Attitude for swimming

BY M.S. BHUSHAN KUMAR / Senior Instructor, Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre

The relationship amongst the coach, swimmer and parent is like an equilateral triangle. Each has a stated and unstated responsibility and each has an expectation from the other.

To make this triangle a successful which taps the potential in each swimmer and brings out his or her best, it is necessary that some basic guidelines are followed

 

:: The Coach

Swim coaches are not only coaches, but also role models. They are not just observed, but also copied by their swimmers. It would not be an exaggeration to say that coaches spend a lot more quality time with their swimmers than the parents themselves. A coach's responsibility does not stop only at teaching strokes, drills and techniques but also includes motivating swimmers, self development, parent interaction and monitoring of each swimmer's performance along with evaluation. Another key responsibility of a good swim coach is planning a proper season workout based on the need and ability of the swimmer.

It is important for every coach to keep himself in touch with whatever he has learnt. This means that the coach actually uses his knowledge and experience in day to day practice, and ensures that feedback from every practice session goes back into his knowledge base so that every practice session is a learning process. It is also necessary for a coach to update himself with newer techniques and training variables, latest developments in the swimming world and ensure that the knowledge so gained is applied in regular practice. There are multiple forums for a coach to gain new knowledge - online communities, coaches' clinics locally and internationally, interaction with other coaches, reference material and books. Although these activities involve time and effort, it is a worthwhile investment - after all, no coach can rest on past glories in the area of highly competitive swimming.

Another necessary quality for a coach is the ability to communicate to swimmers - this will require the coach to be clear and concise in his instructions, and be good at non verbal communication- this includes body language and signals during training. A good coach first plans the workouts according to the need of the swimmer - this can vary depending on the talent and ability of the swimmer, physique and age. A coach has to record and monitor progress - without which no objective assessment is possible.

A coach is a professional - being watched constantly by swimmers, parents and fellow coaches. A coach's professionalism is eventually measured through his conduct and presentability at the poolside, through his discipline and communication, and finally, through his coaching.

:: The Swimmer

Other than talent and hard work, there are a few essential qualities a swimmer needs to have. These are commitment, discipline and motivation. It is also the coach who helps build these qualities in a swimmer. Considering that it is the coach who spends more time with the swimmer, it is the coach who helps build motivation through various methods - either through a simple pat on the back, an encouraging word, a positive talk, or even alternate methods like counseling.

:: The Parent

Parents play an important, behind the scenes role in a swimmers performance. Although it is the swimmer who swims and the coach who coaches, parental support is a key factor in swimmer discipline, commitment and motivation.

 

Finally, competitive swimming is all about positive attitude.

A coach needs to have the attitude to learn and change.

A swimmer needs to have the attitude to self motivate, respect coaches and fellow swimmers.

Parents need to have the attitude to take every result and every competition in their stride.