Improving the Use of Basic Technology

Improving performance in swimming: Learning strategies for basic technology
Rod Havriluk, Ph.D.
Swimming World, 2008, 49(7), 36.
 
Improving performance in swimming by changing technique is a long and difficult process. Due to budget constraints and inadequate staffing, coaches are often limited to the most basic technology for technique instruction - naked eye observation and verbal communication. Although these methods have limitations, their effectiveness greatly improves when using several learning strategies.
 
The effectiveness of basic technology (naked eye observation and verbal communication) improves when using a common language for swimming technique, as well as additional strategies to expedite learning. Strategies include:
  • precisely wording specific cues to simplify communication;
  • taking full advantage of both visual and kinesthetic sensory input;
  • progressing with instructional information from proximal to distal body parts;
  • providing feedback about compliance with cues;
  • practicing short swims at a slow speed with limited breathing and constant focus;
  • including drills and exercises to isolate focus on select cues;
  • increasing the frequency of coach-swimmer interactions; and
  • implementing a team-wide system to ensure consistency in technique instruction.
 
Instructional cues play a vital role in learning skills. Cues clarify the orientation of body parts, minimize the chance of misinterpretation, and expedite the learning process. Strategies for improving technique also improve communication between coach and swimmer. In addition, all of the cue strategies to improve basic technology are consistent with intermediate (e.g. underwater video) and advanced (e.g. synchronized video and force data) technology. Even if a coach is limited to basic technology, however, learning strategies make it far more effective.
 
Regardless of the strategies a coach uses to maximize the effectiveness of technique instruction, ultimately the swimmer is responsible for making the changes. A swimmer’s progress is dependent on responding to the coach’s instruction and feedback. However, swimmers who constantly focus on cues without prompting from the coach will enjoy the fastest performance gains.
 
The full text of this article is available at SwimmingWorld.com.