EVERYBODY SWIMS, EVERYBODY WINS!
FREQUENTLY ASKED SWIMMING QUESTIONS
How many swim seasons are there, and when do they take place?
There are two seasons during the year. The Winter Season begins (with training) in Mid-September and continues through Mid-March. The Summer Season begins in Mid-May and continues through the end of July.
How many days a week should my child swim?
Swimmers who participate in the beginner practice are asked to come twice a week. Parents and their swimmers choose the days that they swim. Swimmers in the intermediate and advanced practice who are more advanced are asked to participate in three to five practices a week. Again, parents and their swimmers choose the days that they swim. Practice is available Monday - Friday. Of course, if your child would like to participate more than two-three times a week, we encourage this.
What is Dry Land Training?
Swimmers who participate in the late practice also participate in Dry Land Training during the winter season. This consists of running, as well as various exercises to increase the strength of various muscle groups. When the weather is nice outside, we meet on the track. When it is rainy or cold, we meet upstairs adjacent to the indoor track. Dry Land Training not only benefits cardiovascular fitness, but also helps to prevent certain overuse injuries by keeping pertinent muscle groups strong and resistant to overuse injuries.
Why has my child been moved to the intermediate or advanced practice?
When your child is invited to come to the intermediate or advanced practices, it means that he or she has become more proficient in his or her skills, and needs or is ready for more of a challenge. These practices offer extra training each time your swimmer participates, as well as the opportunity to attend Dry Land Training.
Why does my child have to do more/less yardage than other swimmers in practice? (Similarly, why does my child receive more/less rest between sets?)
While your child may be in the same practice, or even the same lane as other swimmers, no two swimmers are exactly alike. The coach will determine how much yardage and rest your child needs to reach their full potential, and it may differ from others around them. It may seem to the onlooker that some swimmers 'cut' lengths off of their sets, but it may be the case that a coach has either asked them to stop, or told them to do a different amount of yardage than what your child needs to do. Please remember that we do the best to help each individual swimmer reach his or her goals, while coaching the team as a whole. If you have a question or concern, please, feel free to speak with a coach after practice. That is what we're here for, and we are happy to address any concerns you may have.
I see something that my child is doing that needs to be corrected. Why isn't the coach doing so? Should I tell them to correct my child's stroke?
While we do work with several swimmers at once during a practice, we do see what needs correcting. The rule of thumb is to choose one or two things during a particular set that may need attention, and focus on making those improvements. This can seem frustrating at times, but we want to be sure to be positive and encouraging to your child during practice. The goal is to point out many things they are doing correctly and praise them, and suggest a few things they can to improve further during each practice. Swimming is a sport that swimmers will practice for many years if it is a fun and positive experience for them. We take one thing at a time, and build improvements upon strong foundations that are built one day at a time. Another issue to consider is conditioning...particularly for beginners. For example, while we will teach beginners the fundamentals of swimming butterfly, they will continue to improve this skill as they build upper body strength through conditioning. So please, don't fret. We'll get to that left arm, or those feet together on the fly kick, or your child's head position...etc. We need you to trust us, that we are progressing one skill at a time, and breaking down each stroke one motion at a time so that your child will eventually have an efficient, beautiful stroke.
My child attends the same practices as so and so. They are the same age. Why is so and so faster than my child?
Argh...we've all been there as parents, and it can be frustrating. Its important to remember that every child is physiologically unique and each child's skills and strength develops at their own pace. Please be patient with your child. Every swimmer has their own 'growth spurts' in the pool, and you never know when one is right around the corner. Most importantly, tell your child that you are proud of them. They are working really hard, and your praise means a great deal to them! Help your child to set individualized goals for self improvement, and celebrate when he or she reaches that milestone! Point out to your child that he or she has earned points for the team during the meet that really made a difference. Keep it light, and fun. Everyone steps into their spotlight eventually, and there are wonderful life lessons that can be learned in the meantime through patience, consistency, and persistence.
Do I really need to volunteer during a meet?
In a word, yes. Unfortunately, the only way we can host a swim meet is through the dedication and work of many parent volunteers working together to do so. When everyone chips in, its not so bad, and we can make sure that you are on deck to watch your child swim during his or her events. We depend upon parent and community volunteers for timers in each lane, officials, a starter, assembling and organizing awards, running the meet computer, assisting in the snack bar, and setting up and taking down equipment. Its a lot of work, but we truly do appreciate your involvement, and you can bet that your child takes great pride in the fact that you are there, and involved in the meet and preparations!
I need to talk with the coach personally. When is a good time?
You can always talk with the coach before practice, or after practices for the day are completed. A great time to chat is between 8:00 - 8:30pm after the last practice. If this is not convenient, you can always make an appointment for another time, or e-mail the coach with your concern. We want you to let us know if there is anything you want to discuss! Remember, if we don't know its 'broken' we can't fix it. We are here for you and your children, and want your family to have the best experience possible. Together, we can make this experience a successful one for all!
Have a swimming question? Click below to send it to us!
Aquatics Director: Kim Capone, kcapone@hanoverymca.org, (717) 632-8211
Head Swim Coach: Laurie Flynn, EmailCoachFlynn@aol.com, (717) 632-8211