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Motivate Your Swimmers Using This Simple Tactic

<em>Locked doors, headaches, and intellectual need | Affording Play <a href="http://flip.it/9Moov">http://flip.it/9Moov</a></em>

This episode dives into the concept of problem-solving, applicable not just to mathematics, but to teaching swimming skills and boosting overall swimmer motivation.

The Power of the Locked Door Analogy

The core concept we explore is the powerful analogy of the locked door and the key. When faced with a locked door, the immediate question is: "How do I get through it?" The answer is: You use a key.

This simple analogy helps us understand how to guide our swimmers. If we present them with a challenge (the locked door/problem), they will naturally search for the solution (the key). Our goal as instructors is to teach our swimmers to find the keys to their own success.

The Problem-Solution Teaching Framework

To effectively motivate and teach, we should adopt a structured approach:

1. Introduce a "problem" (the locked door).Offer a series of solutions to solve that problem (the keys).

This framework shifts the focus from simply telling them what to do, to making them actively participate in figuring out how to improve.

Applying Problem-Solution to Drills

The best way to practice this framework is by using specific drills. Here are a few examples of how to structure your lesson around improvement:

Improving Freestyle Technique

If the goal is to swim like an Olympian, we break down the skill into manageable components (the keys):

• Drill: <a href="https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/2013/09/17/swim-drill-freestyle-head-lead-balance-with-rotation/">Head Lead Balance with Rotation</a>Focus Area: One arm only FreeDrill: <a href="https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/2012/06/06/swimming-lessons-drill-freestyle-3-strokes-and-10-kicks/">6 kick switch: 3 strokes free, then 6 kicks on your side.</a> (We usually do 18 kicks on side, then 3 strokes.)

After completing these targeted drills, have the swimmer swim Freestyle again and attempt to replicate the Olympian form. These specific drills help build the foundational skills needed for better overall swimming.

Mastering Position 11

Position 11 is a critical skill that appears in almost every competitive stroke (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly). It represents the streamlined, horizontal body position.

<strong>The Problem:</strong> How do you maintain excellent Position 11? The solution involves focusing on three key elements:

Arms straightStay at the surfaceLook down

If a swimmer struggles with this, we can introduce smaller, actionable solutions:

Breathe QuicklyKick faster when you breatheKeep your body straight.

<em>(We talk about Position 11 in more detail in our first podcast: <a href="https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/2015/02/02/swimming-ideas-podcast-001/">SIP 001</a>)</em>

Key Takeaways for Instructors

The principle remains consistent across all disciplines: Define the desired outcome (the goal), and then offer multiple, actionable solutions to get there.

Define the Goal: In swimming, define where you want the swimmer to go (e.g., better freestyle, perfect Position 11).Identify the Problem: What specific skill is difficult? (e.g., staying streamlined, breathing rhythm).Provide Solutions: Offer drills and techniques that act as keys to unlock the improvement.

By structuring your lessons this way—presenting a problem first, then offering solutions—you provide self-directed, motivated learning. This approach inspires swimmers to want to get better themselves, which is the ultimate goal of any effective swimming instructor.