - pointed toes

:33 - the DNA Strand

**Sunday**

**Freestyle Drills: Flutter Kick Fix**

Kick problems can be persistent. The message of this video: Keep experimenting, and never give up trying to improve.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/995-freestyle-flutter-kick-fix> 

:06.2 - the breaststroke kick

:16 - we tried to just make him aware

:20 - increase the surface area with Zoomer

:25 - LOOKS GREAT!!! WE FIXED IT!!!

:26 - AHHHHHHHHH

:29 - AHHHHHHHHH

:40 - tie up the ankles

:41 - It’s still in there

:53 - snorkel and fins - stability and surface area

1:05 - kicking on board with Zoomers

1:16 - start with balanced kicking then add one stroke at a time - kicking through the strokes

Gonna be a process

**Bonus:**

Glenn: Playing with Flutter Kick Height

Playing with the height of your kick will help you understand kick dynamics.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2931-playing-with-flutter-kick-height>

1:50

2:07

2:25

**Glenn: Pull Buoy Flutter Kick**

Glenn shares a secret for helping swimmers (especially triathletes) learn proper kick dynamics and rhythm.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3081-pull-buoy-flutter-kick>

**Golomeev: Streamline Flutter Kick to Swim**

Great drill for building a consistent kick. Start each length with streamlined, consistent kick, then add the arms without interrupting the kick.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2271-streamlined-flutter-kick-to-swim>

**Free Drills: Flutter Wall Kick**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1383-freestyle-flutter-wall-kick>

**Free Drills: Narrow Flutter Kick**

Here are some ideas for developing a constant and narrow flutter kick.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1773-freestyle-narrow-flutter-kick>


Apr. 23, 2024 - Teaching Freestyle 4 - The Kick

**Transferring NCAA Lessons into Your Own Swimming**

When we watch big meets, we look not so much at who wins but at *how* they win – the technique being employed to reach the podium. This week, after watching the 2024 men’s and women’s NCAA championships, we share some drills we think are important to your future swimming success.

**MENS**

<https://youtu.be/IihhnVez38I?si=8Ay4JpugeNVbnKJB>

**WOMENS**

[https://youtu.be/57uhHbhVBGs?si=s8AXyHVyO6li6\_EK](https://youtu.be/57uhHbhVBGs?si=iPQC0pJeT7WK32HH)

**Monday**

**Sara McLarty: Fingertip Drag**

After watching Leon Marchand’s 500 free at NCAAs, we are incorporating fingertip-drag freestyle into our practices!

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/303-fingertip-drag>

<https://youtu.be/UQg4VVh6WJU?si=p-BrL5ny5bf_8kK7>

**Tuesday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Fingertip Drag**

Less effort. Better balance. Improved symmetry and extension. Just a few of the benefits gained from practicing fingertip-drag freestyle.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3040-fingertip-drag> 

<https://youtu.be/57uhHbhVBGs?si=sAn7BL6sinBlqCeP&t=1012>

**Wednesday**

**Backstroke Drill: Upside Down Fingertip Drag**

Just as fingertip drag leads to a more relaxed and efficient freestyle, and it works for a smoother, more connected backstroke.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2209-backstroke-upside-down-fingertip-drag> 

<https://youtu.be/kCgXZHUi8OI?si=qJVafraWJ4obTVMr&t=77>

**Thursday**

**Learning the Underwater Dolphin: Step 3**

Biggest buzzword from watching NCAAs? Underwaters. If you’re not learning and practicing them every day, you’ll be left behind.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3502-step-3-back-fast-front-fast> 

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjVaRUU9-qw>

**Friday**

**Learning the Underwater Dolphin: Step 4**

Here’s how to find the optimal amplitude and frequency for your underwaters.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3503-step-4-repeat-step-3-with-rate> 

<https://youtu.be/EQSK6Va_meY?si=Bw8WJ-WFQ3J14MFV>

**Saturday**

**Haufler Butterfly: Step #3 – Underwater Dolphin Kick on the Back**

Steve Haufler shares his progression for learning and mastering the underwater dolphin.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1280-step-3-underwater-dolphin-kick-on-the-back> 

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vox9KOxC1ZA>

<https://youtu.be/ZSQGEnv-ruc?si=fK22BQ7Sfwpg7S-s&t=162>

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZZyN7dw7IE>

**Sunday**

**Core Stability Pull Breathe and Kick: Step 4**

At NCAAs, the breaststrokers were hitting their LINE. Here’s how you can learn this critical skill.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2384-step-4-core-stability-pull-breathe-and-kick> 

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p3_azfJ5Eo>


Apr. 16, 2024 - What We Learned from NCAAs

**March 25, 2024 - Teaching Freestyle 2**

In “Teaching Freestyle – Part 1,” we shared our favorite progression for teaching freestyle from the ground up. That progression teaches the fundamentals of air exchange, balance, body alignment, ease and comfort in the water, rotation, extension, and productive kick. This week, we get more specific about freestyle, covering some of the key *concepts* that every swimmer should understand and master: head/neck alignment, where to look, how to breathe, sculling and Early Vertical Forearm (EVF).

