Hi: I'm new to this forum, but it looks like a great place to get information.
I have an 8 year old girl who was in a VERY relaxed semi-competitive program for a couple of years with volunteer lifeguard coaches. This season she joined a competitive club - we thought this would be a good place for her to get her technique improved while she was still young.
Unfortunately, this club's junior coach has never swum competitively, has only coached one year, and has yet to finish her level 1 certification. None of those 3 is a killer, but together they scare me! Also, the coach seems very reluctant to discuss anything with parents, so we're feeling a little uneasy.
I'm not a pushy crazy parent, and I don't want to interfere with the coach. I do want to help my daughter's technique, however, especially her breastroke. She's clearly got some potential there, and I want to ensure things progress. She's swimming 3 times a week, 90mins each tme.
Any suggestions? Should I get a book (any recommended) and try to work with her myself a little (I'm an ex - very ex - competitive breastroker). Should I video her and seek out a coach who can comment? Should I just butt out, hope and pray? I can't pull her and go elsewhere (and I'm not sure I would, as she likes it there, and that's very important).
She also has a very rigid straightleg freestyle kick that causes her legs to tire very easily - combined with her high head position this complicates things for her freestyle. I want to work on that too, so any suggestions?
Any comments appreciated.
Parents
Former Member
Bip: I would like to interview as your child's coach. You and I seem to be on the same page. I was an All-American swimmer in college, I have an advanced degree and I am maticulous, organized etc... People like me expect to make $100K per year (I am only 29), but I am certain that won't be a problem because I am exactly what you are looking for.
The sad fact is, you are right to hope more from your coach, but unrealistic to expect it. So the only question is, should you offer up suggestions to the coach? I don't think that will help.
PS: In the long run it won't really matter anyhow. Your daughter either has it or she doesn't. When she gets older a great coach will be able to draw it out of her, I am sure of it. Good luck!
Bip: I would like to interview as your child's coach. You and I seem to be on the same page. I was an All-American swimmer in college, I have an advanced degree and I am maticulous, organized etc... People like me expect to make $100K per year (I am only 29), but I am certain that won't be a problem because I am exactly what you are looking for.
The sad fact is, you are right to hope more from your coach, but unrealistic to expect it. So the only question is, should you offer up suggestions to the coach? I don't think that will help.
PS: In the long run it won't really matter anyhow. Your daughter either has it or she doesn't. When she gets older a great coach will be able to draw it out of her, I am sure of it. Good luck!
