Tiger Splash Swim Team

Tell ‘em what you are about to tell ‘em, tell ‘em, then tell ‘em what you just told ‘em – Again!

If you and your little swimmers find yourself hearing the same things over and over, it’s because there are a few things we are insanely adamant about at Tiger Splash. Especially for young swimmers, the fundamentals are the most powerful tool to become well-rounded, efficient swimmers who will enjoy a lifetime of fun and safety in the water.

We appreciate active parents who augment the coach’s lessons. Ask a few questions of your swimmers every day. What did they learn at practice? Answers should be “rocket-ship streamline”, “down, position, push”, “chopstick legs, ballerina toes”, how to say “Yes coach” very loudly, and how to be super quiet with eyes on the coach when the coach is speaking. Then ask them “When are ya gonna practice at home?”… in or out of the water (in bed can be a nice place to practice)

Our goal is to have a wonderfully fun and productive season. We are not trying to make Olympians. We want our swimmers (and parents) to insist on returning, year after year because they have a sense of accomplishment, team, and FUN they can get nowhere else.

Your constructive and positive feedback is welcome. On many occasions, a parent has offered me an insight I did not see. We ask only that you offer that feedback before or after practice or through a JAV or board member. (NOT during practice when our focus is on the kids).

EQUIPMENT:

Goggles – A must-have - Be sure your swimmers have a decent pair of youth goggles. TYR or Speedo and other brands are fine. The fewer fancy adjustment points the better.

Fins – A nice to have - Use fitted and nonadjustable fin. Donate them when your swimmer outgrows ‘em.

COACH'S CORNER
Every week or so, we plan to publish a letter for your reading pleasure and action. Generally, Coaches Corner will be geared toward newer swimmers and will evolve from fundamentals to more advanced skills as the season progresses. More advanced swimmers will be separated into more advanced lanes as we do our best to challenge them all. We are asking you to read the letter, take time to cover its content with your swimmer, and come to practice and swim meets invested in your swimmer's development.

The May Challenge – We understand it may be difficult for your child to attend all May practices. We will make every effort to reiterate lessons, start from scratch and even one on one tutorials as needed to help all our swimmers progress… leaving no swimmer behind.

Week 1 and 2 will focus on 1) protocols of being on a team 2) rocketship streamline and 3) chopstick legs/ballerina toes. Returning swimmers will get reminders on breathing, rotation, and head down position. Below is the terminology for the first month and beyond.

• Rocketship Streamline – off every wall, every time. The only exception is… no, there is no exception. three steps: 1) Down 2) Position 3) Push
• Off the wall on your SIDE– from day one, leave every wall on your side, not your stomach
• Swim on the right - AKA circle swimming. Keep kiddos from bumping their noggin on each other.
• Finish to the wall – every time…. I know you’re tired, rest at the wall.
• Chopstick legs, ballerina toes; chopstick legs, ballerina toes; chopstick legs, ballerina toes
• No Wiggle Swimming – Little kids wanna wiggle. Little swimmer coaches don’t.
• Tall Person swimming- Straight, relaxed bodies glide through the water.
• Superman Hands – Using the kickboard,
• Head down swimmingAKA - Bowling ball head, Neck-brace swimming - don’t lift the head
• Roooootate the body to get a breath
• One Eye dry– Don’t rotate the whole head out of the water to get a breath. One eye is fine.
• Breathing is good– Don’t hold your breath, blow bubbles as you kick
• Dry Shoulder Freestyle – Look at the fishes, 12 kicks, one pull. Twelve kicks three pulls, twist the body to get air
  • Smell your armpit (gross)
  • High Elbow
  • Zipper drill
  • Grab the skittles
• Dry shoulder Backstroke – Look at the clouds, 12 kicks, one pull. Twelve kicks three pulls, steady strong arm

The first two weeks will be a very different and challenging experience. To some, it will seem overwhelming and impossible. In four weeks, they will look back proudly knowing they accomplished something cool. In the early days, Session 1 might not do more than 4 laps… its ok, we will teach them correctly, with a focus on technique, not speed.

Thank you for being part of our team.

Coach James