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One
of the most powerful positive or negative factors on a swim team is
the conversation that goes on among “lane-mates” in
between repeats.
Typically, there are two types of conversations
going on. One is highly destructive, one is highly
motivating. Motivating is the lane talk that focuses on the
task to be done. Destructive is the talk that divides, that
confuses the purpose of the work that makes people feel
badly.
What is destructive? Conversation that
goes like the following:
♦ “Man, It’s cold, isn’t it?”
(What is, IS, deal with it)
♦ “This is too hard, let’s take it
easy.” (Well, that’s one choice, but not one
that will make you a better swimmer.)
♦ “Why are you going so fast? Who are you
trying to impress?” (Maybe not trying to impress
anyone…just knowing that going fast makes you
better.)
♦ “Can’t
you keep up? Get out of my way!” (Maybe two choices
would be better--“Come on, you can do this, keep working
hard” or if impossible, “I do not want to kick you, can
you move closer to the lane line when I go
by? Thanks!”)
Motivating Talk is:
♦ “Wow, let’s go, we can do
this!”
♦ “I’ll lead early, then anyone who
feels great can take over later.”
♦ “Marty, you can do this…stay with
us!” (Encourage those at the back of the
lane.)
♦
“Just do ‘em one swim at a time, guys! Make each
one!”
♦
“One more, come on, we can do it!”
The
point is: if the talk is positive, everyone feels good,
everyone can contribute and everyone can help everyone else to be
successful. It’s the meaning of TEAM. If the talk
focuses on how difficult it is, or what is “wrong” or
what makes anyone feel “unwanted” in the lane,
it’s negative for everyone.
And
complaining about “hot/cold/wet” the water/air is,
isn’t going to make it any better. Better to just focus
on what can be controlled, YOUR OWN EFFORT.
GOOD LANE TALKS
MAKE FOR GOOD TEAMS. TRY IT.
Source: John Leonard, Executive
Director, American Swim Coaches Association
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