**Monday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Where to Look**

Experimenting with where to look and finding just the right alignment for your head and neck is key to unlocking every other freestyle skill.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3015-where-to-look> 

:15 - head in a relaxed position - eyes down slightly forward

:19 - lifting a bit for air

:26 - if viewed behind the extended arm - goggles are barely visible

:30 - look at the back of the head

:31 - head is so close to the surface, the entire head submerges

:31.9 - taught side breath but at lower velocity, may have to push up a bit… what’s a better solution?

:34 - the breath with half the mouth still under

:35 - head slightly higher than hers

:49 - looking forward slightly more

:58 - bodyline slightly up… what’s a better solution?

**Tuesday**

**Glenn, Breathing in the Water: Turning to Air on Freestyle**

Keep it simple: Look at the house. Look at the wall. That’s all we’re trying to do.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3233-turning-to-air-on-freestyle> 

:04 - stand at attention

:06 - Look at the house

:08 - Look at the wall

:10 - Look at the house

:11 - Look at the wall

:18 - relaxed head position with eyes slightly forward

:20 - starting to swivel the head

:20.7 -head is turning very early

:21 - head rotates further than typical 1-goggle breathing… but…

:21.7 - head back very early

:26.6 - starting the turn very early

:27.4 - slight over-rotation of the head… but is it in-line?

:30 - head completely underwater

:33.5 - MOST of the head still underwater - rotate to air

:33.6 - How long did I have the mouth out?

:37 - only the heal out of the water

:37.8 - body is completely submerged

:39.4 - peak lift and rotation

:39.6 - head back in and submerged

:40.2 - completely submerged

:42.98 - worst breath

:46.71 - PHEW… much better

**Wednesday**

**Haufler Freestyle: Advanced Freestyle #1: One-Eye Breathing**

Swimmers have a distinct advantage if they can do their freestyle breathing while keeping one goggle in the water.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1782-advanced-freestyle-swim-lesson-1-one-eye-breathing> 

:04 - the goal

:07 - look at how smooth the head moves

:18 - bottom goggle only slightly visible

:22 - head turn slightly ahead of the body

:22.7 - most of the head underwater

:23.3 - head coming back with the body

:24 - exhale

:26 - slight over-rotation to air but in balance

:37 - the bow wave

:41 - reverse surfing

:44 - nearly the pipeline

:53 - how much of her head is above water?

1:25 - teach with safety

1:30 - look underwater while breathing

1:36 - stationary position so head turns a bit further

1:42 - keeping the top of the head down

1:47 - student standing

1:57 - the position

2:01 - showing them what you want them to see

2:07 - the view

2:13 - give them something to look at

2:16 - this is also a synchro drill

2:20 - teaching should be fun for the student

2:29 - perfect timing

**Thursday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Breathe Every 3**

Learning to breathe to both sides has many benefits, including more balance in your rotation and musculature.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3027-breathe-every-3> 

:08 - breathe to the right

:12 - breathe to the left

:17 - right

:21 - left

:38 - right

:45 - building symmetry and balance

**Friday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: EVF Drills**

Early Vertical Forearm (EVF) is a fundamental concept not just for freestyle, but for all four competitive strokes. The easiest way to understand and master EVF is to learn how to scull.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3019-evf-drills> 

:10 - EVF for freestyle

:24 - front scull

:31 - too much upper arm movement

:36 - MUCH better

:39 - Isolate the upper arm

:42 - Elbows high. In front of the shoulders. Hands pointed down. Palms facing back.

1:00 - Move the elbows to shoulder depth.

1:03 - Upper arm is stabilized. Fingers pointing down and palms facing back.

**Saturday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: EVF Dog Paddle**

Dog Paddle, when done with thought and precision, is one of the best ways to use sculling to learn EVF. It’s also the pathway to engaging the larger muscles in your back to help you pull better.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3020-evf-dog-paddle> 

:07 - learning the initiation of the catch

:10 - Isolate the upper arm and get the forearm into position.

