Game version
Picture-it pairs: on the deck, tell your partner what your perfect swim looks like, then swap. Breathe slowly together first.
Reset After a Tough Swim
A simple routine to let go of a tough swim before your next one: mistakes are how we learn.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Take three slow breaths on the deck.
Core: Three. Beat your own calm.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 6 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Nothing to bring
- Level · skill
- Developing · Race Mindset
The steps
How it works
- Take three slow breaths on the deck.
- Name one thing that went wrong without blaming yourself.
- Name one thing you will do next time.
- Then turn your attention to the next event.
Coaching point
Learn it, then leave it.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one deep breath), Core (three), More (picture a full swim). Beat your own calm.
Story
You are a movie director picturing your best swim.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own calm. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.