Coach’s Corner - Week 1

Hey, wonderful Willow Springs Swimmers and Families!

I can’t express to you all enough about how excited I am for the rest of this swim season. It has been so nice to meet everyone, and I am beyond impressed with each swimmer’s willingness to learn and try new things daily. Kids are coming to practice ready to go with smiles on their faces. Don’t forget to wear a mask. They are working so hard! Hopefully, they are coming home happy, hungry, and tired every day.

Streamline was the focus of the week. Streamline position is extremely important for all swimmers at all levels. Every swimmer needs to be proficient at it. A powerful efficient streamline off the wall is free speed! A good streamline position creates the least amount of resistance in the water. We will continue to discuss this topic all season long. Have your kiddo or kids show and tell you what they’ve learned about streamlining off walls.

We have also been discussing the importance of powerful and efficient flutter kick in the water. Many swimmers are kicking with their knees. This is counterproductive to what we want kids to do in the water. Flutter kicking is NOT like kicking a soccer ball or riding a bicycle.

• Keep your legs fully extended
• Keep your legs and ankles relaxed
• Point your toes
• Start the movement from your hips (think battle ropes) and let the energy travel to your toes

Streamline and proper flutter kick can be worked on and talked about at home and when you are at the pool for fun playtime. Make it a game. Who can push off the wall and flutter kick the farthest? Can you get even farther each time you try? These two skills build confidence in the pool. Googling either of these skills will bring up many excellent how-to videos. Coach Nicole and I will continue to work with kids on these skills and body awareness and comfort in the water as the weeks progress.

As always, please feel free to email (fearthetusks@gmail) us with any questions you may have. Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Coach Stacey & Coach Nicole

Quick Updates:

-Payment for the swim team is due Monday, June 29th at practice, $75 per swimmer.

-Thank you to Dunkin' Donuts as Lamar's was not able to donate this week.

-Please make sure that your child is wearing a mask to practice.

-New practice schedule (linked here and attached)