News For
SWIM PARENTS
Published by The
American Swimming Coaches Association
5101 NW 21 Ave.,
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After Your Child Swims the Event
By
Guy Edson
Long
Time Age Group Coach
What’s
the proper process immediately following the conclusion of the swimmer’s
event? In this article I am going to talk about the age group swimmer who
does not have the same immediate physical need to warm down as a senior swimmer
does.
Many
coaches want to be the first person to speak with the young swimmer immediately
after their event is swum. Why? First, the longer the time between
finishing the event and receiving constructive comments, the less the swimmer
is going to remember about the swim. Being lead away by
a loving and well meaning parent for treats or hugs or high fives from Grandpa,
lessen the opportunity for immediate feedback from the coach.
Secondly, the coach has critical commentary on the quality of the swim which is
vital for the learning process and needs to be the first person to review the
swim with the swimmer. If the swimmer hears either overflowing positives,
or in some cases, harsh criticism from the parents before he or she visits with
the coach it is very possible the swimmer is going to be receiving conflicting
messages.
After
an event I first ask my swimmers, "How did you like your swim?"
I want to hear their feelings first. In some situations, when a swimmer
displays excessive anger or crying after a swim I will ask them to warm down
first, or to sit quietly in private for a few moments before talking about the
swim. In these cases I am wanting them to learn
how to manage their feelings and I prefer they not visit with Mom or Dad
yet.
After
listening to them I proceed to analyze the swim in three basic areas. Was
it a best time? A best time is not the only issue but it is
important. I make a pretty big deal about best times and I want the
swimmers to recognize the importance of always trying for best times.
However, I also look at how they swam the race – was it technically correct
with proper pace and a good start, good turns, good
stroke mechanics and a good finish? Sometimes a best time is tempered by
the fact that the swim wasn’t really a “best swim.” I also look at the
race. "Winning the race" refers to beating whoever they are
close to in the heat. Sometimes it means winning the heat, sometimes it
means winning the event, sometimes it means out touching the swimmer in the
next lane for seventh place. The sport is a competitive sport and the
ability to race is important. If a swimmer is successful at one of the
three objectives I tell them they did a good job. If they are successful
at two of the three, that's a better job. If they are successful at all
three, then they did the best they are capable of at that point in time.
I avoid using words like “unbelievable” or “great” preferring to leave them
with a sense that they can always improve.
How
can the parent respond? First, if the child forgets to go directly to the
coach, please give them a quick hug and sent them straight to the coach.
Afterwards, I think the most important thing is to simply love your child and
provide emotional comfort. Congratulate them. Console them.
Ask them how they felt about their swim before you tell them anything.
Ask them what the coach said. But please, don’t add a technical critique,
leaving that for the coach.
There
is no doubt that a healthy parent-coach-athlete relationship is vital to the
long term success of the athlete. Stay in touch with the coach, support
him or her, and direct your children to the right places at the right times.