:13 - quick short movement with a lot of focus

:29 - without good flexibility, this is a good option

:35 - eyes up may make it easier to get this feeling

1:05 - high elbow halfway through pull cycle

**Sunday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Single-Arm Free with Buoy**

Swimming with one arm is one of the most effective ways to transfer your sculling and EVF skills into swimming.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3021-single-arm-free-with-buoy> 

:06 - buoy held in extended position

:06 - initiate a dog-dig catch

:07 - pull the arm the whole way through and extend the pullbuoy

:10 - high elbow EVF catch

:11 - roll into a balanced breath

:22 - practicing with a snorkel working on extension

:23 - position-11 to focus on the catch and driving the buoy forward

:30 - drive the buoy forward

:43 - the additional balance could help someone get the head back quicker

1:05 - to make this simpler, add fins

1:08 - arm perpendicular to the body at the halfway point

**Bonus:**

**Haufler Toys: The Head**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/703-the-head>

**Sara McLarty: Bilateral Breathing**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3021-single-arm-free-with-buoy>


Mar. 26, 2023 - Teaching Freestyle - Part 2

This week we share our favorite progression for teaching freestyle from the ground up. We use this for newbie swimmers, as well as for more experienced swimmers who have persistent technique flaws in their stroke.  Before using this progression, we like to first teach the backstroke progression covered in our March 5, 2024 live Zoom.

**Monday**

**Early Concepts & Skills: Inhale Through Mouth Exhale Through Nose**

Before they take a single kick or armstroke, make sure they’ve mastered breath control! It’s truly Step #1.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2971-inhale-through-mouth-exhale-through-nose> 

:14 - start the exhale prior to going under water

:37 - mouth closed above for a slight purge

:37 - inhale through the mouth

:44 - purge the nose (the rabbit)

**Tuesday**

**Freestyle 101: Position-11 Kick on Your Stomach**

Much to be learned here: horizontal body line, head/neck alignment, what happens when you lean in at the lungs.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1743-position-11-kick-on-your-stomach> 

:05 - Position-11 on your stomach

:08 - scull to air

:12 - good to use fins

:19 - scull to air

:19 - scull to air

:21 - look at the hips drop

:22 - go down to the point of “sinkage”

:24 - body will equalize and come back up

:30 - going to air

:31 - out of balance

:34 - better balance

:46 - go down to balance

:50 - body will rise

1:18 - good balance

1:39 - good balance

**Wednesday**

**Freestyle 101: Position-11 Take Away One Arm**

A simple drill that teaches how to get comfortable with rotation, extension, and breathing to both sides.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1744-position-11-take-away-one-arm> 

:04 - Position-11

:05 - drop one arm and roll to your back

:07 - roll all the way to your back

:10 - he’s initiating the roll back with the torso and head

:11 - then the arm is coming around

:20 - roll like a log

:22 - rolls to underwater

:23 - then the body stabilizes

:30 - tension means a “rigid roll”

:34 - arm comes around and with the weight sinks the body

:36 - when balanced, the body rises

:41 - make sure you practice to both sides

**Thursday**

**Freestyle 101: Combination Drill**

This freestyle/backstroke combo drill teaches swimmers to stay relaxed as they rotate to air. It also imprints horizontal bodyline and extension.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1742-combination-drill> 

:02 - Start in single arm - like the previous drill

:03 - look down but stay on your side rather than your stomach

:06 - look up and roll back to your back

:08 - initiate a backstroke recovery and switch to the single arm position on the other side

:11 - then look down again

:30 - backstroke recovery

:37 - eyes down

Step through the rest of the video

**Friday**

**Freestyle 101: Position-11 Single Switch**

One step closer to actual freestyle, and more practice of extension, rotation, bodyline, and timing.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1745-position-11-single-switch> 

:05 - single arm balance

:06 - look down

:08 - freestyle recovery

:09 - position-11

:10 - drop and arm and roll to your back

:36 - make sure you roll toward the extended arm

:42 - balance challenged

:50 - stabilized and starting to come back up

:58 - back to balance while breathing

1:19 - freestyle recovery

1:20 - starting a more immediate switch

1:22 - balanced breathing

1:36 - balanced a deep target breathing

1:38 - equalibrian

**Saturday**

**Freestyle 101: Position-11 Triple Switch**

Inching closer to actual freestyle.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1746-position-11-triple-switch> 

:06 - start in balanced position

:09 - look down

:10 - initiate three switches to position-11

:16 - roll to air

:23 - get to the head down balanced position

:28 - slight pause in position-11

:34 - be patient and get balanced first

:41 - home base

Step through the rest of the video

1:15 - starting to connect and swim

**Sunday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Almost Position-11 Freestyle**

This is the graduation step – the transition between drilling and swimming.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3017-almost-position-11-freestyle> 

