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Rush Performance

Coaching Core Values For Competitive Youth Group Training

The best way to create a new idea, system or training pattern is in a laboratory type setting within an encouraging learning environment. We want all swimmers to be more of a scientist and less of an athlete at group training sessions. We work on “experiments” (“failure” is part of the creative process) to create something new. Same training equals the same result. New training equals a new and better result. We are focusing on learning skills by encouraging experimentation in a PRACTICE/Laboratory environment not a “workout” environment. The sessions are designed to be more MENTALLY CHALLENGING THAN PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING. Fitness is the by-product of training; it IS NOT THE LIMITER. This will lead to greater results for each athlete that they can control, develop and refine.

SWIMMERS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PARTICIPATING IN GROUP SWIM:

  • Don’t touch the feet of the swimmer in front of you. SPACING and PACING! We are not trying to win practice
  • Make every stroke, lap, and turn count
  • YOU are responsible for your lane mates. Look out for and encourage one another
  • Team first instead of me first. Typically, you lose the freedom to do what you want when you join a team, we are going to be changing that. Everyone has a say in what we work on each week.
  • Focus on the process rather than the results. The process YIELDS the results
  • Don’t be trapped by dogma
  • ASK QUESTIONS, but don’t take over the practice.

COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide the laboratory environment and the “experiments” (training sessions/workouts) for the swimmers to create better, faster versions of themselves.
  • Develop sessions to engage thought and skill development. The greatest threat to success is not failure, but boredom.
  • Give opportunity and encourage freedom. The athletes have a say in what we do, and they have the freedom to swim and practice in a fashion that allows them to learn, adjust and grow. You get to choose your own adventure within the confines of a group setting (Team first not me first)
  • Each swimmer should see measurable progress in reasonable time.
  • Do no harm (taken from the Hippocratic Oath). Keep swimmers healthy, avoid injury through safe training patterns and know your athletes.