We had a very productive lesson #4 this past Saturday at Kerr YMCA. The class reviewed the spearswitch, formerly called underswitch, with a focus on the pause. Where does it occur? In the periphery of the goggles next to face. Why is the pause so important? Because it allows the swimmer to mentally examine their skate position, ensuring they have proper body alignment and balance. For many of the swimmers, it was challenging to wait to spear. Rarely does an athlete naturally take the time to maximize technique by a thoughtful pause. The desire to achieve and perform can be counterproductive, at this point.
In my previous career, I was a regular public speaker. Frequently, I was encouraged to pause between significant points in my speech. Why? To ensure the first comment effectively sunk into the mind of the listener. If there's no rush to quality public speaking, there does not have to be a rush when learning and "practicing" TI focal points. Successful swimming is defined by effortless and efficient technique, and the pause is an essential tool.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Balance balance & more balance
OK, so balance is the word for today. The TI group increased to nine swimmers, due to two more joining after the first lesson. Great session today. Reviewed our relaxed head position and wider tracks, as well as core body position. My goal for today was simple, skate skate skate. With nine students, I wondered if it would be difficult. Thanks to the best assistant anywhere, Bridget, it was no problem.
Skate went well, and we even got to Sweet Spot breathing. Two things really stood out to me today, and it went back to a primary focus in the first session. Laser beam. Two swimmers were struggling w/ keeping a straight bodyline and "sleek vessel," exhibited with the rolling shoulder. After thinking and thinking and thinking, I thought, well, maybe it is a simple issue of balance, so let's go back to relaxed head and laser beam. As is by magic, her shoulder didn't roll, and this swimmer gracefully moved through the water. Not only did it look better, she felt better! Yea, mindfulness is coming w/ proper body position and balance.
Interestingly enough, a student that followed her was showing a similar struggle, and my simple suggestion was "laser beam." What a concept, to use what I know helps swimmers swim efficiently. This is Kaizen Coaching for the new guy. So, while the focal points and drill change, balance remains the same. BTW, this group of students is awesome.
Skate went well, and we even got to Sweet Spot breathing. Two things really stood out to me today, and it went back to a primary focus in the first session. Laser beam. Two swimmers were struggling w/ keeping a straight bodyline and "sleek vessel," exhibited with the rolling shoulder. After thinking and thinking and thinking, I thought, well, maybe it is a simple issue of balance, so let's go back to relaxed head and laser beam. As is by magic, her shoulder didn't roll, and this swimmer gracefully moved through the water. Not only did it look better, she felt better! Yea, mindfulness is coming w/ proper body position and balance.
Interestingly enough, a student that followed her was showing a similar struggle, and my simple suggestion was "laser beam." What a concept, to use what I know helps swimmers swim efficiently. This is Kaizen Coaching for the new guy. So, while the focal points and drill change, balance remains the same. BTW, this group of students is awesome.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lesson #1 - Find balance
Finding perfect balance is not only for gymnasts, but also swimmers. Last night there were 7 swimmers for the 2nd group of TI lessons at Kerr YMCA, ranging in age from 15 to 66 yrs old, at various skill levels. From the beginner to triathlete, all expressed a desire for their swimming to be less "work." Thankfully, they came to the perfect place, TI, in the only Y in NC that offers TI instruction.
We start with how to effectively glide. This may sound unimportant, or even nitpicky, yet it is profoundly significant in achieving balance in the water. The first critical element in proper body alignment is have a relaxed head position. The Superman glide has arms outstretched as extensions of the shoulders, with the head allowing the water to hold it in place. The result, each swimmer learns that water will hold you in place when you cooperate with it, and they find themselves further from the wall than before.
Sounds simple. It is. Anyone reading can try for yourself, by relaxing your head in the water, deactivating any neck muscles, and gently stretch arms straight ahead from your shoulders (head resting b/t them). You'll have the same results as the Y swimmers, balance is found in the water with minimal effort. Balance is the beginning of the end of swimming as "work."