:04 - starting the pulling arm just as the fingers are coming in

:05 - rolling to air

:08 - hand dropping

:10 - a little too much position-11

:19 - hand dropping to catch

:25 - following the hand to air

:40 - catch up stroke

:46 - catch up stroke

:49 - catch up stroke

1:02 - following the hand to air


Mar. 19, 2024 - Teaching Freestyle - Part 1

In “Teaching Freestyle – Part 1,” we shared our favorite progression for teaching freestyle from the ground up (fundamentals like air exchange, balance, body alignment, ease and comfort in the water). In Part 2, we covered some of the key *concepts* that every swimmer should understand and master: head/neck alignment, where to look, how to breathe, sculling and Early Vertical Forearm (EVF). This week, in Part 3, we cover more key concepts, those involving the arms.

**Monday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Arm Recovery (Recovery Variation Drill)**

Straight-arm or bent-arm recovery? It’s not about using one or the other. Every swimmer should know how (and when) to use both styles. This drill helps you experiment.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3042-recovery-variation-drill> 

:03 - fingertip

:06 - relaxed recovery

:09 - straight arm

:14 - purposeful and thinking

:18 - precise movements

:22 - not mindless warmup, but swimming with purpose

:34 - fingertip

:37 - relaxed

:39 - straight arm

1:00 - from straight arm back to fingertip

**Tuesday**

**Freestyle - Eyes Up Catch**

There’s no easier way to know if you’re catching the water correctly than SEEING it.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2394-freestyle-eyes-up-catch> 

:08 - head in a high position

:08 - isolate the upper arm

:10 - isolate the upper arm and get into the catch position

:18 - using paddles to give more surface area - works both sides of the paddle

:20 - dropping the hand into the still water

:21.9 - beautiful position

:25.30 - feel him climbing forward

:26 - climbing forward

:36 - watch the hands

:44 - watch the hands

1:01 - high eyes

1:02 - start to lower the eyes

1:14 - head back in swimming position

**Wednesday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Hand Entry**

The big idea on freestyle hand entry: 1) Pierce the water for a clean entry free of bubbles and turbulence.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3033-hand-entry> 

:05 - fingers first

:07 - fingers first

:08 - fingers then inner elbow

:10 - “smash” the inner elbow

:22 - fingers first then extend

:24 - clean hand

:28 - extend to drop the air

:34 - air falls away if body is balanced

:40 - clean hand

:42 - clean hand

:51 - fingers in

:52 - extend in balance

1:04 - clean hands

**Thursday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Extend Front to Back**

This is swimming…but with intense focus on the key concepts of extension and rotation.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3018-extend-front-to-back> 

:05 - extend in front

:06 - extend in back

:07 - extend in back

:20 - full range of motion

:26 - beautiful image of end to end swimming

:45 - slice exit

1:11 - where in relation to the suit do you finish

**Friday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Connect Hands to Hips**

The big idea: Don’t swim with *just* your arms. Swim with your entire body by connecting hands to hips.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3032-connect-hands-to-the-hips> 

:05 - end to end swimming with rotation

:11 - connect the arm and rotate it back

:24 - arm and body moving together

:28 - little more delay on the left arm

:30 - sooner connection with the right

:49 - determine the relationshiop between the arm and hips and the timing

:49 - watch how the arm and body are connected

:52 - where is the arm when the hips move?

1:00 - connect

1:03 - connect

1:07 - connect

**Saturday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Keep the Wrists Straight**

Make sure you don’t bend your wrist when initiating the pull. It’s a small thing, but gives you a better pulling surface. And…it applies to all four strokes, not just freestyle.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3022-keep-the-wrists-straight> 

:05 - create the ledge

:09 - create the flat surface

:12 - straight line catch

:26 - the subtle feel to NOT break the wrist

:38 - flattening the line with paddles

:41 - look at the space between the paddle and arm

:41 - water pressure pushes the paddle

:44 - keeping the wrist and forearm straight

:53 - hold the paddle tight

1:02 - try to memorize the position

1:10 - keep the wrist straight and use the entire arm

**Sunday**

**Better Freestyle Concepts: Pull from Inside the Elbow**

Major freestyle concept (flashing red light): Keep the elbow high throughout the pull. Here’s a focus point that helps you accomplish this key skill.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3023-pull-from-inside-the-elbow> 

:05 - create the largest surface

:08 - harness the biggest muscles

:15 - even a straighter arm should use the whole arm

:26 - connection

:43 - isolation of the upper arm


Apr. 2, 2024 - Teaching Freestyle - Part 3 (Upper-Body Edition)

Wayne and Glenn discuss what makes a great coach. From the public perception of greatness to the reality of everyday people being great.

