Side Coaching

This is so true. 2-3 years ago I honestly thought there was something physically wrong with my daughter as she had the ugliest freestyle. She was strong but just all over the place. I had serious doubts about her having any real future in swimming. But now she has one of the smoothest strokes and is knocking on the door of AA times in the 200 and 500 free. Swimming takes time and even then there are no guarantees. But if success can defined as doing your best to improve day after day then swimming can be a wonderful experience. Yes, it takes time! It is not always those with early talent that succeed! And in fact, there are many that I can recall that fade out rather quickly. Somewhat sad when their names become a verb, such as "pulling an SG", meaning to burn out like SG (initials of that girl). No amount of side coaching would have changed anything. My kids love to hear the story of how a USA coach came to our house scouting my brother & sister as 10 year olds. My mom said, OK, but you have to take Michelle, too! I was that bad!! Here is a cut & paste from the USA team I attach with: Mustang Monthly- Internet Edition November 2008 A Refresher on our Team Philosophy Those that have been on the Dallas Mustangs for a while know what our team’s philosophy is. Those of you who are new to the team might not. Regardless of which category you fall into, it is always a good idea to remember why being a part of the Dallas Mustangs can be a long and worthwhile experience. Much of that experience is driven by the philosophy that the team embraces. Our philosophy is simply this: to develop an enjoyable and competitive program for each swimmer based on their skill, age, and interest. We don’t believe in pushing the younger age groups, mentally or physically. The focus at that age should be on technique and beginning to build an endurance foundation that will continue to help the swimmer throughout his or her swimming career. Pushing a child’s development too early or too quickly can be detrimental to the athlete in the long run. United States Swimming research shows the percentage of those athletes, who were ranked in the top 16 when they were younger, that were still ranked when they were in the 17-18 age group. The percentages were: 11% of ranked 10 and under went on to be ranked as 17-18 year olds 16% of ranked 11-12’s went on to be ranked as 17-18 year olds 33% of ranked 13-14’s went on to be ranked as 17-18 year olds 51% of ranked 15-16’s went on to be ranked as 17-18 year olds This shows that early success does not necessarily translate into long term success. Therefore, it’s important to be patient. Let the body grow and develop, while working on correcting strokes and building an aerobic base. The older Dallas Mustang age groups are challenged and are expected to contribute to the Dallas Mustangs’ continued national presence. There is obviously a high level of commitment and sacrifice needed to accomplish this lofty goal. We are also preparing those athletes to be successful at the college level. We expect all of our swimmers to treat others as they would like to be treated and to take the lessons that they learn from our program into every aspect of their lives. And we expect all of our swimmers to support each other. A big reason for the success of our program over the years is due to our team concept, which really shows when it’s relay time! Swimming is an incredible sport, with incredible people. Thank you for being a part of our great program. GO MUSTANGS!! Mook Rhodenbaugh – Head Coach

This is so true. 2-3 years ago I honestly thought there was something physically wrong with my daughter as she had the ugliest freestyle. She was strong but just all over the place. I had serious doubts about her having any real future in swimming. But now she has one of the smoothest strokes and is knocking on the door of AA times in the 200 and 500 free. Swimming takes time and even then there are no guarantees. But if success can defined as doing your best to improve day after day then swimming can be a wonderful experience. Yes, it takes time! It is not always those with early talent that succeed! And in fact, there are many that I can recall that fade out rather quickly. Somewhat sad when their names become a verb, such as "pulling an SG", meaning to burn out like SG (initials of that girl). No amount of side coaching would have changed anything. My kids love to hear the story of how a USA coach came to our house scouting my brother & sister as 10 year olds. My mom said, OK, but you have to take Michelle, too! I was that bad!! Here is a cut & paste from the USA team I attach with: Mustang Monthly- Internet Edition November 2008 A Refresher on our Team Philosophy Those that have been on the Dallas Mustangs for a while know what our team’s philosophy is. Those of you who are new to the team might not. Regardless of which category you fall into, it is always a good idea to remember why being a part of the Dallas Mustangs can be a long and worthwhile experience. Much of that experience is driven by the philosophy that the team embraces. Our philosophy is simply this: to develop an enjoyable and competitive program for each swimmer based on their skill, age, and interest. We don’t believe in pushing the younger age groups, mentally or physically. The focus at that age should be on technique and beginning to build an endurance foundation that will continue to help the swimmer throughout his or her swimming career. Pushing a child’s development too early or too quickly can be detrimental to the athlete in the long run. United States Swimming research shows the percentage of those athletes, who were ranked in the top 16 when they were younger, that were still ranked when they were in the 17-18 age group. The percentages were: 11% of ranked 10 and under went on to be ranked as 17-18 year olds 16% of ranked 11-12’s went on to be ranked as 17-18 year olds 33% of ranked 13-14’s went on to be ranked as 17-18 year olds 51% of ranked 15-16’s went on to be ranked as 17-18 year olds This shows that early success does not necessarily translate into long term success. Therefore, it’s important to be patient. Let the body grow and develop, while working on correcting strokes and building an aerobic base. The older Dallas Mustang age groups are challenged and are expected to contribute to the Dallas Mustangs’ continued national presence. There is obviously a high level of commitment and sacrifice needed to accomplish this lofty goal. We are also preparing those athletes to be successful at the college level. We expect all of our swimmers to treat others as they would like to be treated and to take the lessons that they learn from our program into every aspect of their lives. And we expect all of our swimmers to support each other. A big reason for the success of our program over the years is due to our team concept, which really shows when it’s relay time! Swimming is an incredible sport, with incredible people. Thank you for being a part of our great program. GO MUSTANGS!! Mook Rhodenbaugh – Head Coach