Letters from Spain after terrible USA Swimming in Europe.

Sharing thoughts with letters, pre SwimSwam.

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Why swim coaches scream

Why The Swim Coaches Scream!

Mark shares his ideas concerning poolside communications. A swim coach has many roles to play, and the two that Mark hates the most are Zookeeper and Policeman. The swimmers have to be in order and able to follow the directions from the leaders before the coaches really coach. But there is much more to this "screaming question."

For instance, the spectator in the stands sees the coaches communicate by screaming. However, one has to understand and consider the perspective of the swimmers'. The kids are packed into the lanes and elbow to elbow with numerous others who can make a world of distractions. Then, their ears are inches away from the sounds of rushing water often covered with sound-proof rubber caps, if not already plugged with water or putty. Most of all, the complete deftness of the aquatic sound barrier is always present. Additionally, the coaches are always a large vertical and horizontal distance away from the swimmers.

Then consider that these communications from the coaches are intended to be a process to incite actions. If the messages are lifeless, they are less of a motivational tool for the swimmers to further extend themselves in their efforts. Just wait till we start screaming our spirited cheers.

If some swimmers get more screaming than others, perhaps they are the most lucky, and the most coached. A coach who does not communicate is only a lifeguard. Hopefully, we will not need a lifeguard to coach or a cop for the lockerroom.