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New swimmer who is discouraged

02Y31

I teach swimming to older adults (and am certified by the ALS program). I have one swimmer with shoulder mobility issues and tremors.  He’s been coming regularly and is making slow progress, but is very discouraged.  He told me today that he forgot his gym bag and couldn’t swim and believes he did that “on purpose” because he just didn’t want to come.  I assured him that he is making progress and that swimming is not easy. I really don’t want him to quit and would like some motivational advice.  I have him doing breaststroke because that’s easier to do with his shoulder issue,  but he’s determined to swim freestyle and is struggling with breathing.  

thoughts? Thanks 

  • 0

    It’s a little curious that he went through all the steps to get there, but then conveniently “forgot” his gym bag. Did he get there on his own volition, or did someone make him go? If he went without being forced…even though he didn’t have his gym bag…that kind of tells me that he still has some interest in swimming. In other words, as he’s loosing determination, maybe he wanted to see how committed you are to him learning to swim — would you still try to ‘teach’ him even though he wasn’t in the water. Even though he had forgotten his gym bag, did you still try to salvage ‘something toward his learning to swim’?

    Dan

  • 0

    You probably have thought of this already - fins and front snorkel ... - didn't grow up with snorkel, but they are very good now for all levels ... backstroke kick is hit and miss - flags and bumping can be hard -- motivational ... time his 6 or 8 strokes off a wall - they don't need breathing -- and it will show times and he may see how he gets faster 

  • 0 in reply to ForceDJ

    I really couldn’t do anything with him on deck because I had another swimmer in the water.  But that’s a good point.  Thanks. (He did get there under his own steam) 

  • 0 in reply to Erik Hochstein

    Thanks - I was debating suggesting that he get a snorkel. I like the strokes off the wall - thanks for that. It’s a question of breathing for him at the moment, not so much time.  

  • 0 in reply to 02Y31

    I agree with Erik.  I suggested a snorkel to a few adults I taught how to swim, and it made a huge difference!  One of the gals only wanted to swim backstroke, because she was frustrated with the breathing in freestyle.  Once she started using a snorkel, the frustration disappeared, and she was able to relax and concentrate on the stroke.  Eventually, she felt comfortable to swim freestyle without the snorkel and try breathing again.  Now, she is a bilateral breather!

    Good luck!