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Browse through our thousands of Lessons to gain a deeper understanding of swimming. Use our search bar located above or, if you're new to the site, use the Guided View to help narrow down the Lessons presented to you. If you use the Guided View, you’ll also be able to add your Expertise Level as an additional filter.

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

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

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 - E13 - Swim Parents

The Third 50 - E13 - Swim Parents

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 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 - 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.

Jan. 16, 2024 - Lightning Round

Jan. 16, 2024 - Lightning Round

This week we feature GoSwim videos that are 42 seconds or less in length.  As we challenge Glenn to give a quick analysis and takeaway on each video, see how much you can absorb by watching small details with great intensity! Monday Kelsi (Worrell) Dahlia: Preview What’s the first technique point that comes to your mind as you watch Olympian Kelsi Dahlia?  For us, it’s how she undulates just above and below the water line. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2298-preview-kelsi-worrell-butterfly> fitness training swimming  Tuesday Connor Oslin:  PREVIEW – Backstroke Pull What catches our eye in this clip of Connor Oslin is the integrity of the line along his forearm, wrist, and palm as he executes a bent-arm pull. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2304-backstroke-pull> fitness training swimming  Wednesday Roque Santos: Head-on video When we watch this clip of Olympian Roque Santos, two words come to mind:  Hand Speed. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/519-breaststroke-head-on-video> fitness training swimming  Thursday Brendan Hansen:  Breaststroke Turn Brendan Hansen’s turning technique is on full display here, but we also notice the thinking, planning, and adjusting that’s going on each time he sees the wall during the breath. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/925-breaststroke-turn> fitness training swimming  Friday Brendan Hansen:  Breaststroke Timing In two stroke cycles, Brendan Hansen delivers a master class in breaststroke timing.  Look for ONE thing and take the image to the pool with you. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/916-breaststroke-timing> fitness training swimming  Saturday Jason Lezak: Slow Motion Sprinting Here’s slow-motion of Jason Lezak’s sprint freestyle.  We notice the commitment to extension even at race pace. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/977-slow-motion-sprinting> fitness training swimming  Sunday Kaitlin Sandeno:   Underwater Dolphin Kick – Back Full-body flow is what comes to mind as we watch Kaitlin Sandeno’s underwater kick. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/555-underwater-dolphin-back> fitness training swimming  Bonus Ash Delaney: Stable Head Slow Motion This clip is longer than 42 seconds, but we like it because it zeroes in on one aspect of Ash Delaney’s backstroke. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1613-backstroke-stable-head>

