How to Coach Swimming Successfully with Dick Hannula's 2nd Edition Book
Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition (Coaching Successfully Series)
Swimming is one of the most popular and beneficial sports in the world. It can improve your physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being. Whether you swim for fun, fitness, or competition, you need a coach who can guide you to achieve your goals and reach your potential.
Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition (Coaching Successfully Series)
But how do you coach swimming successfully? What are the skills and knowledge that a swimming coach needs to have? How do you plan, teach, evaluate, and motivate your swimmers? How do you deal with the challenges and rewards of coaching competitive swimmers?
If you are looking for answers to these questions, you should read Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition, by Dick Hannula. This book is a comprehensive guide to constructing a successful swimming program for coaches of all levels and backgrounds. It covers all aspects of coaching swimming, from stroke technique to season planning, from evaluation to motivation.
Dick Hannula is one of the most respected and experienced swimming coaches in the world. He led his high school teams to 24 consecutive state championships, was a two-time president of the American Swim Coaches Association, and is a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He shares more than 50 years of coaching experience and knowledge in this book, with input from successful U.S. and international coaches.
In this article, we will give you an overview of some of the topics covered in Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition. We hope that this article will inspire you to learn more about coaching swimming successfully and to buy the book for yourself or as a gift for someone who loves swimming.
Why coaching swimming successfully matters
Swimming is a sport that can benefit anyone who practices it regularly. Swimming can improve your cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, balance, posture, and breathing. Swimming can also reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Swimming can also boost your confidence, self-esteem, creativity, and social skills.
However, swimming is not an easy sport to master. It requires a lot of technical skill, physical effort, mental focus, and emotional resilience. Swimming is also a competitive sport that can be very demanding and stressful for both swimmers and coaches.
That's why coaching swimming successfully matters. A successful swimming coach can help swimmers achieve their goals and enjoy their sport. A successful swimming coach can teach swimmers the correct technique, the optimal strategy, and the best practices for swimming. A successful swimming coach can also evaluate swimmers' performance, provide feedback, and communicate effectively. A successful swimming coach can also motivate swimmers, inspire them, and support them.
But what makes a successful swimming coach? According to Dick Hannula, a successful swimming coach needs to have the following skills and qualities:
A passion for swimming and coaching
A solid knowledge of swimming theory and practice
A willingness to learn and improve constantly
A clear vision and philosophy of coaching
A strong work ethic and professionalism
A creative and flexible approach to coaching
A positive and respectful attitude towards swimmers, parents, officials, and other coaches
A sense of humor and fun
If you want to develop these skills and qualities, you should read Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition. This book will give you the tools and tips you need to coach swimming successfully.
Coaching stroke technique
One of the most important aspects of coaching swimming successfully is coaching stroke technique. Stroke technique is the way a swimmer moves through the water using their arms, legs, body, and head. Stroke technique affects a swimmer's speed, efficiency, and energy consumption.
There are four basic strokes in swimming: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Each stroke has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Each stroke also has its own key elements, such as body position, arm stroke, leg kick, breathing, and timing. Each stroke also has its own common errors and corrections that a coach needs to identify and fix.
In Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition, Dick Hannula explains the stroke technique for each of the four strokes in detail. He provides clear illustrations, descriptions, and examples of each element of each stroke. He also provides drills and exercises to help swimmers improve their stroke technique.
Here is a summary of some of the key elements of each stroke:
Stroke
Key elements
Freestyle
Body position: horizontal, streamlined, balanced
Arm stroke: long, smooth, continuous, alternating
Leg kick: fast, small, steady, fluttering
Breathing: rhythmic, controlled, bilateral or unilateral
Timing: coordinated between arms, legs, and breathing
Backstroke
Body position: horizontal, streamlined, balanced
Arm stroke: long, smooth, continuous, alternating
Leg kick: fast, small, steady, fluttering
Breathing: regular, relaxed, natural
Timing: coordinated between arms and legs
Breaststroke
Body position: horizontal or slightly inclined, streamlined or undulating
Arm stroke: short, powerful, simultaneous
Leg kick: wide, strong, simultaneous
Breathing: every stroke or every other stroke
Timing: glide-pull-breathe-kick-glide cycle
Butterfly
Body position: horizontal or slightly inclined, streamlined or undulating
Arm stroke: long, powerful, simultaneous
Coaching underwater dolphin kicking
Another important aspect of coaching swimming successfully is coaching underwater dolphin kicking. Underwater dolphin kicking is a technique that allows swimmers to move faster and more efficiently underwater than on the surface. Underwater dolphin kicking can give swimmers an edge over their competitors, especially at the start and the turns of a race.
But how do you coach underwater dolphin kicking? What are the principles and practices of underwater dolphin kicking? How do you help swimmers improve their underwater dolphin kicking skills?
In Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition, Dick Hannula explains the underwater dolphin kicking technique and provides drills and exercises to help swimmers master it. He also provides tips and advice on how to use underwater dolphin kicking effectively in different strokes and situations.
Here is a summary of some of the key points of coaching underwater dolphin kicking:
The importance of underwater dolphin kicking: Underwater dolphin kicking can help swimmers maintain or increase the speed they gain from a start or a turn. Underwater dolphin kicking can also reduce drag and save energy by avoiding surface turbulence and resistance. Underwater dolphin kicking can also create a psychological advantage over other swimmers who may not be as proficient or confident in it.
The technique of underwater dolphin kicking: Underwater dolphin kicking is performed in a tight streamlined position, with the arms extended overhead and the hands locked together. The swimmer engages their core and undulates their body from head to toe, creating a wave-like motion. The swimmer presses down their chest, then their hips, then their legs, generating propulsion from the downward leg kick. The swimmer breathes rhythmically and controlledly, exhaling through the nose and inhaling through the mouth.
The timing of underwater dolphin kicking: Underwater dolphin kicking should be timed according to the stroke, the distance, and the swimmer's ability. Generally, swimmers should stay underwater for as long as they can maintain or increase their speed, without compromising their oxygen level or their breakout. Swimmers should also follow the rules and regulations of their swimming federation regarding the maximum distance allowed for underwater dolphin kicking.
The drills and exercises for underwater dolphin kicking: Underwater dolphin kicking can be practiced and improved with various drills and exercises. Some examples are: vertical underwater dolphin kicking, where the swimmer kicks vertically in deep water with their arms by their sides or above their head; wall push-offs, where the swimmer pushes off the wall in a streamlined position and performs underwater dolphin kicks for a certain distance or time; fins or monofins, where the swimmer wears fins or a monofin to enhance their propulsion and feel for the water; snorkel or breath control sets, where the swimmer uses a snorkel or limits their breathing to improve their oxygen efficiency and tolerance.
If you want to learn more about coaching underwater dolphin kicking, you should read Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition. This book will teach you how to coach this vital skill for swimming success.
Coaching plans
A third aspect of coaching swimming successfully is coaching plans. Coaching plans are the systematic and organized way of planning a swimming season, a training session, and a practice plan. Coaching plans help coaches achieve their objectives, optimize their resources, and monitor their progress.
But how do you coach plans? What are the principles and components of coaching plans? How do you design and implement coaching plans for different levels and goals?
In Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition, Dick Hannula explains the coaching plans process and provides examples of coaching plans for various situations. He also provides tips and advice on how to adapt and modify coaching plans according to changing circumstances.
Here is a summary of some of the key points of coaching plans:
The principles of coaching plans: Coaching plans should be based on clear and realistic goals, both short-term and long-term. Coaching plans should also be based on sound scientific principles, such as periodization, specificity, overload, recovery, adaptation, and individualization. Coaching plans should also be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs and preferences of each swimmer.
The components of coaching plans: Coaching plans consist of three main components: a season plan, a training session plan, and a practice plan. A season plan is the overall plan for a swimming season, usually divided into phases or cycles, such as preparation, pre-competition, competition, and transition. A training session plan is the plan for a single training session, usually divided into segments, such as warm-up, main set, and cool-down. A practice plan is the plan for a specific practice within a training session, usually consisting of drills, exercises, intervals, and feedback.
The examples of coaching plans: Coaching plans can vary depending on the level, age, ability, and goal of the swimmers. For example, a coaching plan for a beginner swimmer may focus on developing basic skills, such as stroke technique, breathing, and coordination. A coaching plan for an intermediate swimmer may focus on improving endurance, speed, and efficiency. A coaching plan for an advanced swimmer may focus on refining skills, such as starts, turns, and underwater dolphin kicking. A coaching plan for a sprinter may differ from a coaching plan for a distance swimmer in terms of intensity, volume, and frequency.
Coaching evaluation
A fourth aspect of coaching swimming successfully is coaching evaluation. Coaching evaluation is the process of assessing and measuring swimmers' performance in practice and in competition, as well as the effectiveness and quality of the coaching program. Coaching evaluation helps coaches identify strengths and weaknesses, provide feedback and guidance, and make adjustments and improvements.
But how do you coach evaluation? What are the methods and tools for coaching evaluation? How do you communicate and use coaching evaluation for swimmers and parents?
In Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition, Dick Hannula explains the coaching evaluation process and provides examples of coaching evaluation tools and techniques. He also provides tips and advice on how to communicate and use coaching evaluation for swimmers and parents.