We start with how to effectively glide. This may sound unimportant, or even nitpicky, yet it is profoundly significant in achieving balance in the water. The first critical element in proper body alignment is have a relaxed head position. The Superman glide has arms outstretched as extensions of the shoulders, with the head allowing the water to hold it in place. The result, each swimmer learns that water will hold you in place when you cooperate with it, and they find themselves further from the wall than before.
Sounds simple. It is. Anyone reading can try for yourself, by relaxing your head in the water, deactivating any neck muscles, and gently stretch arms straight ahead from your shoulders (head resting b/t them). You'll have the same results as the Y swimmers, balance is found in the water with minimal effort. Balance is the beginning of the end of swimming as "work."
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Kaizen coaching
Since I have been successfully indoctrinated with Kaizen swimming, which keeps me continuing to learn and improve my swimming experience, it seems fitting to practice Kaizen coaching. After completing my first group of TI lessons at the Kerr YMCA, I am taking an honest appraisal of my work. I first spoke at length with my assistant instructor, Bridget, then consulted with Terry Laughlin. Below are two lessons I have learned.
First, learning TI is only the beginning to a lifetime to efficient and enjoyable swimming. During lesson #6, I found myself frustrated that my students were not easily engaging in full stroke. Part of the reason was my expectations are so high. I seem to forget how long it took me to truly "get it," 4 private lessons, one weekend workshop, many workouts full of focal points & not laps, and a week of training to become certified to coach TI. Since I grasp how much more learning I still have yet to achieve, it seems fair to allow the students adequate time for TI to be the key to their swimming. Therefore, the 6 one-hour lessons serve as the gateway to swimming utopia. My next group starts tomorrow night, with 5 swimmers registered. My goal is to provide both the awakening TI brings, as well as the tools for each swimmer to start new life in the water.
The second lesson is this, there is not substitute for good skate position. I learned this from questioning whether I should have moved through all the drills more quickly, carrying everyone to full-stroke. I shared with Terry that I was concerned I spent too much time on proper skate postion, utilizing good body control and experiencing balance in the water. He affirmed that the skate position is foundational to effective freestlye, and can be improved for years to come. There is no substitute for proper technique.
As I learned when first starting TI as a student, there is no rush. It can be a enjoyable process of learning and growing. Part of why this is such a challenge for me and innumerable swimmers, is we had learned to focus on faster and stronger swimming. Traditional swimming had us focus on the outcome, rather than the process. TI is teaching me that the results will assuredly come, and I am only required to relax, keep it simple, and enjoy the process. What a concept.
First, learning TI is only the beginning to a lifetime to efficient and enjoyable swimming. During lesson #6, I found myself frustrated that my students were not easily engaging in full stroke. Part of the reason was my expectations are so high. I seem to forget how long it took me to truly "get it," 4 private lessons, one weekend workshop, many workouts full of focal points & not laps, and a week of training to become certified to coach TI. Since I grasp how much more learning I still have yet to achieve, it seems fair to allow the students adequate time for TI to be the key to their swimming. Therefore, the 6 one-hour lessons serve as the gateway to swimming utopia. My next group starts tomorrow night, with 5 swimmers registered. My goal is to provide both the awakening TI brings, as well as the tools for each swimmer to start new life in the water.
The second lesson is this, there is not substitute for good skate position. I learned this from questioning whether I should have moved through all the drills more quickly, carrying everyone to full-stroke. I shared with Terry that I was concerned I spent too much time on proper skate postion, utilizing good body control and experiencing balance in the water. He affirmed that the skate position is foundational to effective freestlye, and can be improved for years to come. There is no substitute for proper technique.
As I learned when first starting TI as a student, there is no rush. It can be a enjoyable process of learning and growing. Part of why this is such a challenge for me and innumerable swimmers, is we had learned to focus on faster and stronger swimming. Traditional swimming had us focus on the outcome, rather than the process. TI is teaching me that the results will assuredly come, and I am only required to relax, keep it simple, and enjoy the process. What a concept.
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