Feb. 6, 2024 - Engage the Lats

Feb. 6, 2024 - Engage the Lats

How to Identify the Lats and Learn to Engage Them Where does power come from during the pull?  Ideally, it comes from the “lats” (latissimus dorsi), the largest muscle in the upper body.  This week we help you identify where the lats are located and how to activate or engage them for a more powerful pull. Monday Brad Tandy:  Shoulder Extension South African Olympian Brad Tandy introduces this week’s theme on how to identify and engage the lats.  If you can learn to engage the lats during the catch, you’ll increase propulsion and protect your shoulders. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2950-brad-on-shoulder-extension> :18 - over-extension :20 - pull it back to connect the lats more :29 - extending forward and UP :37 - initial push is DOWN :49 - getting to EVF as quickly as possible :55 - over-extension harder to get into the immediate catch 1:08 - extended pull up starting position 1:12 - easier pull up position Tuesday Glenn:  Engage the Lats As Glenn swims freestyle and breaststroke in the Endless Pool, watch for him to engage the lats and make them “pop” on every stroke. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3099-engage-the-lats>  scrub through and talk about lat focus Mirrors build a higher awareness :26 - eyes down breaststroke - achieve the feeling Wednesday Kim Vandenberg: Head On Underwater Free When can you first pick out the lats as Olympian Kim Vandenberg swims toward the camera?  They’re visible at all three camera speeds, but when can you first pick out the “pop?” <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1642-freestyle-head-on-underwater>  :09 - longer extension than Brad (not a 50 swimmer) :11 - pivot the forearm :15 - lat engagement on the left side :17.6 - pivot the forearm and engage the lat :22 - extension with right arm :24 - maintain lat engagement Thursday Dryland:  EVF Isometric Exercise We love this simple dryland exercise for isolating and strengthening the lats, the powerhouse of the pull. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1409-dryland-evf-isometric-exercise>  :04 - best model for visuals :09 - elbows up, pushing palms into the floor :26 - imagine this position with a rotated body catching the water :41 - practice symmetry :59 - anyone can do it 1:28 - go back and forth from Kara in pool to me on floor Friday Go Swim Dryland Cord Training: Single-Arm Early Vertical Forearm (EVF) Stretch cords can help you identify, isolate, awaken, and strengthen the muscles that should be used to apply power during the catch and early part of the pull. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2777-single-arm-early-vertical-forearm-evf>  :13 - stabilize all movement except the forearm :22 - higher elbow :23 - forearm to 90° :26 - isolate and stabilize - no additional movement :44 - mimic the catch position Saturday Better Freestyle: EVF Dog Paddle This drill, especially when done with a snorkel, helps swimmers “find” and engage the lats. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3020-evf-dog-paddle>  :08 - forearm pivot :09 - full arm press :10 - isolate and stabilize the upper arm while the forearm goes for the catch :13 - get the elbow on top of the arm :19 - see the lat engagement :32 - arm may be a bit too low :36 - keep the elbows near the surface Sunday Better Freestyle:  Single-Arm Free with Buoy Isolating one arm allows you to focus on the lats and how to engage them for a better catch and pull.  Don’t rush this one! <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3021-single-arm-free-with-buoy>  :05 - isolate the upper arm :06 - pivot the forearm into the catch :10 - keep the elbow high :15 - push back with the elbow <https://youtu.be/Un_Dz_dfmjM?si=145IU11_CGz62_fd&t=210> Max Litchfield Matt Richards James Guy Bonus Freestyle Drill:  Power Elbow This simple drill gets the message across:  The dramatic increase in power when you pull from the inner elbow and through the lats. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/993-freestyle-power-elbow> Giles Smith:  Towel Inverted Rows Isometrics and Reps Here’s how to use the simplest of equipment (a swim towel) to strengthen the lats. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2863-towel-inverted-rows-iso-reps> Brad Tandy: Finger Drop Catch Drill Finding and engaging the lats requires slow, deliberate practice.  In a regular pool, try this with snorkel and pull buoy. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2944-finger-drop-catch-drill>

