Swim coaching course pays off

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 687, 20 May 1997, Page 7

Swim coaching course pays off

Aimed at people interested in developing their swimming and coaching skills, the SwimTech coaching course held at Waiouru on 10 May was considered to be very worthwhile by those who attended. "It was really interesting as it was good to be shown new ideas and different ways of doing things," said Elisabeth Carver, one of the Waiouru participants. The one-day course was facilitated by SwimTech tutor, Mike Lee, from Taupo and was geared for people who have completed either a Lotto SwimSafe or KiwiSwim course or who have coached pool-side for the equivalent of one year. It cOncentrated on stroke technique and analysis for all strokes as well as teaching sequence for starts, turns and finishes for these strokes and the individual medleys. Over 20 people from Waiouru and the surrounding areas participated in the course which included a mix of

workshop and practieal pool sessions. There was a "wide variety" of background coaching experience among the participants, commented Ms Carver, which meant that "ideas, approaches and teaching skills" were also shared informally during the day. Course participants are awarded a certificate from SwimTech which is valid for five years. This qualification serves as an introduction to the Level One Coaching Programme. The Waiouru Swimming Club arranged for Mr Lee to hold a coaching day for their club members on the Sunday which also proved beneficial to both coaches and swimmers alike. The course was organised by Waiouru Swimming Club captain, Helen Black, through Swimming Education New Zealand, and anyone interested in other courses that are available should contact Mrs Black.