So, coaches are getting some bad press in a couple of other threads, so I thought it might be interesting to talk about who has really impressed us as a coach (masters or open) and what it was about that coach that was so good. Ok, I'll go first.
A fellow named Archie Mckinnon was my first coach in age group, when I was 7-9yrs old & was flat out the best communicator I have ever seen. He let us know why we were doing what we were doing, what we were going to do & consulted us frequently as to what we wanted to get from our swimming (us individually, not the parents). Sounds out of a modern textbook, right? This was 1959-62 I've never had a coach since who came close to him, which had a great deal to do with me leaving swimming when I was fourteen.
Parents
Former Member
This is a tough one because there are so many things that can be learned, and everyone offers a different point of view... Here are the top 5 anyways...
1. Deryk Snelling - His ability to inspire you and make the most out of yourself. He was an incredible motivator, and could stir the passion during training and racing...
2. Gary Vandermeulen - His sprint program provided confidence through methods, and he also knew how to motivate at crucial moments.
3. Monica Schlodder - Her independent focus in the face of adversity was second to none, and her educated intellect was unwavering. She was a great proponent of finding your natural strength(s).
4. Ken Olsen - His grasp of technique rivals the greats, and his video analysis business is thriving, for good reason(s).
5. Jaime Conners - He has patience and a stable understanding of sprint training, and an uncanny ability to implement.
This is a tough one because there are so many things that can be learned, and everyone offers a different point of view... Here are the top 5 anyways...
1. Deryk Snelling - His ability to inspire you and make the most out of yourself. He was an incredible motivator, and could stir the passion during training and racing...
2. Gary Vandermeulen - His sprint program provided confidence through methods, and he also knew how to motivate at crucial moments.
3. Monica Schlodder - Her independent focus in the face of adversity was second to none, and her educated intellect was unwavering. She was a great proponent of finding your natural strength(s).
4. Ken Olsen - His grasp of technique rivals the greats, and his video analysis business is thriving, for good reason(s).
5. Jaime Conners - He has patience and a stable understanding of sprint training, and an uncanny ability to implement.
