Quick Dip: Why Should I Listen When My Coach Is Speaking?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Habits | Read time: Under 2 minutes

“Six 50s front crawl” tells you the distance and stroke. It does not tell you everything about the set. You also need to know the pace, when to start each swim and what to practise.

For example, your coach might ask you to build speed through each 50m. That means starting under control and gradually swimming faster. Sprinting from the first stroke would miss the purpose, even if you completed the right distance.

Give yourself and your teammates a chance to hear. Pause your conversation and keep your head above water while the coach explains. Watch any demonstration as well as listening to the words.

Before leaving the wall, check that you know what you are doing. You can briefly repeat the key instructions to yourself: “Six 50s, front crawl, build each one,” followed by the timing your coach gave you.

Ask about the part you missed. “Do we get 20 seconds’ rest after each 50?” gives your coach something specific to clarify. If you missed the whole explanation, say so.

Pools are noisy. If you cannot hear clearly, tell your coach so they can repeat or show you the instruction.

When your coach gives you a correction, use it on the next swim. Copying the swimmer ahead will not remind you of the particular change your coach asked you to make.

Ask your coach: Could you show me what you mean?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team