We asked ChatGPT it's definition of what is a great coach, and the answers were pretty darn good.

A great coach is someone who possesses a unique blend of skills, qualities, and attributes that enable them to effectively guide, inspire, and develop individuals or teams to reach their full potential. Here are some characteristics that define a great coach:

1.  **Excellent Communication Skills**: A great coach can convey ideas, instructions, and feedback clearly and effectively, fostering understanding and trust among their players or team members.
2.  **Empathy and Understanding**: They have the ability to understand the needs, motivations, and challenges of each individual they coach, and they empathize with their experiences.
3.  **Leadership and Vision**: A great coach has a clear vision for success and inspires others to share and work towards that vision. They lead by example, setting high standards of behavior and performance.
4.  **Expertise and Knowledge**: They possess a deep understanding of the sport, field, or subject matter they're coaching in, as well as the strategies and techniques necessary for success.
5.  **Adaptability**: A great coach can adapt their coaching style and strategies to suit the unique needs and circumstances of their players or team, maximizing effectiveness.
6.  **Motivational Skills**: They know how to motivate and inspire their players or team members, instilling confidence, self-belief, and a strong work ethic.
7.  **Feedback and Development**: They provide constructive feedback in a supportive manner, helping individuals identify areas for improvement and develop their skills and abilities.
8.  **Patience and Resilience**: They remain patient and resilient in the face of setbacks and challenges, maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging perseverance.
9.  **Trust and Respect**: A great coach builds trust and respect with their players or team members through honesty, integrity, and fairness.
10. **Commitment and Dedication**: They are deeply committed to the development and success of their players or team members, investing time, effort, and energy to help them achieve their goals.

Overall, a great coach is not just someone who helps individuals or teams win games or achieve success; they also play a crucial role in shaping character, instilling values, and fostering personal growth and development.

We hope you enjoy this episode, and we're glad to be back.


The Third 50 - E12 - What Makes a Great Coach?

**Swim Parents - Partners in Potential and Performance**

Every swimming coach in the world has to find a way to work effectively with the parents / carers of the kids they coach. 

The concept of [⁠Partnership⁠](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk3GDD-fcFM\&list=PLxw2oKwowHP_8dh7Pei-g_KGFCXLEE1lq\&index=2) is important.

In essence, what are coaches, parents / carers and swimmers all chasing? 

Answer: To help the swimmer be all they choose to be - to help them realize their potential in and out of the water.

The beautiful thing about that is that when it comes down to it - coaches, parents / carers and swimmers - ALL WANT THE SAME THING! - we all want to see the swimmer learn to love the water, enjoy the experience of swimming, improve and to be all they choose to be.

In any partnership, each of the partners, need to do their "job" - they need to understand what it is they need to do to help achieve their collective goal - in this case - the realization of the potential of the swimmer.

So what's the "job" of a coach? To teach skills, help swimmers prepare for Meets, to improve their speed and fitness, to help them perform when and where it matters, etc.

And swimmers - what's their "job"?

It is simply - to do the best they can - every time they train and race - to do their best.

[⁠Swimming Parents and carers⁠](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MZzckODIsY\&list=PLxw2oKwowHP_8dh7Pei-g_KGFCXLEE1lq\&index=5) - what's their "job"?

1.  To teach values like respect, honesty, integrity, humility, courage, discipline and a work-ethic.
2.  To help build independence, self-responsibility and self-accountability
3.  To love, accept and value their children unconditionally for who they are.
4.  To help their kids learn important life skills like time management.
5.  To teach them the importance of taking ownership and responsibility for their day to day needs like cleaning their rooms, preparing for training, packing their swim bags, hanging out wet swim suits and towels etc.
6.

If you think about the coach, parent / carer and swimmer relationship as a partnership - as a team - where every member of the team is committed to and focused on helping the swimmer to be the best they can be - there's no limits to what you can achieve together. 

Is it always easy? 

NO!!! - of course not. Stories about the difficulties of dealing with over zealous and overly "invested" swimming parents / carers are common place in coaching all over the world. 

But, it is vital that coaches look to find ways of building and sustaining strong, positive contructive relationships with swimming parents / carers and to strive to work closely together as the swimmer progresses.


Dashboard

Just Added

Recently Watched