Coach’s Corner - Week 1

Hi Willow Springs Swimmers and Families,

Your swimmers had an amazing first week of practice!!! We can’t express to you all enough about how excited we are for this swim season. It has been so nice to meet everyone, and we are 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. They are working so hard! Hopefully, they are coming home happy, hungry, and tired every day.

Focus of this week:

1. Sportsmanship is something we practice at all times. From moving over so someone can swim into the wall, to cheering them on when they are trying something new. While we are stretching before getting into the water we are talking about the previous day's highlights, and we are highlighting swimmers that are showing sportsmanship without needing reminders. Remember to cheer on your teammates at the meet! Best sportsmanship award of the week goes to the 8:00 Lane 3 group!!! Way to go!

1. Freestyle drills and building endurance has been the stroke of the week. Streamline was the focus of the week. Streamline position is extremely important for all swimmers at all levels. A powerful efficient streamline off the wall is free speed! A good streamline position creates the least amount of resistance in the water. We have also been discussing the importance of powerful and efficient flutter kicks 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. Start the movement from your hips (think battle ropes) and let the energy travel to your toes.

1. Next week we will be breaking down turns and starts next. Here’s a video we’d love for you to share with your swimmers. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSUjOAbg8yc

Thanks to all of you that have gotten your swim payments of $135 this week. If not please see the previous email from our swim board of how to proceed.

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

Sincerely,

Coach Tamara & Coach Nicole

First Meet Information

• On Wednesday June 9th we will host the Huntington Hills Swim Team for our first meet; it officially starts at 6:00 PM.
• Swimmers WILL have practice at the usual times on Wednesday morning.
• Please have ALL swimmers arrive at 4:45 PM on Wednesday 6/9/21 to warm-up and prepare for the meet.
• Swimmers should bring water, snacks, towels, swim cap, goggles (extras are always good to have), and warm clothes or a sleeping bag for wait time between events. All Walrus swimmers can set up in the Walrus Den (baby pool area - not IN the pool though:))
• We WILL sell concessions including pizza by the slice - so consider bringing some money!

There are currently NO COVID-related restrictions for outdoor events including swim meets; however, we respect each family’s personal decisions about wearing a mask or not.

We need volunteers! Please head to our website, https://willowspringsswimteam.swimtopia.com/ in order to sign up for a shift AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! There is a link in the sidebar, or from the home page, click the tab called “Signup Calendar.” No experience is necessary! ALL volunteers will report to the heating tent at the pool at 5:30 PM on Wednesday 6/9. We will explain all roles and responsibilities. Thanks so much for your help and support!

We know that a nighttime meet can feel late for our younger swimmers, but when possible we encourage you to stay and cheer on the entire team through the end of the meet!

Have a great weekend and GO WALRUSES!!