The Power of ONE!
Mustang, Ponies, and Colts Expectations
Age group swimming is a really exciting time for both the coaches and swimmers alike. Swimmers at this stage have spent a good amount of time developing their strokes and now it is time to begin to train those strokes to go fast! Most swimmers are between 9 and 14 years old and will train between 6-8 times per week depending on what the head coach thinks will help them improve. Those age groupers that are in 6th grade should attend at least 7 practices, one being an a.m. practice. 7th graders should be coming 8 times per week with 2 morning practices. Those age groupers in 8th grade or above should be attending 10 practices per week including 4 mornings. With this in mind there are three areas that coaches expect the age group swimmers to commit to accomplishing.
First, is what I call the Power of One. What this means is that swimmers should commit to doing one thing 100% until they make their goal. Whether that means making 1 repeat on a set they think is impossible, coming to 1 more practice per week, going 1 second faster than the coach expects you to, doing 1 turn perfectly. The concept is to commit 100% to making 1, then making 2, 3, 4, and so on. This is the basis of the work ethic that will allow our age group swimmers to move on to the senior level with competence and confidence. If a swimmer can commit 100% to changing one thing just think of all that con be accomplished 1 thing at a time. Running a marathon is hard, but running to the next telephone pole over and over again is easy.
Second, is self-reliance. Self reliance is important to anyone whether or not they are swimmers. Swimmers should not count on their moms or dads remembering to pack their swim bag, or bring it to and from practice. What happens if one day mom or dad forgets? Little Jimmy Schortz will be without a gear bag, goggles, suit, and a clue. There is nothing worse than seeing a swimmer at a practice or a meet that has no idea what to do because they forgot something. Let Jimmy take care of his stuff; the responsibility should be his to succeed or fail on his own. Age Group swimmers should be able to take care of themselves at meets. Knowing their heat and lane, getting behind the blocks, knowing their goal times, all the nuts and bolts issues at meets they can handle. If they fail, they will learn. Teach them to be self reliant by loving them and cheering for them, not doing for them.
Third, is flexibility. The principle of flexibility is another trait of successful swimmers as well as successful people. This is the concept of “being comfortable being uncomfortable”. We are creating an environment where swimmers can become the best they can be; in order to do that they need to physically and mentally demanding work. They must learn to swim past the hurt, boredom complacency to become the best they can be. This must be a constant state of pushing farther, faster, and more frequently. This discomfort may come at a swim meet where the weather or the pool conditions are not ideal. The goal is for Barrington Swim Club athletes; to rise to the physical and mental challenge no matter what the circumstances.
All three of these expectations are life specific and will help BSC swimmers develop life skills that will serve them the rest of their time in swimming and the rest of their lives.
PRACTICE LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY!!
RACE LIKE A CHAMPION AT SECTIONALS, JUNIOR OLYMPICS and NATIONALS!!
