{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"If you\u2019re a new coach, this is your unfair advantage\u2026","description":"The path to elite swim coaching isn\u2019t what you think\u2014mentors, conversations, and unspoken rules are more powerful than any degree or software. Episode #84 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide explores truths behind elite swim coaching with insights from a 2023 international survey of 123 top coaches. Discover how these pros actually learn, coach, and use (or ignore) technology. And, we wonder have things changed so much in the past few years. Peer\u2011to\u2011peer learning dominates \u2013 89% say conversations with other coaches are their primary knowledge source. Mentorship matters \u2013 81% have a mentor; over three\u2011quarters rate that relationship as \u201cextremely influential.\u201d Coaching philosophies evolve \u2013 97% report their approach changes over time, driven by reflection and \u201cepisodic\u201d experiences. Technical expertise over communication \u2013 Hard\u2011skill knowledge tops the list of coach priorities; communication ranks near the bottom. Tech and education split \u2013 Only ~52% use performance\u2011analysis software, while university\u2011educated coaches are far more likely to read research, adopt LTAD models, and employ advanced tools. You\u2019ll be shocked how elite swim coaches actually learn\u2014it's not through certifications, but a surprising underground network of mentorship and peer wisdom. Even though swimming feels ultra\u2011individual in the water, self\u2011discipline (62.3%) and self\u2011confidence (58.4%) outrank \u201cteam mentality\u201d as the top life\u2011skills coaches want their athletes to develop. In a sport where you\u2019re literally alone in a lane, those inner traits are the real secret sauce. Discipline ranks high. Communication ranks low. The world\u2019s top swim coaches are flipping everything we thought we knew about leadership on its head. Soak in the episode now. Then join the conversation \u2013 hit reply with your thoughts, questions, or a coaching story you want us to explore next. Become an ISCA member (just $75) for unlimited access to our Global Library at Read.SwimISCA.org, exclusive content, and the learning laboratory we\u2019re building with WAFSU.org.  Thanks for being part of the swim\u2011coach community. Your curiosity fuels the next lap! Stay warm and buoyant, Mark Rauterkus Host, Heavy\u202fOr\u202fNot \u2013 The OG Swim Guide International Swim Coaches Association (ISCA) P.S. Got a friend who\u2019d love these insights? Forward this link -- HON.LAP.red \u2014let\u2019s keep the ripple effect rolling! ","author_name":"Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide","author_url":"https:\/\/HON.LAP.red","html":"