For decades, swimmers have been taught to follow one simple rule: do what the coach says. This directive, while rooted in tradition and respect, is starting to show its cracks in the modern era of sports science and athlete development.
Let’s be clear—coaches play an irreplaceable role in a swimmer’s journey.
Their experience, insight, and structured training are critical to success. BUT the idea that an athlete should unquestioningly follow orders without understanding or having a say in their training is outdated.
The Evolving Role of the Athlete
Swimming has become more individualized than ever before. With advancements in sports science, nutrition, biomechanics, and mental training, the best athletes don’t just follow instructions—they take an active role in their own development. They ask questions, seek to understand the why behind the sets, and listen to their bodies.
A swimmer’s career is too short and too demanding to train blindly. The best athletes have a collaborative relationship with their coaches. They communicate openly about what works, what doesn’t, and how they feel—physically and mentally.
The Risks of Blind Obedience
When swimmers are trained to never question their coach, several problems can arise:
- Injury Risk – Not every training method fits every athlete. Ignoring pain or pushing through poor mechanics can lead to chronic injuries.
- Mental Burnout – A swimmer who doesn’t feel ownership over their training can lose motivation. Feeling like a cog in the machine rather than an active participant can lead to mental exhaustion.
- Missed Potential – Every swimmer is different. What works for one might not work for another. Coaches who embrace feedback and allow for individualization often see better results.
What If You Just Have a Bad Coach?
We have all either directly dealt with or or know someone who has dealt with a bad coach. Problem is that no one want to be “those people;” so it often goes unresolved.
While the vast majority of coaches are knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated to their swimmers, the reality is that not all coaches are good coaches. Some are stuck in outdated training methods, dismiss athlete feedback, or even create a negative training environment.
Signs of a bad coach might include:
- Ignoring injuries or pain – Pushing swimmers to “tough it out” instead of addressing pain properly.
- Lack of communication – Not explaining the purpose of training sets or refusing to answer questions.
- Favoritism – Only focusing on a select few athletes while neglecting others.
- Emotional or verbal abuse – Yelling, belittling, or using fear as a motivational tool.
- Outdated training methods – Using one-size-fits-all workouts that don’t consider individual needs, modern sports science, or recovery.
If you find yourself in a situation with a coach who isn’t helping you improve—or worse, is harming your progress or well-being—it’s okay to recognize that they might not be the right fit for you.
What Can You Do?
- Communicate – If it feels safe, try talking to your coach. Sometimes, misunderstandings can be resolved with an open conversation.
- Seek Guidance – Talk to trusted teammates, parents, or other mentors about your concerns.
- Advocate for Yourself – If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to speak up. You deserve a training environment that supports your growth.
- Know When to Move On – In some cases, switching teams or finding a new coach may be the best decision for your long-term success and well-being.
A coach should be a guide, not a dictator. Swimming is hard enough without having to fight against a coach who isn’t supporting your best interests. If you feel like you’re constantly battling your training environment, it might be time to reevaluate. Find the coach that supports YOU in your journey.
At the end of the day, your swimming journey belongs to you. Make sure you’re in a place where you can grow, thrive, and reach your full potential.
The Flip Side | What Makes a Great Coach?
Just as bad coaching can hold a swimmer back, a great coach can elevate an athlete to their full potential. The best coaches do more than just write workouts—they inspire, educate, and create an environment where swimmers thrive both in and out of the water.
Here are some key attributes of a great coach:
- Communication & Transparency – A good coach doesn’t just give sets; they explain why they’re being done. They are open to questions, encourage discussion, and make sure their swimmers understand the purpose behind the work. They also provide clear and constructive feedback, helping swimmers refine their technique, mindset, and race strategies.
- Adaptability & Individualization – No two swimmers are the same. A great coach recognizes this and adjusts training to fit the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each athlete. They consider factors like body mechanics, training response, and even outside stressors like school or family life to optimize performance.
- Respect for Athlete Well-Being – A coach who prioritizes long-term success over short-term gains is a coach who truly cares. This means emphasizing recovery, preventing overtraining, and respecting when a swimmer expresses pain or fatigue. They don’t push athletes to the point of injury but instead help them train smart.
- Positive & Constructive Motivation – The best coaches build confidence rather than break it down. They push swimmers to work hard but do so through encouragement rather than fear. They recognize effort, celebrate progress, and hold athletes accountable in a way that fosters respect rather than resentment.
- Trust & Athlete Input – A great coach understands that the best results come when a swimmer buys into the process. They value athlete input and listen when swimmers express concerns about technique, workload, or strategy. This doesn’t mean every complaint changes the plan, but it does mean the coach takes feedback seriously and adjusts when necessary.
- Passion & Lifelong Learning – The best coaches never stop learning. They stay up to date with advancements in sports science, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology. They aren’t stuck in “how things used to be done” but are constantly evolving their methods to keep up with modern swimming.
The Bottom Line!
A great coach isn’t just someone you follow—they’re someone you learn from. They create an environment where swimmers feel valued, challenged, and supported. If you have a coach who communicates well, respects your well-being, and helps you grow, you’re in the right place.
At the end of the day, swimming is a partnership. When both the athlete and the coach work together with mutual trust and respect, that’s when greatness happens.
A New Approach | Coach-Athlete Collaboration
Respecting your coach doesn’t mean turning off your brain. It means learning from them, working with them, and striving to understand the reasoning behind your training.
A great coach welcomes dialogue, encourages self-awareness, and helps athletes develop critical thinking skills about their sport.
If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. If you don’t understand a set, ask. If you need more recovery, advocate for yourself. The best coaches won’t see this as defiance—they’ll see it as dedication.
The old-school mentality of “just do what the coach says” is fading. In its place is a healthier, smarter, and ultimately more effective approach to swimming—one where athletes are empowered to think, question, and take control of their own success.
Swim smart. Train hard. And never stop learning.