Here is a summary of some of the key points of coaching evaluation:
The methods and tools for coaching evaluation: Coaching evaluation can be done using various methods and tools, depending on the purpose, the context, and the availability of resources. Some examples are: video analysis, where the coach records and reviews swimmers' technique, strategy, and performance; stopwatch timing, where the coach measures swimmers' speed, splits, and intervals; lactate testing, where the coach measures swimmers' blood lactate concentration before, during, and after a swim; heart rate monitoring, where the coach measures swimmers' heart rate before, during, and after a swim; questionnaires or surveys, where the coach collects swimmers' feedback on their training, goals, motivation, satisfaction, etc.
The feedback and communication strategies for swimmers and parents: Coaching evaluation should be followed by feedback and communication to swimmers and parents. Feedback should be specific, timely, constructive, positive, and individualized. Communication should be clear, honest, respectful, and supportive. Swimmers and parents should be involved in the coaching evaluation process as partners in performance. Swimmers and parents should also be encouraged to provide feedback to the coach on their coaching program.
The tips for evaluating your own coaching program: Coaching evaluation should not only focus on swimmers' performance, but also on the coach's own performance. Coaches should regularly evaluate their own coaching program using self-reflection, peer review, mentorship, or professional development. Coaches should identify their own strengths and weaknesses, set their own goals for improvement, seek feedback from others, and implement changes as needed.
Coaching motivation
A fifth aspect of coaching swimming successfully is coaching motivation. Coaching motivation is the process of influencing and enhancing swimmers' motivation to train and compete at their best. Motivation is the driving force behind swimmers' behavior, effort, and persistence. Motivation can also affect swimmers' enjoyment, satisfaction, and well-being.
But how do you coach motivation? What are the factors and types of motivation? How do you use motivation strategies for swimmers?
In Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition, Dick Hannula explains the coaching motivation process and provides examples of motivation strategies for swimmers. He also provides tips and advice on how to deal with motivational challenges and issues.
Here is a summary of some of the key points of coaching motivation:
The factors that influence swimmers' motivation: Swimmers' motivation can be influenced by various factors, both internal and external. Some examples are: personality, goals, values, beliefs, expectations, emotions, feedback, rewards, recognition, competition, social support, environment, etc. Coaches should be aware of these factors and how they affect each swimmer differently.
The types of motivation: Swimmers' motivation can be classified into two main types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is the motivation that comes from within the swimmer, such as interest, enjoyment, curiosity, challenge, or personal growth. Extrinsic motivation is the motivation that comes from outside the swimmer, such as praise, rewards, pressure, or consequences. Both types of motivation can be beneficial or detrimental for swimmers' performance and well-being, depending on how they are perceived and regulated by the swimmer.
The strategies for enhancing swimmers' motivation: Coaches can use various strategies to enhance swimmers' motivation, depending on their needs and preferences. Some examples are: setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound); providing positive and constructive feedback; using rewards and recognition appropriately; creating a supportive and fun environment; fostering a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness; encouraging self-talk and imagery; using inspirational stories and quotes; etc.
Conclusion
Coaching swimming successfully is a rewarding and challenging endeavor. It requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and qualities that can help swimmers achieve their goals and enjoy their sport. Coaching swimming successfully also involves various aspects, such as coaching stroke technique, coaching underwater dolphin kicking, coaching plans, coaching evaluation, and coaching motivation.
In this article, we have given you an overview of some of the topics covered in Coaching Swimming Successfully - 2nd Edition, by Dick Hannula. This book is a comprehensive guide to constructing a successful swimming program for coaches of all levels and backgrounds. It covers all aspects of coaching swimming, from stroke technique to season planning, from evaluation to motivation.
If you are interested in coaching swimming successfully, or if you know someone who is, you should buy this book or recommend it to them. This book will provide you with valuable information, insights, and tips that will help you coach swimming successfully.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope that you have learned something new and useful. We also hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as we have enjoyed writing it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about coaching swimming successfully with brief answers:
What are some of the benefits of coaching swimming successfully?
Some of the benefits of coaching swimming successfully are: improving swimmers' performance and well-being; developing swimmers' skills and confidence; creating a positive and supportive team culture; enhancing your own professional and personal growth; and making a difference in swimmers' lives.
What are some of the challenges of coaching swimming successfully?
Some of the challenges of coaching swimming successfully are: dealing with different levels, abilities, and personalities of swimmers; managing time, resources, and expectations; coping with stress, pressure, and competition; staying updated and informed on swimming theory and practice; and balancing your own work and life.
What are some of the resources for coaching swimming successfully?
Some of the resources for coaching swimming successfully are: books, articles, websites, podcasts, videos, etc. on swimming and coaching; courses, workshops, seminars, webinars, etc. on swimming and coaching; mentors, peers, colleagues, experts, etc. on swimming and coaching; organizations, associations, federations, etc. on swimming and coaching; equipment, facilities, technology, etc. on swimming and coaching.
What are some of the best practices for coaching swimming successfully?
Some of the best practices for coaching swimming successfully are: setting clear and realistic goals; pla