Hosting my first masters practices this week.... variety of skill levels. Hour long practices. Any tips for good first week practices?? (new to coaching masters, but have been swimming/coaching for 35 years)....
any and all advice welcomed!
Mahalo!
Engage, encourage and correct the swimmers. I see too many Masters coaches who throw a set out there (or on the board) and then don't interact with the swimmers. Really coach the swimmers: push them, point out stroke corrections, etc.
Get to know the swimmers individually and what they want out of a workout. Some will be there to train to compete, some for fitness, some for getting ready for triathlons, etc.
If feasible, adapt your workouts to these different "segments" of swimmers.
Show your personality -- in your mood, in your sets, in your encouragement.
And, my personal wish would be for more coaches to encourage more Masters swimmers to compete.
Longer term ... if/when you travel, try to drop in and workout with some of the great coaches in Masters swimming. If you're ever out west, PM me and I'll send some suggestions.
Engage, encourage and correct the swimmers. I see too many Masters coaches who throw a set out there (or on the board) and then don't interact with the swimmers. Really coach the swimmers: push them, point out stroke corrections, etc.
Get to know the swimmers individually and what they want out of a workout. Some will be there to train to compete, some for fitness, some for getting ready for triathlons, etc.
If feasible, adapt your workouts to these different "segments" of swimmers.
Show your personality -- in your mood, in your sets, in your encouragement.
And, my personal wish would be for more coaches to encourage more Masters swimmers to compete.
Longer term ... if/when you travel, try to drop in and workout with some of the great coaches in Masters swimming. If you're ever out west, PM me and I'll send some suggestions.
