RECOMMENDATIONS 26-27

 

That time of the year again, where we as coaches need to make recommendations for swimmers next year.  Before I even start let me say that these are only recommendations based on our professional opinion and while you may disagree it is our opinion.   If you disagree let's have that conversation but not through an e-mail.  Contact me and we can meet at any time at Mason and talk through the recommendation.

I'm just going to say this, just because a swimmer thinks they should move up doesn't mean it oughta happen at he end of the year.  There are many factors that are involved and it's not all about speed.  Meet times are important but there are other factors in the process for age group swimming, and let's be clear on this point, Age Group Swimming is 14 and under (14 and under Championships).

Here are some factors that I look at for each swimmer in the Junior Gold and Senior Prep Groups.  These are designed for our top competitive groups for ages 9-14 (15).

ATTENDANCE:  Is the swimmer being consistent with being at practice.  Is the swimmer both physically and mentally at practice or are they just taking up space and causing a distraction within the group.  Other events and things come up which is understandable but when they miss just because they don't want to be there is not acceptable.  

SOLID FOUNDATION:  Are the swimmers strokes and technique sound and if not, do they at least have a clear understanding of where we are trying to get to.  Are they able to follow instructions for drills, sets and intervals.  Are they able to read and understand the pace clock.  

POSITIVE ATTITUDE:  Do the swimmers exhibit a positive behavior within the current group or do they have a negative impact on the environment causing disruptions in the current group.  Does the swimmer resists instruction or do they listen and attempt to correct it in practice.  

OWNERSHIP:  Does the swimmer accept responsibility and ownership for their swimming or are they aways making excuses for everything.  I'm sorry but making excuses is a way for them to shift the blame and allows them a way out.  Just own it and say I'll do better next time out.    It belongs to them and them alone.  

COMPATIBILITY:  Will the swimmer be able to compete a little with the other swimmers in their new group both physically and socially or will they require specialised training and attention from the rest of the group.

In summary I have seen swimmers move up before they are ready or into a group that required more intense training and accountability which resulted in them leaving the sport which is the biggest shame of all.

My goal is to help the swimmer reach their goals be it summer league, championship cuts, high school swimming and maybe beyond if that is their goal.  It's a sport that is lifetime and can be a stepping stone to other things such as triathlons, biathlons and master swimming which are a great social event post college.

Trust the process, it really will work if it's not rushed.