Motivational help for swimmers (or any athlete)?
438551
As a coach I have gotten in the water and swam behind swimmers that need a little extra motivation.  I also encourage all of my swimmers and regularly meet on a one on one basis, set goal, monitor improvement, evaluate performance and help them work though challenges.  I have also been know to have fun practices either when the team needs a break or as a reward if everyone is doing well.
1163421
Losing is a part of life- i hate to break it to you.  Striving to be the best is one thing, but being completely neurotic about not being number one is another.  Swimming is about beating yourself, not the person in the lane next to you.  Always strive for a better time- not to beat the next person.  Because in the end, unless you're an Olympic champion, there is always going to someone faster than you.  Do what Dory says: Just Keep Swimming!
51501
I swim competitively currently under the coaching personel of 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Kristine Quance.  I love swimming and im not in high school yet.  no funny stories yet but swimming is really good for you
417058
I have won gold medals at Australian nationals and swam at selected swim camps. What you are doing is great, running and Pilate's.. Just try to remember that you can burn you body out. Instead of running everyday why don't you try some light weights?? As in pin weights!! If you are not for that then try kick boxing, its excellent for swimming. Using a medicine ball(the old school ones) It would really help though if i knew what stroke it is that you excel in or want to excel in.. I could help you alot better!!!
457355
go to www.swim2000.com   my coach always told to always keep a watch and in contact with them... they will even give email u workouts every week.
1083333
equip weights to your ankles and things on your hands that make it hard for you to swim.  those will help you out
942849
In terms of the team, be a leader.  Encourage the other swimmers to train hard in practice, many of them will probably improve a lot over the season.  A lot of swimmers are new, and/or out of shape, so you might be suprised at the improvements.  Also, make the season fun.  Hold pre-meet pasta parties and joke around with each other and try to take the swim season less seriously and have fun with it instead of worrying about how good the team is.\n\nFor yourself, remember that even though you are on a team, when it comes down to it, swimming is a team sport.  It is up to you to swim fast, and the other swimmers can't bring you down (unless you let them bring you down mentally).  Train to go personal bests, and to win your evens at your championship meets, so you can have a good season even if you feel like the team might not.\n\nAnd stay positive.  I hope the fact that you asked this question doesn't mean that you are already thinking negatively about the season because of this.  A lot of things can change, and how good your team is isn't everything anyway.  If you let the idea your team will be bad ruin your attitude, it will ruin your season and slow your improvement.
275521
Face your fears. Try something slow and then build up. I had to do this with my daughter. It was swimming, but she now fights me to get out of the water. Go for it and you will be so proud of yourself, not only for learning something that you like, but also that you faced your fear of something.
870981
OH YES!!!!!!!\n\nAnd if you are nto swimming for competition and can swim well enough you could save your life.. then you dont have to learn anything else!\n\nUnless you want to!\n\nBreaststroke is great ... keep on going...\n\nYou can also use a kick board for working out and just kick ...really works out the legs\n\nGood for you any kind of swimming is gerat for fitness!\n\nGood Luck and keep it up!\nWismom
648892
Swim under the water.  That builds up more endurance.  Go side to side in the pool.  You can probably go one way without taking a breath.  You definitely need goggles for this. Underwater is often the fastest way because there is less turbulence.
470711
I pretty much do the same..if it is a big meet, visualize ur races. Picturing the race from start to finish, perfect strokes etc...exactly how you want to swim it... do this as you are lying down and going to sleep.
614614
First of all, try to get someone to explain to you in person, trainer or soething like that, then make sure that you do any exercise to improve the technique as using a pull or something, then after you are prtty sure you are getting into it, try to do 1/4 of laps more than you use to do, then do 1/2 laps more\n\nWithin a month or two(swimming everyday) You won't have any problem with it and you'll improve your technique and the only matter will be the speed that ypu'll be swimming
215834
i am a swimmer myself. Believe me when i say this. It takes a lot of time and energy outta me. The best way to get better at swimming is to first learn the technique of every stroke (freestylye, breastroke, backstroke and butterfly) then just practice. U may wanna join a club with a good coach to start you off. when you learn the technique start out slow making sure that ur technique is even and good. Then speed up but make sure you maintain your technique. If you can go fast without being sloppy and u maintain your technique, you will be a force to be reckoned with. Hope this helps
577121
Swimming works for me very fast. If you know swimming and have access to a pool, just 30 minutes of swimming daily can do wonders.
547096
You could use a clock to help your students understand. Show them that you swim a quarter mile every fifteen minutes. It might help. I do know it helped me understand.\n\nAll the best and HAPPY TEACHING c",)
772716
The only way to become a stronger swimmer is to swim more! Join a swim team and 4 laps will be nothing after a few weeks.\n\nIt does seem lifeguards are kind of jerks, but they are doing their job and don't want anyone to drown,  Can you imagine what it would be like if you let someone drown?  The person drowning also might be inconvenienced.
1099536
Swimming is said to be good for muscle tone, therepy, and weight loss.