The Programs

The Mallards Swim Team program is based on the belief that Age Group swimming offers an exciting and valuable experience in a young person's life. Competitive swimming skills can be learned by all, natural ability not withstanding. The value of the training however, goes far beyond that of learning efficiency in the water. In a well-developed program every participant benefits, whether or not they ever win a race. Competitive swimming stresses two factors, physical conditioning and mental discipline. Mastering these factors is not only essential in this sport, but also is required in preparation for life. Considerable time will be required to become truly competitive, and a sportsman like approach is essential in clearing the hurdles swimmers encounter. Immediate benefits however, will be realized in areas such as health, organization of personal time and improvement in performance at school. The Mallards Swim Team Program Objectives are to provide our swimmers with the opportunity to:

  • Develop socially and emotionally.<
  • Experience a wholesome, worthwhile, physical, recreational outlet.
  • Learn sportsmanship and to become aware of team co-operation and pride.
  • Learn good health habits.
  • Train and compete at a level consistent with their ability, desires and performance.
  • Gain self-esteem and worth by making a commitment to the sport.
  • Learn a sport that can be enjoyed throughout ones entire life.

Scope of Training

The specific development of children requires a different concept from that used with adults. The Mallards Swim Team program follows a long-term training plan, which is based on these different needs, and covers approximately a six-eight year span.

The training content and structure is systematically changed and the training quality increased throughout this period. The training offered by Mallards Swim Team covers the spectrum of competitive swimming skills from Novice to the National level.

At lower levels, emphasis is on learning the four basic strokes to perfection, as well as integrating start and turn techniques as swimming skills increase. Progression to the next higher level results in an increased amount of time spent in the water, an increased demand on physical activity and, most important, an increasingly disciplined life style. At the highest level, this can mean 20 plus hours of swimming per week coupled with dry land training. Even under such an intensive program, not all athletes will have the physiological or psychological capabilities to become world-class champions. However, it is possible and expected that a great number of our swimmers will become good team swimmers who will represent our Team at regional, provincial and national meets.

Achieving high results in competition is closely linked to a person's physical and mental conditioning. This is found in the individual who, besides being in perfect physical health, has developed high motivational qualities, acquired excellent skills, and has developed the ability to cope with highly stressful and demanding situations in training, and especially in competition.

Coaching Philosophies

My solid experience and knowledge allow me to formulate the main concepts of coaching philosophy:

  • I firmly believe in the harmony develop of swimmers; both swimming and school achievements are significant important in the future career of athletes.
  • I tailor my programs to the level of the athlete I’m working with and to the level of meets my athletes will face.
  • I am adept at changing both approach and style to fit the situation.
  • I seek first to understand, by listening swimmers, then to be understood; Communication must be modified to fit the age group of the audience.
  • I differentiate training according to the level of athletes.
  • The novice coach must be able to attract young kids to swimming and to maintain their interest in the sport.
  • At high levels of competition coach must employ at one-to-one approach with each athlete.
  • I refine my own technical skills by keeping abreast of the latest developments in both stroke mechanics and training methods.
  • I believe that good technique is essential; however, I also believe that fitness and technique are closely related. As fitness increases, the swimmers' ability to sustain good technique will also increase.
  • I am positive that medley work is essential in the development of young swimmers.
  • I believe that screening, stretching and strengthening programs are part of the total program. Shoulder problems and other injuries which may develop are carefully monitored.
  • I rely, that the two most important factors which produce the best results are fitness and "mental toughness”.
  • I’m certain that it is necessary to dedicate a great deal of attention to learning the art of winning during the training process. This occurs before workouts, during workouts in the water, throughout land conditioning exercises, and all facets of daily routines.