Over the years, of swimming and coaching I've come to realize that one of the most underrated tools in a young swimmer’s arsenal is the simple act of watching others. As someone who’s been both in the pool and on deck, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this can be for young athletes. It’s not just about sitting back and enjoying the race; it’s about learning—and trust me, there’s a lot they can pick up.
Technique and Skill Development
I’ll never forget my first international meet—the FINA World Cup in Durban, South Africa. I was still quite young, but suddenly, I found myself surrounded by some of the best swimmers in the world. Olympians, world champions, athletes who had already achieved what seemed like impossible feats. It was a surreal experience, and instead of feeling intimidated, I turned it into a learning opportunity.
I’d sit by the pool and watch everything they did with laser focus. These weren’t just swimmers—they were technicians of the sport. Every movement was deliberate, and I started to notice how they performed the little things that made a big difference in their races. I observed how they held their streamline off the wall, how they maintained a perfect body position during turns, and how effortless their strokes looked despite the insane speed they were moving at.
I remember thinking, if I can just do what they do, I might get faster too. So, I started trying to emulate their movements during my own practice sessions. And you know what? It worked. My starts were sharper, my turns tighter, and I became more efficient with every stroke. It was a game-changer in my development as a swimmer.
For young athletes, this kind of observational learning is invaluable. Kids who pay close attention to races can absorb so much without even realizing it. Watching skilled swimmers in action provides a blueprint for what proper technique looks like in real time.
Better Strokes
One of the most valuable insights young swimmers gain from observing elite athletes is how they swim, with every stroke reflecting a level of focus and discipline that goes beyond individual style. Each swimmer may have their unique approach, but they share core principles that remain constant. Watching elite swimmers reveals how mastery in the water is about much more than speed—it's about control, precision, and adaptability.
Elite swimmers consistently demonstrate a purposeful approach to each movement, showing young athletes that efficiency and smoothness are at the heart of effective swimming. Their strokes seem to blend seamlessly into a natural rhythm, each action serving to maintain momentum with minimal wasted energy. For a young swimmer, watching this balance of power and rhythm is eye-opening—it showcases how the best athletes work with the water, not against it.
Additionally, top swimmers have a unique ability to adjust their approach depending on factors like race distance, fatigue levels, or even external conditions. This adaptability offers an invaluable lesson: small adjustments in technique or pacing can make a significant difference, and knowing when to conserve energy or push harder is a key part of becoming a versatile swimmer. By observing how elite athletes handle different stages of a race, young swimmers can begin to understand the art of pacing and strategy.
Better Approach
Beyond physical skills, one of the most profound lessons young swimmers can learn from elite athletes is the mental preparation and poise they bring to competition. Top swimmers embody a quiet confidence and resilience that sets them apart, both in and out of the water. This goes beyond technique—it's about mindset and how they carry themselves. The calm focus they display as they walk onto the pool deck and the intense concentration they bring to the starting blocks are qualities that show young swimmers the importance of mental presence.
Many elite swimmers have established rituals or routines that help them lock into the right headspace before a race. Some may close their eyes to visualize the race, picturing each phase of the swim, while others use controlled breathing exercises or affirmations to calm nerves and sharpen focus. These mental preparation techniques are subtle but essential, showing young swimmers that performance in the pool begins long before they hit the water. By observing these routines, young swimmers learn that success is as much about mindset as it is about physical ability. Mental routines are not a luxury; they’re a cornerstone of high-level performance.
In addition, elite swimmers exemplify resilience under pressure. Regardless of the race outcome, they handle each result with composure—whether it’s a win, a personal best, or a tough loss. They demonstrate sportsmanship by showing respect to competitors, acknowledging their effort, and finding value in each experience, regardless of the outcome. This teaches young swimmers the importance of emotional control and the ability to grow from challenges, rather than letting setbacks define their journey.
Another aspect that stands out is how elite swimmers are constantly learning, even in the midst of competition. You’ll often see them analyzing their own races or taking feedback from coaches to improve, rather than resting on past successes. This dedication to continuous improvement reflects a growth mindset that goes beyond training hours. For young swimmers, observing this commitment to self-improvement serves as a powerful reminder that every race, every practice, and every setback is an opportunity to grow.
By paying attention to these aspects—the focus, resilience, and mental discipline—young swimmers can begin to understand what truly sets elite athletes apart. Observing these habits helps young swimmers grasp the broader spectrum of what it takes to become a great competitor, teaching them that swimming is not just a physical endeavor, but a mental and emotional one as well.
Conclusion
Observation is an underrated tool, but it’s one of the most powerful learning methods available to young swimmers. By watching elite athletes, they gain access to a masterclass in not only technique but also the mindset, discipline, and adaptability that define high-level competitors. Whether it’s the precision in every stroke, the calculated adjustments during a race, or the calm focus before stepping up to the blocks, each of these qualities offers invaluable insights into what it takes to excel.
This week’s World Cup in Singapore provides a fantastic opportunity for young swimmers to witness these lessons firsthand. Watching world-class athletes compete on home soil allows them to learn from the best right in their backyard. Encourage them to watch closely, observe the skills and routines of these top swimmers, and take mental notes on what they see. From stroke techniques to pre-race focus and post-race composure, there’s so much for young athletes to absorb from this rare experience.
Encouraging young swimmers to watch and learn teaches them that there’s more to swimming than just physical speed. It’s about mental strength, resilience, and constant growth. Every race becomes an opportunity—not just to compete, but to absorb, adapt, and improve. By observing these habits and attitudes in action, young swimmers gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and, ultimately, a roadmap to becoming more complete and well-rounded athletes.
So the next time they’re watching a meet, remind them that they’re not just spectators—they’re students of the sport, with every race watched being a stepping stone toward their own success in the pool.
Till the next one!
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