By Wayne Goldsmith
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I often get asked “I am just starting out in swimming coaching. What are the most important things I need to do to be successful?”
* Master the technology! Technology is rapidly becoming one of the most dominant elements in swimming coaching. Learn as much as possible - and as quickly as possible about video, performance analysis, Ai and social media - because….the kids you coach are already masters of technology and they have an expectation that you can and will provide them with coaching that is tech-rich!
* Don’t get overawed by sports science, periodization, workout design etc. That stuff is easy to find online. You can generate brilliant workouts on Ai. You can go to YouTube and watch free videos from some of the world’s best coaches and swimming scientists talking about their craft. Don’t get sucked into the rabbit hole by being overly focused on the science of swimming and the vagaries of workout design. For the most part, all you need is available free - anytime - online.
* MASTER THE ART OF COACHING!! This sport - now - more than ever is about relationships. About connection. About engaging with kids. About inspiring the hearts and minds of swimmers. Your ability to coach has never been more important.
* Create a learning environment - a commitment to continuous improvement - around you. We expect swimmers to learn, grow and improve every day. We have to expect the same from ourselves. Everyday, at the end of your coaching session ask yourself three simple but powerful questions:
* Did I coach at my best today? We want each swimmer to give us the best they can on any given day. We need to demand the same standards of ourselves.
* Did I make a difference today? Did I connect with, engage with an inspire just one swimmer - did I touch just one heart today?
* What did I learn today - from my swimmers and from my own coaching that will make me a better coach tomorrow?
They’re my four things for beginning swimming coaches to focus on.
What’s yours?
Wayne
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