Some words of wisdom from the chief coach here at Derby Phoenix Swimming Club.

Related sections: Chairman's Page, About the Club, Training Programmes

Doug Whitlam MBE, Derby Phoenix Swimming Club Chief Coach 

Derby Phoenix is a competitive swimming club offering every swimmer the opportunity to develop their full physical potential in the field of swimming, within a disciplined, yet secure and friendly environment and to afford each swimmer the chance to swim competitively according to their individual ability.

To lead, support and encourage every swimmer as an individual and to assist them in realising their competitive goals, to be restricted only by their desire to achieve. Our squads are structured to allow each swimmer to fulfill their potential with clear progression standards tied in to the Competitive Development Continuum principles. The squad structure aims not only to develop the swimming skills of individual swimmers, but also to develop the various personal attributes required for a swimmer to become a good competitor and, hopefully, a future champion. A qualified coach is specifically dedicated to each squad with assistance from other qualified teachers.

The support given and the commitment shown by a swimmer's parents will greatly influence a swimmer's development and his/her eventual success. However, parents, in their enthusiasm for their child's success, should guard against exerting undue pressure on their child. Parents can make a positive contribution in the following ways:

		Help create an environment within which your child's personal ambitions within swimming can flourish
		Be positive! Congratulate success and provide support and sympathy when required
		Be aware of your childs goals
		Learn something of the coaching schemes that the coaches are using in their efforts to achieve those goals
		Encourage the setting of targets, each one a little beyond what currently seems attainable
		Support your swimmers' coaches
		Discuss any issues privately
		Make positive suggestions rather than negative criticism

Finally and most importantly:-

Always be Positive. Adopt an optimistic attitude towards your child's swimming achievements. Remember, swimmers don't fail on purpose, there is often a reason and there will always be a next time!