Jan. 9, 2024 - Send it Forward Zoom

Jan. 9, 2024 - Send it Forward Zoom

Jan 9, 2024 - Send it Forward Zoom Theme of the Week Send It Forward “Send it forward” is a concept we learned from breaststroker Dave Denniston, but it’s a focus point that applies to all four strokes, and should be part of your technique mindset as we launch into a new year of swimming. Monday Dave Denniston: Send It Forward Davo, the maestro, shows us what sending it forward looks like in breaststroke. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/590-send-it-forward>  :04 - completely under in a great line :05 - trying to hide from resistance :08 - line :11 - direction of the hands :18 - horizontal body :20 - toe point :24 - through the hole :41 - hiding the legs :48 - wrong way :58 - aiming down 1:03 - aiming down 1:10 - direction of the hands if forward 1:12 - at the highest point of the stroke - where will you land? 1:22 - aim shallow 1:40 - picking up the pace - shallow 2:16 - very much eyes down breaststroke - forward 2:37 - head pushes slightly lower than arms Tuesday Kelsi (Worrell) Dahlia: Butterfly – Full Body Sending it forward in butterfly means maintaining a stable head/neck alignment and moving that area forward at all times.  It also means landing the hands forward rather than down. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2322-butterfly-full-body>  :06 - head articulation on first stroke very little :09 - no breath first stroke but look at the height of the eyes :11 - head in same position as breakout :13 - how much is out of the water? :15 - how deep is the head compared to the chest :15 - none breathing stroke head stays still :19 - going to air slight articulation :23 - deepest point of the chin :27 - deepest point of the chin :34 - breakout - FORWARD :38 - breath forward :46 - just over the surface - forward :50 - maximum knee bend :59 - going to air - forward not up 1:02 - how much is out of the water? 1:14 - maximum angle of entire body Wednesday “In competition, you can’t waste time and energy going up and down…or side to side.  You have to send everything forward.” – Jeff Rouse, three-time Olympic champion <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/637-send-it-forward-backward>  :00 - stability and forward movement :16 - very traditional big rotation stroke :17 - perpendicular pull :17.5 - very deep finish with sculling upsweep :25 - head stability and moving forward :46 - fast - stable head :51 - slower - stable head 1:04 - precision recovery 1:14 - NO side-to-side movement 1:15 - tight recovery 1:16 - tight entry 1:19 - hyperextension of the elbow 1:45 - constant kick 2:06 - hand slicing to the grab 2:09 - hand slicking to the grab 2:35 - pull pattern 2:56 - bent elbow Thursday David Curtiss:  04- DC Talks Body Rotation To get the feeling of sending it forward, US national teamer David Curtiss uses images like slippery, flow, symmetry, and being like a bullet fired under water. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3491-04-dc-talks-body-rotation>  :54 - look at the line :57 - line 1:08 - learn to maximize balance on your side 1:11 - sprinter focusing on line using 2-beat kick 1:13 - 2-beat kick 2:56 - low profile - long bodyline - steady kick 3:03 - life F1 - can be no additional drag 7:10 - NARROW 7:44 - NARROW Friday Scott Tucker:  Extend It Forward Olympic sprinter Scott Tucker appears to flow, rather than pull, himself forward.  By extending forward on every armstroke and by getting his shoulders and armpits to clear the water, he achieves the narrowest possible bodyline. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/682-extend-it-forward>  :00 - stable head forward motion :14 - hand switches from leverage to connection :15 - high elbow catch :15.5 - internally rotated wrist to lift elbow :21 - connected arm :21.6 - watch the orientation of the fingers… NEVER up :23 - how much power goes into the set up of the catch? :27 - about to hold water with the arm :33 - forward takes low balanced breathing :39.53 - mouth :46 - head bow wave :47 - breath :50 - nearly his whole body out of the water :53 - body out during breathing :57 - Zoom in on legs 1:08 - stable head 1:20 - learn to swim relaxed 1:36 - experiment with head position low 1:49 - experiment with head position high 2:10 - find what work for you with your coach Saturday Fran Crippen:  Stay Long, Smooth, and Efficient Watching Fran Crippen swim freestyle, you get the impression he’s not so much pulling as simply getting out of his own way and letting his arms fly through the water. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/129-freestyle-technique>  :11 - line :13 - balance :18 - alignment - direction :19 - slight angle because of angle :23 - using the line to help determine the stroke :27 - stable head :28 - line during breathing :31 - line during possible sighting :36 - over rotation of head for breath :36 - early head turn back :43 - where are you going? Forward :52 - great leverage point :53.9 - great leverage point for the weight-shift :56.88 - swim with your lats :58.33 - swim with your lats 1:29 - stay narrow to draft 1:52 - oversize paddles - requires a straight arm path 2:05 - straight arm path = forward Sunday Brad Tandy The shape that you present to the water makes a huge difference in how efficiently you can send your energy forward.  Brad Tandy demo’s this with a simple kick drill in the Endless Pool. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2941-rotate-to-extension>  :07 - prone balance :10.8 - rotation :12 - extension :18 - prone balance :20 - rotation and extension :21 - moving forward by changing shape Bonus: Bruno Fratus: Hands Bruno’s fingertips are always driving forward, giving the impression that he’s FLYING through the extension forward. