Quick Dip: What Does Being a Good Teammate Look Like?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Team & Club  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

You may race by yourself, but nobody trains and competes completely on their own. The way you behave can help your whole lane and team.

In training, being a good teammate can include:

• arriving ready to begin

• listening when your coach is speaking

• following the lane order and leaving the gap your coach has asked for

• giving other swimmers enough space to finish their turns safely

• encouraging others without distracting them

• being patient when someone is learning or makes a mistake

• helping to look after shared equipment

At competitions, good teammates listen to Team Managers and coaches, keep the team area tidy and support other Bluefins swimmers. A kind word can make a big difference after someone has had a difficult race.

You do not have to be the fastest swimmer or the loudest supporter. You do not need to be best friends with everyone either. Being a good teammate is about showing respect, doing your part and helping other swimmers feel included.

It also means allowing teammates to concentrate. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is stay quiet, give someone space or let them prepare for their race in their own way.

These actions may seem small, but they help everyone train, race and enjoy swimming together.

Ask your coach: What is one thing I can do to help my lane train well?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team