The ABCs of Coaching

Some lessons learned from a decade in the sport...

A is for Accountability.  Be accountable for your actions and hold your athletes accountable as well.
B is for Basics.  Stress the basics of sound technique every day.
C is for Communication.  This is the foundation for your success or failure as a coach.
D is for Developing your skills.  Keep learning and improving your skill set.
E is for Encouragement.  Your athletes need to hear it from you more than you think.
F is for Fitness.  If you are physically fit you will feel good and your athletes will respect you more.
G is for Games.  There is a place for these in every training program.
H is for Hard work.  There simply is no other way.
I is for Individualize.  Show an athlete that you are planning specifically for him and his motivation will soar.
J is for Jokes.  Tell them from time to time.
K is for Know your athletes.  As people first, as athletes second.
L is for Learn.  From your mistakes and from every possible source.
M is for Mentor.  Have one and be one.
N is for Negativity.  Run from it.  Be a force against it.  The world puts enough of it in your swimmers' lives already.
O is for Openness.  Be sure that your athletes feel they can talk to you.
P is for Parents.  The successful coach makes them his partners.
Q is for Question the conventions.  "Because that is how we do it" is not a good enough reason for anything.
R is for Racing.  Teach it. Preach it.  Encourage your swimmers to compete.
S is for Swim yourself.  You will have a better understanding of what you are asking your athletes to do.
T is for Teach.  The primary mission of a great coach is to be a teacher.
U is for Use your time wisely.  Coaching can take over your life if you don't prioritize your time.
V is for Vacation.  Make sure you take it.  It will make you a better coach.
W is for Winning.  Celebrate it, but don't make it your sole focus.
X is for eXamine your process and your results.
Y is for Yourself.  Being yourself is the most fundamental form of honesty.
Z is for Zeal.  Be a zealous fan of your swimmers.