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2376-freestyle-hands> Amanda Beard:  Send It Forward “Everything that I do with my stroke is designed to help me reduce drag and move forward…to get to the other end of the pool.”  -- Amanda Beard <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/529-send-it-forward> Misty Hyman:  Send It Forward “Sometimes we get so caught up in pulling hard and kicking fast that we forget which way we’re supposed to go when we swim.  It’s FORWARD.”  -- Misty Hyman <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/521-send-it-forward> Teaching Phrases: Send It Forward:  Phrases to use with your swimmers Breast ·      Horizontal body line ·      Find a clean line ·      Get out of your own way ·      Balanced body line ·      Swim in a cylinder ·      Create a hole that you want to go through ·      Think about what path you’re making through the water ·      Pierce a hole through the water ·      Aim forward and shallow with the hands ·      Finish the LINE before starting the next stroke ·      Focus on cleaning up EVERYthing Fly ·      Send your energy forward, not up and down ·      Get into the line and ride it ·      Keep head/neck alignment stable ·      Think forward, forward, forward Back ·      Minimize the work it takes to get to the other end ·      Keep all parts of your body in a narrow, straight line ·      Everything needs to press in the right direction ·      No side-to-side motion ·      Maintain a constant, steady kick to keep driving you forward ·      Get into an immediate catch Free ·      Cut through the water ·      Create a clean body line ·      Relax, flow, feel the water ·      Search your way into a balanced position ·      Focus on moving FORWARD rather than on pulling ·      Don’t disrupt the water ·      Become as small as possible when you try to move forward ·      Don’t mess up your balance when you breathe ·      Learn to swim relaxed ·      Aim for constant forward motion – no starts and stops ·      Learn to SHAPE your body.  Experiment while flat, on the side, on the back, etc. ·      THINK about moving forward ·      Simplify and apply Chat: 12:11:06 From William park ChPC To Glenn Mills(privately) : Sorry I have to go but your teaching n keeping all of us updated is a gift. We are all so fortunate to have GoSwim. So Go Blue 12:15:18 From Melinda Wolff : Beautiful stroke! It takes a lot of shoulder flexibility, which we Masters are lacking ... although I think we all can improve our flexibility by focusing on that via dryland exercises. 12:18:53 From Melinda Wolff : I like seeing it in slow mo. You can see that he keeps his arms ahead of his body vs. getting his upper arms "stuck" on his sides. 12:25:19 From Monty Krieger : fly: side breath vs straight ahead breath? 12:28:27 From Melinda Wolff To Glenn Mills(privately) : OMG - I didn't know about Rich Thornton! So sad ... 12:33:32 From Melinda Wolff : what makes this BA "old school?" the end of the stroke? 12:37:10 From Cindy Dyer : As masters, my coaches tell us to enter at 11 and 1? Is this the newer concept? 12:37:12 From Paul Howard : On item we focus on is the placement of the little finger in first not the back of the hand which he does well. 12:38:39 From Monty Krieger To Glenn Mills(privately) : why does he wait so long to move into the slice into the water hand? 12:39:26 From Ruth cheung : Can i watch this on YouTube , I have work meeting or else I would finish this. I love it ! 12:39:31 From Monty Krieger To Glenn Mills(privately) : as you get older, more body fat helps you stay high in the water!!! (HaHa) 12:40:50 From Beth Baker : Is depth of catch what creates rotation? 12:42:57 From Beth Baker : So the shoulder lift is purposeful? 12:52:16 From Dan Jimar : very little 12:53:46 From Beth Baker To Glenn Mills(privately) : Would there be that much “front quadrant” in a sprint? (Scott T) 12:56:01 From O Thomas Johnson : Whats impressive is how small his bow wave is, and how narrow it stays 12:56:46 From O Thomas Johnson : That wave not only goes out but goes down as well 12:58:00 From Melinda Wolff To Glenn Mills(privately) : was that Fran Crippen? 12:59:43 From Dan Jimar To Glenn Mills(privately) : railroad track drill, go right over the line of the bottom of the pool 12:59:48 From Stacy Sweetser : Love to see a great lat flare! Impressive 13:02:13 From Dan Jimar To Glenn Mills(privately) : will the bonus videos be the notes on the web page? 13:03:22 From Glenn Mills : Reacted to "Love to see a great ..." with ❤️ 13:03:24 From Beth Baker To Glenn Mills(privately) : OMG LOVED this session. One of your best. So comprehensive. THANK YOU!! 13:03:25 From Cindy Dyer : Do you have a drill for engaging lats? I don’t think I have any! 13:06:35 From Barbara Hummel : Hi Cindy. We have a few. I like this as a possible theme of the week and will put it in the cue! 13:06:53 From Beth Baker : Reacted to "Hi Cindy. We have a..." with ❤️ 13:08:02 From Berrin Yavuzer : Reacted to "Hi Cindy. We have a…" with ❤️ 13:08:32 From Berrin Yavuzer : I would like to know too Barbara 🙂 13:09:00 From Stacy Sweetser : Thank you! Always educational and inspriational sessions. 13:09:36 From Monty Krieger : Is there any way to allow us to sign in for all sessions at one time? 13:09:39 From Kirsten Hinds : Thank you! 13:09:40 From Lesley Dusevic : Many thanks! 13:09:40 From Piotr Pohorecki : Thank you! 13:09:51 From Kathy Eaton : Thanks…great one today!

