Coach Cathy's Swimming Page

07/19/2023

https://www.change.org/p/support-proposed-legislation-amendment-to-rule-102-10-2-of-the-usa-swimming-rule-book?source_location=search

Support Proposed Legislation Amendment to Rule 102​.​10​.​2 of the USA Swimming Rule Book

07/08/2023

I have spent some time thinking this summer about two things - the value of rest and the value of play. If you (or your athletes) are stuck -- mentally or physically -- consider these two things!

Rest can be used as a tool for rejuvenation (or redirection) in several ways. First, you could just simply take time off from practice. Second, you could incorporate more rest in training schedules. Third, you could incorporate more rest into a stand-alone practice. Fourth, you could make
sure you rest outside of the pool. Get more sleep or more 'down' time. Each of these has different mental and physical benefits.

Play can (and should) also be used as a tool for rejuvenation (or redirection) in several ways. First, play can take the place of practice. Play can be incorporated into training schedules. Third, play can be incorporated into practices. You only need 5 min to add some play to a practice. Fourth, play can occur outside of practice. Again, the mental and physical benefits of these vary but they should all be considered by both coaches and athletes.

Life is too short to always be tired.
Life is too short to not play.

Be courageous and make time for rest and play!

05/28/2023

It's been a while, but here's something that teaching lessons to summer league swimmers has reminded me: it is important for everyone to know the 'why'. Why do we streamline? Why do we hyper-streamline? Why do we maximize underwater speed rather than surface immediately? Why do we hold the block a certain way with our hands? And, the list goes on.

A summer league swimmer told me today that her summer coach told her not to dive under water. Hmm. According to her, her coach said being underwater is slow. Hmm.

Tell your swimmers 'why', explain the science, and provide videos and evidence of why things work. As they say, when you know your why, you know your way!

03/27/2023

I have spent some time creating a swimming specific mental toughness curriculum. If you are interested in getting some sample Mental Toughness exercises that will help you reach peak performance more consistently, please contact me. I would like to have a few beta readers/testers ages 12/up.

04/19/2022

For coaches or parents looking for a great resource for tween girls, this book comes with great reviews!

You-ology: A Puberty Guide for EVERY Body

04/14/2022

If you're looking to improve your swim speed, it's now time to take an honest look at your kicking. Learn more here!

03/10/2022

Fun bit of history:

03/09/2022

People are constantly telling adolescents what to do and how to do it. It’s important to recognize that everyone has different sensitivity to feedback, and to adjust your delivery to your child’s temperament.

Our brains perceive criticism as a threat and shut down in response. Give your tween feedback by starting with their strengths so they open their minds to new growth.

When you talk with a child about their strengths, new neurons and connections bloom in abundance. When you focus your feedback on what went wrong, the brain processes that criticism as a threat and shuts down new growth. Put simply, focusing on weakness causes learning to freeze.

For lots more on understanding and balancing criticism, refer to chapter 11 of Fourteen Talks: Talking About Criticism.

01/15/2022

Anything a kid loves can be a gateway to their future happiness and livelihood. Whatever it is your kid loves: writing plays, doing makeup, designing clothes, mixing music, or choreographing TikTok dances —any of these can be a glimpse into their amazing future. So nurture that interest (even if you don’t get it) because the path of least resistance might be the quickest way toward their success.

01/11/2022

What are you looking for?

NOTE: In the month of December, we're reposting some of our top episodes ever to be released because they're worth repeating - Enjoy! -------------------- Why is it that when we learn a new word we start hearing it everywhere? Lindsey teaches about the Reticular Activating System and how to...

01/04/2022