**Quick recap**

The meeting featured a discussion between Glenn and Zach Moss, the Head Fencing Coach at Northwestern University, about the differences and similarities between swimming and fencing, particularly in coaching and feedback methods. Glenn highlighted the "feedback gap" in swimming, where mistakes are not immediately apparent, unlike in fencing where feedback is instant and physical. Zach explained the structure of fencing training, emphasizing the importance of footwork, individual instruction, and the normalization of losing. Glenn proposed the idea of implementing a "5-minute private lesson" in swimming, where a coach gives hyper-focused attention to one swimmer at a time, inspired by the individualized instruction common in fencing. They also discussed the frequency of competition, the mental aspects of both sports, and the potential benefits of reframing loss as a learning opportunity. The conversation aimed to explore how swimming could adopt some of fencing's coaching strategies to improve athlete development.

**Summary**

**Individualized Swimming Coaching Approach**

Glenn discussed his idea for a swimming coaching approach that would involve a coach providing 5-minute focused sessions on individual swimmers, switching between different kids every 5 minutes to give each child personalized attention. He explained that traditional swimming coaches are resistant to private lessons due to financial and control concerns, but this method would allow for efficient individual attention while maintaining team structure. Glenn noted that current group coaching lacks sufficient individual feedback, comparing coaches to sharks that only notice problems when they become obvious.

**Fencing vs Swimming Training Approaches**

Glenn presented a comparison between fencing and swimming training approaches, highlighting key differences in feedback mechanisms, training environments, and competitive structures. He explained that fencing provides immediate knowledge of results through visible indicators and frequent competition, while swimming results are delayed until reaching the wall, creating different learning experiences for athletes. Glenn outlined specific aspects they could discuss, including private versus group lessons, entry age requirements, and training timelines for both sports.

**Fencing and Swimming Coaching Insights**

Glenn welcomed Zach Moss, the Head Fencing Coach from Northwestern University, to discuss teaching methods and insights from different sports. Zach shared his background as a former competitive swimmer who switched to fencing, explaining that he grew up doing both sports simultaneously. Glenn noted the difference between swimming and fencing in terms of immediate feedback and outcomes, expressing interest in learning how these insights could be applied to swimming coaching. The discussion began to focus on comparing teaching processes between the two sports, with plans to review slides together.

**Fencing Coaching Techniques Discussion**

Glenn and Zach discussed fencing techniques, training approaches, and recruiting strategies, with a focus on the importance of individual instruction and feedback in developing fencers. Zach explained how fencing uses immediate feedback through physical contact and scoring to teach skills, contrasting this with swimming where outcomes are delayed until the end of races. Glenn identified a key insight from the discussion about implementing "5-minute private lessons" where coaches focus intensively on one athlete at a time during group practice sessions, which could be adapted for swimming coaching to provide more personalized attention.


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July 14, 2026 - The Feedback Gap