Jan. 02, 2024 - Forward Starts - Clean Entry

Jan. 02, 2024 - Forward Starts - Clean Entry

Forward Starts – How to Get a Clean Entry with the Hands and Torso With help from Olympians and some great teams throughout the USA, we look at how to use the ARMS for a powerful forward start and clean entry. Monday Start Drill: Forward Dive Sequence Step 2 A clean entry starts with the basics:  thumb lock and head lock.  Practice in shallow water till you get it! <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1751-starts-forward-dive-sequence-step-2>  :03 - quick demo :18 - what we’re trying to avoid :23 - how to do it :) :28 - water should be shallow enough to jump, but not too shallow to hit :37 - start getting the hands together :38 - lock the head between the arms and see the noodle :39 - don’t worry too much about the hips :41 - the feet should follow :48 - what we’re trying to build the feeling of - single hole 1:02 - hand lock 1:19 - hand lock float 1:38 - walking out just far enough and positioning the noodle 1:48 - jumping over the noodle 2:02 - jumping over the noddle 2:18 - land in streamline and glide forward Tuesday Start Drill: St. Andrews Starts One of the best drills we know for helping swimmers HOLD STREAMLINE as they enter the water. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2050-starts-st-andrews-starts>  :05 - short demo :13 - what we’re trying to achieve :20 - athletic move :28 - flat back :29 - fall with slight push :30 - clean entry :32 - very smooth and clean - keep it simple :39 - add a dynamic movement :41 - same entry :47 - same entry - don’t overdo things :50 - take the feeling to the blocks :51 - same entry :51 - single splash :52 - round hole :59 - review - flat back 1:07 - review - dynamic flat back 1:10 - clean entry Wednesday Start Drill: Eagle Glide This simple drill teaches how to maintain a solid body line as you enter the water. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2057-starts-eagle-glide>  :04 - what we’re after :13 - recognize the position? :17 - solid streamline and body position :24 - the entire body reaches the surface at the same time :26 - streamline :29 - bent streamline :31 - clean line on entry :32 - 2-splash entry :33 - look how far and fast he travels :38 - maintain core stability :44 - carrying the momentum too deep :47 - cut off the angle a bit with the feet 1:00 - same start and entry 1:02 - maintain the glide 1:03 - initiate the dolphins 1:06 - back to glide - core 1:10 - put it together Thursday Andi Murez: Starts – Flatten Your Back Israeli Olympian Andi Murez uses her arms to help propel her from the blocks – and into a clean entry. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2093-starts-flatten-your-back>  :05 - watch the back :09 - what we’re after :15 - typical back position :24 - flatten the back :27 - more direct line :30 - action during takeoff :42 - rounded to flat :54 - again - rounded to flat 1:03 - watch the head trajectory 1:04 - driving the head until the arms start the streamline 1:05 - body becomes like a javilin 1:11 - rounded to flat 1:21 - watch the travel after she hits the water Friday Jessica Hardy: Super Slow Starts – Reference Video Jessica Hardy demos amazing mastery of a clean hand entry on her starts. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1302-super-slow-starts-reference-video>  :03 - not as much compression of the spine :05 - watch the trajectory of the head :08 - body parallel to the surface as the head starts down :11 - look at that entry! :12 - but we see the body losing a bit of velocity :13 - absolutely beautiful toe point :15.97 - splash one :16.52 - splash two :28 - we do less pike today than when Jess was swimming :49.18 - splash :50.09 - splash :55 - clean entry Saturday Joao de Lucca: Start – First Move Joao uses his arms to propel from the blocks, and has a distinctive way of bringing the arms forward and into streamline for the entry. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2041-start-first-move>  :10 - using handles :12 - watch the block on first move :13.63 - the spray :18 - back compression :22 - watch the block :34 - watch the block :34 - body parallel to the surface :35 - one splash :42 - head comes UP to the line of the body :42.5 - the arms :44.4 - round hole Sunday Joao de Lucca: Start – Entry This is what we mean by entering through one hole in the water. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2052-start-entry>  :02 - the head lift does NOT cause the body to go UP :03 - good line :03 - the feet following through :08 - pike but :10 - the feet get drawn into the hole :18 - watch the surface :23 - clean through the surface Bonus Start Drill: Starts – Avoiding Bubbles <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1463-starts-avoiding-bubbles> Martin Liivamagi: Start Above Water Martin Liivamagi uses his arms to propel from the blocks, and has a distinctive way of bringing the arms into streamline for the entry. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1787-martin-liivamagi-start-above-water>

