Evaluation

Coaching Resources:   

Introduction     Planning and Delivery     Best Practices     Evaluation    Limiters and Fixes     Drills      Analysis     Workouts 

Ottawa Swimming Coach Evaluation

Before the Practice

• Presented a plan for the practice that is being run: 

  • Identified main segments of the practice and duration in minutes: intro, warm-up, main part, cool-down, and conclusion.

  • Timing (maximizes use of time available relative to conditioning level of group)

• Presents overview of periodization for season

  • Workout plan fits into overall periodization and progressive building of workload

• Prescribe equipment required, ensure it is available if provided by pool

• Understands guards are in charge in case of emergency

• Aware of any possible safety issues: collision, slips, 

• Has phone for access to class list and ICE

• Remembers to protect participant information when distributing information; i.e., When sending mass email communications, is sure to respect the confidentiality of contact information; Asks permission before sharing contact information

• Understands there is no expectation to share in depth info via email with group

  • Important shares: dates, equipment requirement

Bottom Line:     Have a plan     Be safe     Be respectful

Managing the Atmosphere

• Establishes a welcoming and inclusive environment from entry

• Nurtures a positive/fun environment through everything they say

• Creates an enjoyable learning environment

• Uses strategies to promote participant self-esteem

• Knows names, uses names

• Reinforces in a constructive way the participants’ efforts and performance

• Reacts if aware an individual is not enjoying

• Evidence is there that the coach is enjoying themselves in the role

Bottom Line:     Be Welcoming     Create Fun

Segment Explanations

• Positions self appropriately to address group, pans group with eyes

• Keeps explanations short (2-3’ explanation rule)

• Speaks clearly and at proper volume

• Demonstrations are easy to understand, verbal and visual

• Appropriate options for all participants

• Explains the purpose/benefit of the drill/segment

• As swimmers commence, scans to ensure all are showing understanding of segment

Bottom Line:     Be Clear      Be Brief      Make Sense 

Applied Knowledge

• Identifies technical limiters in swimmer and prioritizes relative to ability level

• Shows knowledge and use of a check list of common limiters relative to stroke phases

• Understands when movement pattern is influenced by mobility impairment

• Demonstrates a variety of prescriptive drills to address limiters 

• Asks participant’s consent for physical contact when assisting in correcting a skill error

• Encourages continued technique focus when moving from drills to main sets

Bottom Line:     Build Knowledge      Develop Vision      Apply Knowledge

Individual Corrections

• Contacts with each swimmer multiple times per class

• Moves around the pool to improve viewing angles

• Communicates correction clearly; well positioned, loud enough, eye contact

• Catches them doing something right but explain WHY it was good/great

• If time allows, shares a positive in advance of a correction

• Keeps focus points to 1-2, short and simple

• Easy and effective one on one demonstrations (visual and verbal)

• Explains why a change will make a difference

• Watches the swimmer apply the advice giving follow up feedback

• Uses tools (pull buoy, band, board etc) effectively when appropriate

• Overall: ensure all swimmers know what is #1 on their own list of things to watch or work on

Bottom Line:     Contact     Communicate     

The Bottom Line to The Bottom Line: There is safety, smiles and swimming.