Head Coach's Corner

Dear Lakeside Aquatic Club Member:

Welcome to the Lakeside Aquatic Club. I would like to take this opportunity to give you some insight into the beliefs and philosophy that is incorporated into our program.

First, I believe the motivation sport of swimming has many benefits, including the people you and your child will meet. The camaraderie among swimmers is unique to say the least. Many swimming buddies become lifelong friends.

In addition to being around fine people, swimming provides one of the most beneficial forms of exercise for cardiovascular and overall fitness. Possibly the greatest benefits of participating in an organized swimming program are the life skills your child will develop. These skills include the benefits of swimming long after their participation ends. Most swimmers go on to be very successful and productive adults largely due to what they gained from swimming.

Age-group swimming can be fun, exciting, and rewarding. Many children improve rapidly during early developmental stages due to growth and improved techniques. It is difficult to avoid the tendency to push young athletes at this stage. The emphasis should be on technique. I recommend the training schedule for the developmental swimmers be flexible enough to provide time to participate in other activities. Since many swimmers train for 10 years or more, swimming at the youngest levels need to be fun and pressure-free.

After a child reaches puberty, scientists and coaches feel serious training can begin. This can be a frustrating time for swimmers. During the transition from age group swimming to senior swimming, an athlete may experience a plateau or setback. Chunks of time are no longer being dropped, and training requires more time and dedication. At this point, many parents begin to question whether a child’s swimming career is over. This, coupled with the demands of teenage life, causes many swimmers to leave the sport prematurely. It is critical that parents and coaches be supportive during this period of adjustment, realizing that it will pass. Future performance improvements generally follow.

As a parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable, loving and supportive environment. Show your interest by ensuring your child’s attendance at practices and by volunteering to help the team. Parents are not participants on their child’s team, but can contribute to the success experienced by the child and the team. Parents serve as role models and their children often emulate their attitudes. Be aware of this and strive to be positive role models. Most importantly, show good sportsmanship at all times towards coaches, officials, opponents, and teammates. Be enthusiastic and supportive! Remember that your child is the swimmer.

Children need to establish their own goals and make their own progress towards those goals. Do not over-burden your child with winning or achieving best times. Learning about one’s self while enjoying the sport is the most important part of the swimming experience. The swimming environment encourages learning and fun, which will help your child develop a positive self-image. The best way to help your child achieve goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake-should your child make one, remember that this is a learning experience. Encourage your child’s efforts and point out the positive aspects. The coach is the only one qualified to judge a swimmers performance and technique. Your role is to provide support.

I hope this letter is helpful and beneficial to you. I want you to know how excited I am your child has chosen the LAC family to be a part of, and we will do everything possible to help your child be the best swimmer and the best person he or she can be!

Mike Yearwood
LAC Head Coach