Sources of Fun in Age Group Swimming

In a trial done by Daniel Gould at the University of North Carolina, several factors were found to influence age group swimmers to continue swimming. There were also several "not fun" factors identified that are associated with swimming.


Fun:
1. being with friends
2. being complimented and encouraged by the coach
3. being known as a good swimmer
4. winning races 
5.getting in shape (tied with varied workouts and when my relay team comes together)


Not Fun:
1. getting slower times than my goals
2. getting lapped in races
3. when other swimmer skip laps or get in front of me in practice
4. when my coach yells or threatens me
5. swimmers who think they are good just because they are faster


As a coach, by keeping an open line of communication between yourself  and your swimmers, these not fun items listed can be turned into learning and encouragement opportunities. Instead of just telling your swimmer "great swim, you'll catch them next time" which they will still inevitably walk away from feeling down and upset about the swim. Talk to them about what you will work on with them to get them better and ready for the next meet, give them some hope and actually work on it with them.


You can read the full article here: http://www.swimmingcoach.org/Journal/jsr_articles/JSRVol15_2001.pdf