Unless you’re in a place where you can tan while you train year-round, winter can be a challenging time for swim coaches and their teams–even for the most committed. Between cold weather and shorter days, it’s difficult to stay motivated, let alone maintain the same level of training intensity as in the warmer months. However, with the right strategies (and a bit of creativity), you can keep your swim team motivated and ensure they don’t squander the winter training season.
Set clear goals
Start the winter season by setting clear and achievable objectives with your swim team. Whether it’s improving stroke technique, increasing endurance, or targeting specific swim meet performances, having well-defined goals will help swimmers stay motivated throughout the winter. Consider setting different kinds of objectives than you otherwise would in the warmer months. Focusing on a separate set of aims over a finite period of time can foster a sense of achievability and help break up the long year for your competitive swimmers.
Create a fun environment through cross-training
Try to see the winter as an opportunity to establish new routines, pushing your team forward while trying something different. Activities like yoga, pilates, or strength training can help improve flexibility, core strength, and overall fitness. A cross-training regimen also reduces the risk of injury and offers a mental break from the pool.
This change-up can also help inject some fun into your training sessions, giving you the opportunity to incorporate more games, relays, and friendly competitions. A connected team is a motivated team. Whether it’s during pure exercise or in friendly games, winter is an ideal time to build in team-building activities.
Utilize technology (and possibly an indoor pool)
No need to channel a Rocky IV montage, and rough it through training in the snow… When the temperature drops, your technology use should rise. Consider utilizing video analysis tools that can help swimmers visualize their progress and identify areas for improvement. You can also encourage them to track their training sessions and performance using apps and wearables.
Obviously a heated pool only goes so far, so winter swim training is ideal at an indoor one. Therefore, if you’re going to continue to focus on technique, make sure your swimmers are safe and comfortable and that you’re making the most of their pool-time with content they can study long after they’ve dried off/warmed up.
Celebrate achievements
No matter what techniques or activities you employ, winter training can just be psychologically harder than the rest of the year. Recognize and celebrate the achievements and milestones your swimmers reach during the winter season. When you set your goals at the beginning of the season, set extrinsic incentives as well. While competitive achievement alone is a good motivator, additional rewards can go a long way toward maintaining long-term motivation. Talk to your team; find out what they want to work for, and see the clear results.
Optimize your management
Training your swim team during the winter months may present challenges, but with creativity, determination, and a supportive coaching approach, you can keep your swimmers motivated and on track. When it comes to improving your own regimen year-round, consider Captyn’s management platform. Alleviate administrative burdens with easy enrollment, streamlined roster management, payment reminders, and efficient multifaceted communication. As an official vendor of USA Swimming, Captyn is proud to be fully integrated with SWIMS 3.0 too. Maximize your capabilities today by reaching out to our experts. Winter or not, we’re here to help.