Sep. 7, 2021 - Teaching Progressions

Sep. 7, 2021 - Teaching Progressions

Teaching Progressions So many progressions: https://www.goswim.tv/courses/125-open-turn-teaching-variation https://www.goswim.tv/courses/123-building-a-narrow-breaststroke-kick https://www.goswim.tv/courses/47-open-turn-sequence https://www.goswim.tv/courses/107-core-stability-separation-drill https://www.goswim.tv/courses/212-breathing-in-the-water https://www.goswim.tv/courses/159-strapless-breaststroke-progression https://www.goswim.tv/courses/105-building-a-balanced-breath https://www.goswim.tv/courses/104-building-stability https://www.goswim.tv/courses/36-freestyle-basics Monday - Haufler Progressions https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/419-what-to-teach-first-the-progressions :18 - body position :23 - Kick :27 - arm action :32 - timing :38 - breathing :54 - demo and explain Physically assist Swimmer tries Feedback and correction Repeat the skill Tuesday - Build the Stroke https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1980-freestyle-building-the-stroke Using snorkel to maintain the best line :26 - Underwater video From start - Ball to line Line to kick Kick to scull Deeper scull :53 fingertip drag 1:17 - Stun gun Wednesday - Kick Sticks https://www.goswim.tv/courses/89-freestyle-teaching-basics-kickstick-progression Step 1 - Position 11 flutter https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2137-freestyle-teaching-basics-kicksticks-1 Step 2 - Single Arm with stick https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2138-freestyle-teaching-basics-kicksticks-2 Step 3 - Alternating arm - Our featured video https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2139-freestyle-teaching-basics-kicksticks-3 Step 4 - Extension https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2136-freestyle-teaching-basics-kicksticks-4 :35 and on… push the hand forward under the stick Step 5 - drop the stick https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2140-freestyle-teaching-basics-kicksticks-5 :29 - pause in position 11 as if they have the stick :40 - start to separate Thursday - Teaching Progression for Open Turns https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/756-teaching-progression-for-open-turns 1:19 - the approach 1:40 - the touch 2:31 - The tuck 3:30 - The elbow 4:15 - The roll 5:40 - The push Friday - Mid Pool Turns https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1374-turns-mid-pool-flips :27 - midpool flip :35 - continuous flips 1:02 - take it to the wall 1:06 - use momentum from the wall into speed Saturday - Forward Start Learning https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/929-forward-start-4-step-learning-progression :44 - the sit dive 1:18 - kneel and fall 2:15 - stand and fall 3:28 - fall from the blocks Sunday - St Andrews Starts https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2050-starts-st-andrews-starts :18 - Jump - athletic move :25 - bent over rigid line :35 - active line :49 - take it to the blocks 1:09 - underwater dolphins

