Developing Pre-Pool as Part of the Swimmer’s Process

Spencer Turner
3 hours ago
2 min read

As swimmers move through the pathway, more responsibility gradually starts to sit with them.

In the early years, parents may pack the bag, check the kit and make sure everything is ready. Coaches provide most of the structure once the swimmer arrives.

Over time, that begins to change.

Packing their own bag, remembering goggles and a drink bottle, arriving on time and knowing what is expected before a session are all small parts of learning to take more ownership.

Pre-pool preparation should become part of that same process.

For a younger swimmer, that does not mean suddenly being expected to manage everything themselves. It starts with being introduced to what happens before they get in the water and understanding that preparation is part of swimming too.

The coach still guides that process. As the swimmer becomes more experienced, they can take on more responsibility for it.

I see that in much the same way as other areas of swimmer development. We do not expect a swimmer to perfect a skill the first time they are shown it. We introduce it, coach it, repeat it and gradually expect more from them.

The Swimmer’s Warm Up Deck is one tool a coach can use to help with that introduction. The aim is not to make the swimmer dependent on the cards, but to give them a clear visual structure while their understanding develops.

As they progress, the bigger goal is simple: preparation before training or racing becomes something they increasingly understand and take responsibility for themselves.

Prepare. Move. Perform.

Spencer Turner

Creator, The Swimmer’s Warm Up Deck

Buy the Deck | Fastlegs Swim Shop