Managing Boredom at Squad Level

We are all well aware of the benefits of learning to swim, starting with physical health and fitness. Swimming provides a comprehensive full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. It promotes healthy growth and development, longevity and helps to combat a myriad of issues such as obesity.

Learning to swim equips you with essential water safety skills, significantly reducing the risk of drowning. Moreover, swimming has positive effects on mental health and wellbeing. The rhythmic nature of swimming reduces stress and anxiety, promoting mental health and emotional stability. It can be meditative, improving focus and mental clarity. Regular practice and training at swim lessons instil discipline, time management, and a strong work ethic. Setting and achieving goals, such as mastering a new stroke or winning a race, boosts self-confidence and resilience.

However, transitioning from learn to swim to squad means new challenges that can impact motivation and enjoyment of the sport. The increased training demands at squad level often involve longer and more frequent sessions, which can be both physically and mentally demanding. Balancing school or work, social life, and swimming can become a significant challenge. The intensive nature of squad training can lead to burnout if not managed properly. One of the major issues at this level is the monotony and boredom that can arise from the repetitive nature of swim training, particularly the constant following of the black line at the bottom of the pool. To keep motivated and engaged, it is essential to address these potential pitfalls.

Incorporating variety into training is crucial. Different types of workouts, such as sprint sets, distance sets, drills, and technique-focused sessions, can help break the monotony. Using various equipment like kickboards, pull buoys, and fins can add diversity to the workouts. Setting both short-term and long-term goals provides a sense of purpose and achievement, while regularly tracking progress and celebrating milestones, no matter how small, drives motivation.

Introducing fun and interactive activities can significantly enhance engagement. Relay races, team challenges, and water games can break the routine and keep the atmosphere lively. Participating in themed training sessions or fun competitions can also add an element of excitement. Positive and supportive coaching is essential in this regard. Coaches should provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback, fostering a supportive training environment. Building strong coach-swimmer relationships ensures that swimmers feel valued and motivated.

Encouraging social connections within the team is another important strategy. Promoting team bonding through social activities outside the pool, such as team dinners or outings, helps strengthen the sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement. Mental training and mindfulness practices can also be beneficial. Techniques such as visualization, relaxation exercises, and goal-setting workshops, as well as mindfulness practices, can help swimmers stay focused and manage stress.

Parental or partner support and involvement play a significant role in maintaining interest and motivation in swimming. Parents or partners who show interest in progress and celebrate achievements, are more likely to contribute to long term success.

If you or your child are struggling to stay motivated at squad level, chat to your coach! Insist on incorporating variety, set goals, create a supportive environment, and maintain a focus on fun. If your coach is not receptive maybe you need to shop around, not every coach is for everyone.