Mirrors

Mirrors

If I had to choose just one teaching tool, it would be mirrors. They are the best thing ever -- better than any amount of underwater video analysis -- because they give instant visual feedback. With a mirror, swimmers see what you see, and can correct their mistakes instantly. Besides that, mirrors are fun, and they work for every level of swimmer... from six-and-under kids... ...to accomplished age-group swimmers... ...to Masters swimmers. Swim mirrors are very safe because they’re not made from glass. They’re made from aluminum or acrylic plastic, and they go on the bottom of the pool and are very durable. The mirrors that I use are eight feet long and four feet wide, and weigh about 25 pounds. You can position them anywhere on the bottom of the pool, and their weight keeps them in place. At our pool we have 9 mirrors. On some days, we put a mirror in each lane. On other days, we put six, seven, or eight mirrors in one lane and we go down and back looking at our strokes right over the mirror. The swimmers see their exact stroke and can make corrections as they swim. The cost of a mirror is just over 100 dollars, but its value as a teaching tool is priceless. A single mirror will transform your ability to teach, especially at the developmental level. We have them in place during all of our lessons. The kids get used to them really fast and love them. And the teachers love them because they get results. When teaching with mirrors, the most important thing to remember is that this is a tool for visual learning. As a teacher or coach, your job is to tell the swimmer what they should see as they pass over the mirror rather than what they should do or feel. Let’s see how this works for teaching streamline, and for teaching the four strokes. RESOURCES Swim Mirrors Check your local Yellow Pages for plastic stores and ask for clear acrylic mirrors. Or contact: Multi-Craft Plastics, Inc. 7298 SW Tech Center Drive Tigard, OR 97223-8046 USA Tel 503-352-0970 Toll Free: 800-488-9030 Contact: Jennifer Fogarty Ask for clear acrylic mirrors. www.multicraftplastics.com Finis 4647-B Las Positas Road Livermore, CA 94551 USA Tel: 925-454-0111 Toll Free: 925-454-0066 www.finisinc.com Clear acrylic mirrors are usually 8 feet X 4 feet and 1/8 inch thick (2440mm X 1220mm X 3mm). Don’t buy the thicker mirrors (1/4 inch or 6 mm). These are too heavy and too expensive. The plastic shop should be able to cut the mirrors to any size. The average price is about $150 US for the standard size (8 feet X 4 feet X 1/8 inch). For safety and to prolong the life of your clear acrylic mirror: 1. Apply 2 coats of Kilz2 water-base latex sealer/primer/stain blocker to the back side of the mirror. Wait a day, then... 2. Apply 1 coat of exterior-grade 100% acrylic semi-gloss house & trim paint. Wait a few days, then... Cover the corners of the mirror with duct tape. Your mirrors are ready to go into the pool. Painting the back of the mirror is not necessary if the bottom of your pool is smooth, but it will keep the coating on the back from getting scratched. Duct tape at the corners is always recommended. Heads, Hands, and Feet Store Supply Warehouse Toll Free: 800-823-8887 www.storesupply.com Does not ship outside USA/Canada. Ask for: Display Head 70121 Style: male suntan Approx. price: $8.95 Women’s Sandal Foot Form 72202 Approx. $5.19 Men’s Hand Form 70203 (left hand) or 70204 (right hand) Approx. $16.95 Swim Doll Check local art-supply stores or search online for artist manikins made from wood. Another option is a plastic doll called LIV Making Waves Jake, available online for about $13.

