When I was a young swimmer for the Wellington Sharks Swim Team, I quickly realized that consistency was key in swimming. The off-season and colder months shouldn't mean putting away those swimming skills. Let's dive into how you can help your child maintain their swimming skills year-round, with indoor pools and at-home practices.

1. Indoor Pools

Swimming is not just a summer activity. Indoor pools provide an excellent opportunity for your child to continue swim practice during the colder months.

• Join a Local Indoor Pool: Whether it's at a community center or a private club, this can be a fantastic way to keep the swim routine going.

• Enroll in Year-Round Swim Classes: Look for swim schools or clubs offering year-round classes. This will ensure that your child gets regular practice and professional coaching.

2. At-Home Practice

If access to an indoor pool is a challenge, there are various ways to practice swimming skills at home.

• Dryland Exercises: Exercises like planks, squats, or lunges can strengthen the core and leg muscles used in swimming. Jump rope exercises can improve cardiovascular endurance.

• Stretching: Regular stretching can enhance flexibility, which is crucial for swimming. Focus on areas most utilized in swimming, like shoulders, chest, and legs.

• Swim-Specific Exercises: There are many exercises that mimic swim movements. For example, 'Superman' stretches mimic the front crawl, while 'flutter kicks' can emulate the kick used in freestyle and backstroke.

If you’re looking for at-home lessons near Flower Mound, Texas, send me a message to learn how you can book to have one of our professional swim coaches come to you!

3. Mental Practice

Part of the practice is mental. Visualization is a powerful tool used by athletes worldwide.

• Visualizing the Swim: Encourage your child to visualize swimming in a pool, focusing on each stroke's technique.

• Goal Setting: Set goals for the next swim season and discuss strategies to achieve them.

Keeping swimming skills sharp year-round is a commitment that pays off when swim season rolls around. As a swim coach, I always remind my swimmers that every bit of practice counts, whether in an indoor pool or their living room. With consistency, determination, and a little creativity, your child can continue to grow as a swimmer, no matter the season.