Sunday 28 September 2014

Club Championships

Congratulations to all the swimmers at the club championships. Lots of swimmers achieved different things over this competition. Whether it be county qualifying times, club records, medals, first swims or pb's, I was really happy to see the hard work that the children do in training, pass over to technical improvements in their strokes. Well done Orion Juniors.

Saturday 13 September 2014

Lost Property - Junior Development Friday 12th September Harborne

Three pieces of equipment with no name/identifiable marks.

FINIS short fins.
Kickboard
Pull Buoy

Please can all items of swim equipment be clearly named. They have the potential to last the swimmers' years and years if not lost (I have the same kickboard since when I left learn to swim!)

Please see me for collection.

Darren

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Birmingham Water Festival 19th October

Reminder about water festival, please get your entries in for this Friday, 12th September.

On the 19th October will be the annual Birmingham Water Festival, a competition designed for swimmers with limited competitive experience aged 8,9,10 (age on 19th October).

I have attended this competition for the past 2 years now and this is definitely one of the best competitions for your child to start competitive swimming.

To enter - either get an entry from me or Karen. Or print out the one attached in this email and hand it back in. I also recommend entering all the events, don't worry about putting a time in for the events if you don't know them we will do that for you.

Medals will be awarded for the first 3 places in each event. There are however upper qualifying times for each event to stop experienced swimmers entering. On the day if your child swims faster than the time allowed they will receive a speeding ticket.

We need the forms back by 12th September. Cheques made payable to Orion Swimming Club please.

Tuesday 9 September 2014

The Sun Sets on Land Training

As the winter nights draw closer,  land training after Monday's session unfortunately has to cease. It is getting too dark and cold to carry on this practise safely.

The children that have been regularly taking part in these sessions have got a lot more out of it than just extra training. I have seen a good, friendly atmosphere where children are focused on doing things to help improve their swimming. It also allows them to socialise rather than stare at the long black line in the pool!

I am currently working on an alternative situation that will allow indoor practise,  I will communicate with everyone once confirmed.

Coach Darren

Tuesday 2 September 2014

September focus: There's something about streamline!

Each month I will be listing a skill for the Junior squads main focus.

For the start of the season the focus is STREAMLINE.

It cannot be stressed enough how important streamline is to any swimmer. It is the easiest way to make competitive swimming easier and faster.

If a swimmer did not streamline on entry to the pool or pushing of the turns, the person that they are racing will probably get ahead and save their energy by utilising this basic but very important skill.

I will expect the swimmers to independently be on top of this, trying to impress with streamline of the walls.

Please have a look at this technique video. All-Strokes - Simple Streamline: http://youtu.be/fej5IOsR8BU