Learning to Coach the TI Way

[CoachStuartMcDougal]

Just discovered this 2005 article by Coach Joe Novak (link below), excellent read. Joe was coached by Terry during his days at West Point. Joe was a sprinter, 50/100m free, 100 butterfly, one of the most decorated swimmers and set Academy records - then turned coach after leaving the Army. One of Coach Novak's recent students, pro triathlete Michael Weiss. Michael Weiss took top honors at IM Cozumel earlier this month.

Get to know Coach Novak and his experiences with Terry and Total Immersion: Learning to Coach the TI Way: Lessons from my Swimming Days

Stuart

[CoachSuzanne]

Stuart, great find! That article was one of the ones I read that helped push me towards TI Coaching, knowing taht Joe was a formerly "Traditional" swimmer who was then coached by Terry and excelling. I should share that more often.

Joe also has a great article he'd submitted on active.com. I would love it if Joe wrote more often .

[CoachStuartMcDougal]

Suzanne! Thanks! And great hear it was an article that brought you to TI, very cool. I didn't know Joe did some active.com articles - did a quick search and found this gem: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Swimmers. It's an excellent read, great advice - and a perfect title too.

Stuart

[CoachSuzanne]

Originally Posted by CoachStuartMcDougal

Suzanne! Thanks! And great hear it was an article that brought you to TI, very cool. I didn't know Joe did some active.com articles - did a quick search and found this gem: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Swimmers. It's an excellent read, great advice - and a perfect title too.

Stuart

Yep that's it!! Found that one also just prior to taking my TI workshop and was thrilled to find it. It' should be shared daily. :)

[Moira Horan]

Thanks, great reads and I've shared the 7 Habits article with my group.

[CoachStuartMcDougal]

Moira, Awesome! I've shared with my squad too - wooohoo!

Suzanne, Very cool! When I found Coach Novak's article on active.com and what immediately stood out before I saw his name was the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Swimmers:. I thought - well yes, of course! I (like many) read the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People too. I think Coach Novak could easily write a book under this very subject - especially with his swim chops.

One of my fav lines under #3 Constantly seek ways to minimize drag "While I've seen and experienced the limits one can physically exert themselves in the water, I have yet to see a limit on how much a person can improve their efficiency". This follows the mantra I use in all sports, 'minimum (physical) effort, maximum result' (came from a former hockey coach in my youth). And one of my favs from Coach Mat Hudson: "Look for the path of least resistance, and you will find it"

May need to repost Coach Novak's article in its own thread as "7 Habits of Highly Effective Swimmers" :-)

Swim Smart - Swim Happy!

Stuart

[CoachSuzanne]

Originally Posted by CoachStuartMcDougal

Moira, Awesome! I've shared with my squad too - wooohoo!


May need to repost Coach Novak's article in its own thread as "7 Habits of Highly Effective Swimmers" :-)

Swim Smart - Swim Happy!

Stuart

The best coaches in all sporst seem to follow a similar path..ironically, it's one of a large amount of resistance! lol.

Start that thread, I think it would be great.

[Talvi]

I picked out some takeaways for myself from the Active.com article (thanks), yet, while I can't imagine any, I wonder if there are any caveats you would attach to them for those of us with sub 2:00 pace?

• 2. control your effort and maintain proper form
• 3. minimize drag
• 5. be the quietest
• 6. focus on looking easier

They seem perfect :)

[CoachSuzanne]

Originally Posted by Talvi

I picked out some takeaways for myself from the Active.com article (thanks), yet, while I can't imagine any, I wonder if there are any caveats you would attach to them for those of us with sub 2:00 pace?

• 2. control your effort and maintain proper form
• 3. minimize drag
• 5. be the quietest
• 6. focus on looking easier

They seem perfect :)

by sub 2:00 pace do you mean faster ? like 1:30 or 1:45? All the same apply. Keep in mind Joe's pace was sub 1:00 for a 100 in more than 1 stroke. :)

[Talvi]

Originally Posted by CoachSuzanne

by sub 2:00 pace do you mean faster ? like 1:30 or 1:45? ...

I did wonder which was the right way to put it :D No, I wish!! By sub I meant slower. My brain!! :D

p.s.
I'm just posting some data on my last session and would really appraciate some interpretation advice (HINT) :)