Dec. 12, 2023 - Zoom - Forward Dives and Exhale

Dec. 12, 2023 - Zoom - Forward Dives and Exhale

Dec. 12, 2023 - Zoom - Forward Dives and Freestyle Exhale Monday Steve Haufler Starts: Water Jumps Much can be taught by letting your swimmers simply jump in the water. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2110-water-jumps> From beginning - teaching balance and body awareness in the water If it’s fun, they’re learning without knowing Tuesday Steve Haufler Starts: In Water Low Over a Noodle Steve has an easy and fun way to give swimmers simply the feeling of a dive. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2111-in-water-low-over-a-noodle>  :01 - staying safe :08 - this avoids the smack :09 - build the instinct of what happens after the entry :15 - head down streamline entry - against instinct :16 - redirect :23 - 2nd swimmer feels productive even when not diving :25 - shallow water shallow entry shallow dive :31 - practice streamline dolphin or flutter Wednesday Steve Haufler Starts: Board Slide Fall What kid wouldn’t want to try this when learning a forward dive?  Safety first:  Steve uses deep water and a lower-than-normal starting platform. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2123-board-slide-fall-slippery-seal>  :06 - low rigid entry Durden pool back board and wrestling mat Higher ledge watch for the feet entry :11 - wet the board so it’s slippery :15 - keep the toes pointed and straight :26 - keep the feet clean Moved to deeper water for these Thursday Steve Haufler Starts: Track Start Fall Here’s Steve’s progression from a two-feet-forward dive to a track start, from the side of the pool. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2127-track-start-fall> :08 - start the process with the 2-feet forward start :25 - already a great start :35 - starting the fall :35 @.2x - hands in the water before the foot has left the wall Friday Steve Haufler Starts:  Graduated Block Height Having blocks of varying heights (12, 18, and 30 inches) can help divers slowly acclimate to greater heights during the learning stage. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2129-graduated-block-height>  :06 - moving from the side of the pool, to a short block :18 - great start :29 - more of a direct line down (stay in deep water) :37 - intermediate block :43 - great start and smooth entry :46 - more direct line but straighter entry :56 - standard block 1:11 - nice start a bit flatter entry -  1:19 - earlier entry for protection but can be a great start All Steve’s videos are from this course: <https://www.goswim.tv/courses/82-starts-steve-haufler-teaching-starts> Saturday Cullen Jones: Forward Start 4-Step Learning Progression We love Cullen’s progression -- from sit dives to falling into the water from the blocks – to teach the forward start. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/929-forward-start-4-step-learning-progression>  :40 - practice in deep water :54 - sitting on the deck in streamline 1:00 - leaning - falling forward 1:02 - hands and feet both touching the surface 1:13 - point the toes 1:18 - kneeling in streamline 1:26 - start the fall 1:29 - hands in water feet still on deck 1:31 - fall and let the legs follow 1:53 - aim the hands just a bit further 2:01 - aim further out Sunday Cullen Jones: Track Start Gold medalist Cullen Jones covers the basics of foot, hand, and body placement for the forward start. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/943-forward-start-track-start>  :50 - finding your dominant leg 1:08 - wrap your toes 1:15 - stay aligned 1:19 - stay aligned 1:41 - grabbing the blocks thumbs under 2:08 - stay relaxed 2:22 - Cullen leans back a bit 2:43 - Hands pull first Freestyle Breathing – the Exhale We’ve covered many aspects of how to go to air in freestyle.  This week we go under the surface to focus on how we let go of our air.  Turns out there’s lots to learn! Monday Better Freestyle: Relaxed Breathing Here’s where we’re headed when teaching swimmers how to exhale.  Keep it relaxed! <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3026-relaxed-breathing> Tuesday Steve Haufler Freestyle:  Freestyle 1 – Breathing Control and Rhythmic Breathing Steve, of course, has a step-by-step process for teaching swimmers how to exhale in the wawter. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1775-lesson-1-breath-control-and-rhythmic-breathing> Wednesday Breathing in the Water Glenn demo’s breathing out through the nose – the HUM. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3227-humming> swimmingexhale swimming swimmingtechnique  Thursday Breathing in the Water Glenn demo’s an exhale fine point:  SINGING. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3228-singing-in-the-water> Friday Steve Haufler Freestyle:  Freestyle Breathing To teach rhythmic breathing, Steve teaches Bubbles and Breathe. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/435-freestyle-breathing> Saturday Haufler Freestyle:  Drill 3: Position 11 Breathing Variations To integrate a constant, relaxed exhale with actual swimming, Steve Haufler uses Position-11 Freestyle.  Focus on the nose in this clip! <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1808-haufler-top-freestyle-drill-3-position-11-breathing-every-stroke-every-2-and-every-3> Sunday Ricky Berens:  Breathing We are mesmerized by this closeup of Ricky Berens’s exhale. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1860-ricky-berens-breathing> Bonus: Dominik Meichtry: Blowing Bubbles Here’s something cool you can try once you master the exhale. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1408-blowing-bubbles> Robert Margalis: Free Head – UW- Side – Slow Motion <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/108-freestyle-head-underwater-slow-motion>