Quick Dip: How Can I Take More Responsibility for My Warm-Up?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Pre-Pool  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Taking responsibility means learning to get your warm-up underway and complete it carefully, with fewer reminders as you gain experience.

Arrive ready to take part. Allow time to change and complete your pre-pool routine before swimming starts. If you arrive late, you still need to warm up before getting in.

At Bluefins, the first swimmer on poolside can become the Warm-up Builder. With coach guidance, they choose the exercises and lay out the cards in stage order for the squad.

You can help by finding a clear, dry space and arranging the cards so everyone can follow the sequence. Leave enough room for each movement and keep walkways clear.

Use the instructions as well as the pictures. Read the movement cues and follow the repetitions or time given. If you are unsure how an exercise works, ask for a demonstration before starting.

As your group moves through the routine, pay attention to your own movements. Finish each exercise carefully, even if a teammate reaches the next card first. If a movement hurts, stop and tell your coach.

Younger swimmers will need more guidance. Through Development and County Development, you can increasingly help organise the routine and support teammates. By Age Group Performance, you are expected to arrive ready to complete your familiar warm-up independently.

Afterwards, help return the cards and equipment to their proper place.

Ask your coach: Can I be the Warm-up Builder at our next session?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team