Can you be a lane leader?
Ask the following questions to see:
- Do I come to practice regularly?
- Would I like to try something out of my comfort zone?
- Do I listen to coaches well?
- Do I understand main sets with focus points?
- Can I hold my lane accountable for doing the right thing?
- Am I able to get the attention of the swimmers in my lane?
- Do I like to push myself to go as fast as possible?
- Can I handle disappointment if I have to resume a different place in line?
- Do I understand the interval clock?
- Can I take constructive criticism if I miss an interval or make a mistake?
- Do I execute my turns correctly and circle swim properly?
Future lane leaders, try the following:
- Go second in line.
- Watch the clock carefully and make sure the current leader is on track.
- Help the lane leader share information with the lane.
- Ask questions about sets if you don't understand.
- Tell the lane leader you are practicing and ask if you can try to lead part of a set.
- Once you are comfortable, try to pass the lane leader.
A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better. ~Jim Rohn
Lane leaders can lead the swimmers in his/her lane to be their best...
- "Let's all try to do six dolphin kicks off the wall this time."
- "Guys, make sure you slide over and let everyone finish into the wall."
- "We broke 35 seconds on that fifty, let's go for 33 seconds this time!"
Be a silent leader and just see how good it feels...
- Silently stack boards. Not, "Hey Coach Steven, I stacked the boards!"
- Leave the deck clean and tidy. Not, "Hey Coach Alex, I threw away every one's trash."
- "Coach Melanie, do you need help picking up boards?" Not, "I am the only one who helps around here.