SWIMMING - THE LADDER OF PROGRESS

The first thing to remember is that to swim efficiently you must first master basic stroke technique. This is very important - being able to swim the strokes correctly will lay the foundations for your future swimming career. The stroke aspect cannot be emphasised too strongly. Cutting corners here will guarantee a lower level of achievement on the success ladder and in ultimate disappointment at not being able to achieve full potential. Also, once strokes have been mastered, these must be regularly practised to ensure no bad habits develop. Within the Club therefore, we place great emphasis on teaching the correct stroke technique from the outset, and monitoring this throughout the career of the swimmer.

The level you achieve will obviously depend on your ability to learn. Equally important however will be your attitude to your training and to the opportunities to improve that are provided for you through the Club. Although the Club teachers and coaches will be able to point you in the right direction, ultimately it is the swimmer who is responsible for his/her own level of achievement.

Swimming is a tough sport which requires dedication and commitment in order to do well, but don’t become totally consumed by it, or with times and performance - make sure you take time out to relax and have fun. Swimming should be placed in proper context with the rest of a swimmer’s life.

The following offers some basic advice for those wishing to embark on the ladder of swimming success.

• Having mastered basic stroke technique and skills thoroughly and as you grow stronger, your technique will change. Be prepared to build on your technical skills so that no bad habits appear.
• Be prepared to train more than once a week
• Gradually increase how often and for how long you train. This will allow you to introduce more types of training which will include flexibility and stretching exercises.
• Remember, developing performance means increased commitment, such as regular attendance at training sessions and turning up for these on time.
• As your performance improves, be prepared to travel to competitions where your standard can be measured. Competitions will be carefully selected for you to ensure they are appropriate for your stage of development. Improvements in your swimming can also be measured by methods other than competition outside the Club. For example, Trowbridge Swimming Club’s sprint award sessions and Club Championships provide the opportunity within the Club environment.
• Whilst all swimmers like to win, do not place too much emphasis on winning. The best approach is to use competition to try to improve on your personal best performance. If in the process you win or are placed, then so much the better.
• Having achieved a good standard, your swimming will be planned in cycles leading towards competition.
• Look forward to training and competing at swim meets.
  Swimming is a tough sport - remember, there is only one formula
  SKILL + HARD WORK =SUCCESS!
• Finally,
  ENJOY YOUR SWIMMING.