21/06/2026
As a swim coach, I often ask myself: Am I training a skill, or just putting on a show?"
Reflections on the Quality of Learning
It is well known that everyone's concentration, attention, and physical energy are limited. On the path of learning, we must face this fact—we should channel our energy into the right places, rather than stubbornly persisting when our body sends warning signals. To put it bluntly, when you are not in good form, what exactly are you practicing? Is it progress, or is it "degradation"?
Take my own experience in teaching swimming as an example: Is a high-intensity, long-distance training schedule really honing a proper and efficient technique, or is it putting on a "show of effort" (for parents to see)? If the technique for 25 meters is still unstable, yet we force ourselves to swim 50 meters, the result is that the movements completely deform, lose efficiency, and only end up with a hastily increased stroke rate—what we develop is not ability, but merely an inflated number.
Our swimming class advocates that beginners start with basic technique drills from 15 to 25 meters, channelling their limited early concentration, stamina, and neuromuscular coordination into executing every movement correctly. We must strictly avoid forcing a deformed 50-meter swim. Just imagine: a clean, complete stroke is infinitely more valuable than a long, distorted, and chaotic swim. The depth of learning will always outweigh its length.
"To all parents: Trust the process. A beautiful 25m is worth more than a struggling 50m. Let's grow together, not rush together."