Quick Dip: Why Is Arriving on Time Important?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Habits | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Arriving on time gives you space to complete your pre-pool warm-up, organise your equipment and hear the session instructions. You can begin with everyone else, knowing what you are working on.

Plan around when you need to be ready on poolside. Walking into the building at that time still leaves changing and preparation to do.

At Bluefins, arrive swim-ready at your squad’s agreed arrival time, with enough time to complete pre-pool before the swimming session begins.

Pre-pool helps you warm up and prepare your movements for swimming. Rushing through the exercises to catch up leaves less time to perform them properly.

The opening instructions matter too. A set might look familiar but have a different purpose today. You could be working on your pacing, a particular part of your stroke or how you leave each wall. Hearing that explanation helps you practise the right thing from your first length.

You can help before leaving home. Have your bag packed and be ready at the agreed departure time. Your parent or carer may organise the journey, but these are jobs you can take on.

Sometimes delays are unavoidable. If you arrive late, check in with your coach before entering the water so you know how to join the session.

Try this: Work backwards from your poolside arrival time, allowing for changing, travelling and leaving home.

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team