How to Find a Swim Coach

Improve your swimming skills by finding a swim coach. Whether you want private one-on-one sessions to train for a triathlon or you're looking on behalf of a recreational or club swim team, a swim coach who fits your needs can advance your swimming ability and technique.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check out local swim programs sponsored by such organizations as the YMCA. Send for a catalog that includes information about lessons and teams. Obtain names of participating coaches. Contact coaches through the organization with specific questions to gather more particulars. If you are an adult looking for a coach, ask if she has experience with adults beyond the basic strokes.

    • 2

      Go to swim practices. Look at community pools, swim clubs, or centers. Watch a practice and determine if the coaching method will work for your needs. Speak to other swim participants and get feedback. After a practice, ask to speak with the coach if you are interested in working under him. Get a sense of his personality because you want a good relationship or it won't work. Also, a coach with college swimming experience offers broader knowledge and proficiency of skill and technique.

    • 3

      Pay attention to the sports section of the newspaper or local mail ads about upcoming lessons and articles on swim meet news which may give information about a coach and the level of competitiveness of the team.

    • 4

      Explore USA Swimming. This organization has a wealth of information about local, regional, and national competitive swim teams and coaches. Find a facility or swim team that is sponsored by USA Swimming and then obtain the name of the coach for that location from the organization's website, usaswmiming.org. Set up a time with the coach to discuss your swim desires and learn the coach's requirements. A capable team coach will be able to switch between distance swimming and improving a single stroke.

    • 5

      Check out the American Swimming Coaches Association for a referral in your local area. Go to "Swimming Links" at swimmingcoach.org to learn more about clubs, camps, and colleges in your area that have pools. From there, you can narrow your search in finding a swim coach.

    • 6

      Look for a one-on-one coach to develop your technique when training for a triathlon. Locate a triathlon center or swim school. Speak with a coach to learn what a session would entail and then take the necessary steps to work with the coach that suits your needs. For triathlon training explore the U.S. Masters swimming site for a master coach, who can train you for the current triathlon and help you improve for future triathlons.

    • 7

      Ask co-workers and friends who swim for a referral or go to the local high school or college with a pool. Find out the coach's name and speak directly with him about your personal needs. Choose a coach that does not rush through practice or add undue stress. You want a coach that will give you positive feedback and listen to your questions.