Coaching Tips
Glutes to the Rescue
Hip, knee and low back pain can be a consequence of weak ‘Glute’ muscles. Synchronized/Artistic swimmers are incredibly strong athletes but tend to have underdeveloped Gluteal muscles. This is a result of the extensive time spent doing eggbeater which makes the TFL (Tensor Fascia Latae) strong and the ITB (Iliotibial Band) tight. The TFL/ITB…
Read MoreDo Your Thighs Touch?
There’s something almost magical and mesmerizing about watching a perfectly timed, precisely synchronized swimming routine, complete with beautiful long lines and extended legs. Behind the creation of that beautiful routine, is a group of athletes who worked tirelessly to create that piece of art and athleticism. But within that team, there’s at least one who…
Read MoreSync or Patterns?
Which is your Priority? I feel like patterns in a team are more important than synchronization. Let me explain why. For me patterns is the picture your are setting up for the judges. As long as the patterns are inaccurate the judge will always be trying to guess what exactly you are trying to show.…
Read MoreCan You Do a Hurdle?
A Skill We Must Teach As I visit other clubs and choreograph routines I have noticed many swimmers lack the flexibility to do a basic hurdle position. Other times they just do not know how to get their bodies into the correct position. A lost skill? I’m starting to think that we need to make…
Read MoreOne Skill A Swimmer MUST Master
Are you a Floater or a Sinker? It may seem obvious, but you must teach your swimmers to float. To some swimmers this skill comes naturally. I am a person who can naturally float. Even upside down I can float close to my knees. But you will have swimmers that cannot float at all and…
Read MoreSleep Your Way To a Better Performance
Episode 1 Sleep can improve your performance. Listen to episode 1 of my interview with Bianca van der Meulen on why sleep is so important. https://theonlinesynchrocoach.com/tosc/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Sleep.mp3 Here is what I asked our expert: Can you tell us how sleep can have a positive role in athletic performance? When does REM sleep occur and are there…
Read MoreGetting Kids to Focus at Practice
Tips I’ve Learned Over the Years When I was a student at the University of Alberta I took a class specifically on teaching children 12&under. the scary thing I ever had to do was lead a lesson for two and three year olds!!! Here are some valuable tips I learned from class and over the…
Read MoreFloat or Sink
I am kidding with the title. I just wanted to get your attention. In this article, I will talk about floating and staying afloat, not sinking, unless you do it gracefully. For some it is not as easy as it looks. I did not have that problem because I have always had fat in my…
Read MoreAre You Trying?
Our Words Are Powerful Today, I want to bring you attention to the word TRY. Have you ever caught yourself saying “I’ll try next time.” or ” Ok I’ll try that.” Perhaps coaches have you ever said, “can you try that section again.” Busted. I often use try. There is a much better word…
Read MoreChoreography- The Clapping Exercise
First off, I would like to mention that I do not consider myself the most artistic coach out there. I really prefer the technical side, so I work extra hard to boost up choreography skills. This is a really cool exercise that I am pretty sure I learned from Biz Price. What an amazing and…
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