20% items of GLIDES (cue_set)
Definition: The distilled 20% of things to focus on for GLIDES that will create outsized results for swimmers. Based on the Pareto Principle: 80% of outcomes result from 20% of causes. A small portion of your efforts can produce significant impact.
Core cues:
- Starting with face in the water
- Support that removes fear
- Swimmer's body posture; tall and long
- Kicking that provides movement
Coach interpretation:
- Starting with face in the water: Ensure the swimmer begins the glide with face submerged; watch for head-up tendency and correct immediately.
- Support that removes fear: Provide physical support under the swimmer to eliminate fear of the water; the support is the vehicle, not the goal.
- Swimmer's body posture; tall and long: Watch for a tall, elongated body line; correct sinking belly and head-up posture.
- Kicking that provides movement: Observe whether the kick is actually propelling the swimmer forward, not just flailing.
Teaching strategy:
When in doubt, say something. Silence and not giving any feedback is the worst thing you can do. Say something, see how it works, and remember if it gets results.
When you see a disaster, the most essential fix is: Aim head down, hands to position 11. Doing these two things will lead to a good body position and allow the kick to move person forward.
Use zero depth water for Guppies, Level 1, Level 2. Ideal depth for swimmers of all abilities is chest deep; comfortable standing, easy to stand up. Without deep water, use benches or platforms to adapt depth. Deep water should only be used for swimmers that can move independently without support and without touching the wall or bottom.
Strategically position swimmers and instructor to maximize time spent doing swimming. Lane lines provide natural separation for ability and levels.
Common errors and corrections:
- Head up: Aim head down
- Poor kick: Focus on kicking that provides movement
- Sinking belly: Aim head down, hands to position 11
- No position 11 or streamline arms: Hands to position 11
Progression:
Before: Guppies, Level 1, Level 2 (zero depth water, chest deep water)
After: 20% things for Front crawl with breathing → 20% things to improve Breaststroke
Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “suggests that 80% of”, “20% of causes.”, “efforts can produce”, “significant impact.”, “results.”