With some recent talk about coaches, accomodating to swimmers, and swimmers obeying coaches, I thought I'd post a poll.
So who is receiving coached workouts? Do you like him/her? Do you like his/her workouts? Do they pay you attention, criticize and advise, or do they like to sit and read, or flirt with other swimmers/lifeguards?
Parents
Former Member
There was no option for "several coaches". I'm lucky enough to live in an area with big swimming participation.
My team is coached and I love the team, but the workouts tend to be very similar. Each lane has a different interval, and workouts are never the same twice a week, but as a group we're able to predict what comes next. We laugh about it in the water, but really, it gets dull.
Due to the above, I started to look for alternatives--more motivation, better feedback, and variety. Was able to start working out with my kids' team and got tons of variety. Lots of stroke work, fast intervals, drills with a purpose, and tons of kicking. The coaches are not afraid to make corrections, which is also great. I think my team coach is worried that as adults we will walk away from the team rather than accepting criticism.
I also recently started swimming with another masters group with coached workouts. Again, tons of variety and a coach who won't let me be lazy (I tend to like a lot of rest. She makes me swim the faster interval when she sees me on the wall too long.)
Major personal breakthroughs this past season are attributed to knowing I needed something more and then finding it. Bottom line is do what works best for you, but if you feel something is lacking you're probably right! Be your own coach and fix it.
Dana
There was no option for "several coaches". I'm lucky enough to live in an area with big swimming participation.
My team is coached and I love the team, but the workouts tend to be very similar. Each lane has a different interval, and workouts are never the same twice a week, but as a group we're able to predict what comes next. We laugh about it in the water, but really, it gets dull.
Due to the above, I started to look for alternatives--more motivation, better feedback, and variety. Was able to start working out with my kids' team and got tons of variety. Lots of stroke work, fast intervals, drills with a purpose, and tons of kicking. The coaches are not afraid to make corrections, which is also great. I think my team coach is worried that as adults we will walk away from the team rather than accepting criticism.
I also recently started swimming with another masters group with coached workouts. Again, tons of variety and a coach who won't let me be lazy (I tend to like a lot of rest. She makes me swim the faster interval when she sees me on the wall too long.)
Major personal breakthroughs this past season are attributed to knowing I needed something more and then finding it. Bottom line is do what works best for you, but if you feel something is lacking you're probably right! Be your own coach and fix it.
Dana
