Kingfisher Coaching Hub
This is your space to share, collaborate, and inspire! At Kingfisher Swimming Club, we believe in the power of collective knowledge. Whether you’re an experienced coach or just starting your journey, this page is dedicated to helping you contribute ideas, exchange strategies, and elevate the coaching experience for everyone.
What should Performance Feedback for a Young Swimmer look like?
Suggested Key Areas and examples.
1. Positive Acknowledgment:
“First, I want to say how impressed I am with your commitment and effort in training. You show up ready to work hard, and that kind of dedication is what separates good swimmers from great ones. Your strokes are looking smoother, and I can see the progress you’ve made in your endurance and speed.”
2. Specific Strengths:
Technique: “Your freestyle arm recovery has improved significantly; it’s much more fluid and efficient now.”
Starts and Turns: “Your dive starts are strong and give you a solid advantage off the block. I’m also noticing quicker turns, which help you maintain momentum.”
Work Ethic: “You consistently push yourself, especially during challenging sets, and that shows your determination to grow.”
3. Areas for Improvement:
Breathing Technique: “One area to focus on is your breathing rhythm during freestyle. Try to keep it consistent so you don’t lose speed between strokes.”Kicking: “Your kick can be stronger. Engaging your core more while kicking will give you extra propulsion.”
Race Strategy: “In races, pacing yourself better in the first half will help you maintain energy for a stronger finish.”
4. Action Plan:
“During practice, let’s incorporate some drills to work on breathing technique, like one-arm freestyle or bilateral breathing drills.”
“We’ll add a few kick-focused sets to strengthen your legs, and I’ll guide you on using a kickboard to practice proper form.”
“We’ll also simulate race scenarios to help you work on pacing and finishing strong.”
5. Encouragement:
“I believe in your potential, and I’m excited to see where your hard work takes you. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward becoming a stronger, faster swimmer. Keep pushing yourself, stay focused, and remember that I’m here to support you every stroke of the way!”
What are the considerations behind moving a swimmers coaching lane?
1. Skill Level and Technique
Stroke Proficiency: The swimmer’s mastery of all strokes, starts, turns, and finishes.
Consistency: The swimmer’s ability to maintain proper technique throughout a set or practice.
Stroke Efficiency: Whether the swimmer can swim efficiently at higher speeds.
2. Speed and Endurance
Pace Times: The swimmer’s ability to meet or exceed the pace times of the next lane.
Endurance: Whether the swimmer can handle the increased volume and intensity of training in the higher lane.
3. Age and Physical Development
Maturity: A swimmer’s age and stage of physical development may play a role, especially in age-group swimming.
Strength: The swimmer’s physical readiness to handle tougher training.
4. Training Attitude and Work Ethic
Commitment: The swimmer’s consistency in attendance and willingness to work hard.
Coachability: How well the swimmer responds to feedback and instructions.
Focus: Ability to stay engaged and disciplined during practice.
5. Performance in Competitions
Racing Results: Meet times and how they compare to lane expectations.
Improvement: Demonstrated progress over time in competitions.
6. Lane Dynamics
Lane Spacing: The number of swimmers already in the target lane and the need to maintain manageable group sizes.
Compatibility: The swimmer’s ability to train alongside others in the lane without disrupting the flow of practice.
7. Goals and Development Needs
Individual Goals: Alignment with the swimmer’s short-term and long-term goals.
Development Needs: Whether the current lane provides adequate challenge or if the swimmer is stagnating and needs more competition.
8. Coach’s Observation and Intuition
Coaches often rely on their experience and intuition to assess when a swimmer is ready for a move. They observe overall behavior, performance trends, and potential for growth.
Common Indicators of Readiness to Move Up:
Consistently leading their current lane or lapping others.
Hitting or surpassing practice set intervals of the higher lane.
Outperforming others in their lane during meets.
Communication with Swimmers and Parents
Before making a lane move, coaches may discuss the reasons for the change with the swimmer and, if appropriate, their parents. This ensures alignment and clarity on the expectations moving forward.