5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Team Training Environment

By Annie Grevers

Toxic team training environments give way to rapid burnout. How many swimming talents have thrown in the towel after succumbing to negative vibes in or around the pool? I do not blame them. Swimming is an enormous time commitment and if that time is not edifying, you might conclude that your time could be better spent. But rather than giving up on your club team or the sport of swimming, I challenge you to try to morph the environment. It may seem like a lofty mission, but I’ve seen individuals subtly lift up their team one day at a time. Below are five ways YOU can work to turn a negative training atmosphere around.

1) PRAISE

Notice the terrific practice that guy next to you is having. “But I’m upset because he’s having a better practice than I am. His endorphin rush after this workout will be reward enough for him,” we think. Swallowing your pride and telling your teammate he dominated that practice will often mean more to him than anything a coach could say. Sometimes a team needs a radical to revolutionize the environment. That radical can be you, struggling through a practice, but still able to think beyond yourself and notice the superhuman efforts of your teammates.

2) ENGAGE

In order to praise, you must be fully engaged in the in-water happenings. In our individual sport, it’s easy to slide into the rhythm of tending to yourself. Warm yourself up. Swim your best. Cool down. I’m not asking you to scrap any of that! But, if you find yourself with doddle time during a meet, tune into your teammates’ races. Yes, this will make them feel special, but the reward will be tenfold for you, the witness. The adrenaline spike and burst of inspiration we get after watching a phenomenal swim reminds us of what we’re striving for. Burying your head in a parka and sprawling out on those super comfortable bleachers is one way to suck the life out of a spirited environment. Engage in your team and one swim could be the start of an electrifying meet for your crew.

3) STOP THE GOSSIP

There was a time in my life where the locker room became a place to bash. The victims of this situation were the innocent bystanders, swimmers or parents who had never met this swimmer or coach, but now had a horrible picture of who she was. In my own experience, I’ve heard awful opinions shared of teammates I had not yet met. Was I motivated to get to know them after hearing a rant on how obnoxious they were? No. We’re quick to adopt others’ opinions as our own, so be careful when you’re tempted to vent. If you hear someone fired up and beginning to spew venom, try to divert the conversation or even politely excuse yourself. If these options are not doable, the best move is to remain silent. Eventually the gossiper will realize you’re no fun to talk trash with and move onto a better topic.

4) PEER COACH

You are a valuable resource, surrounded by valuable resources! When I got to college, peer coaching was written into some practices. I understand…we do not always feel equipped to nitpick our neighbor’s stroke. But if you’re really good at something, people want to know what your secret is. I diligently worked on my breaststroke pullouts one season with three other breaststrokers. We’d stay in the water for five minutes after practice and critique one another. Watching and giving pointers benefits both parties. You, the peer coach, become more cognizant of technicalities and they, the subject, reap the benefits of your unique expertise.

5) TEAM MEETING

Plan a team meeting. In our muted, underwater world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of communication. Voicing your concerns and listening to your teammates concerns is crucial to team unity. If you do not feel like your team will listen to you, meet with your team captain or someone your team holds in high regard prior to the team meeting. If you’re feeling the effects of a negative environment, you’re probably not alone. Brainstorming with your team and making them part of your cause is the fastest way to radically revitalize a gloomy environment.

About the Author:
Annie (Chandler) Grevers is a staff writer for Swimming World. She swam for Arizona University winning the 100 yard breaststroke at the NCAA DI Championships as a senior in 2010. She was also a member of 5 NCAA Championship relays during her college career as well as a member of Arizona’s NCAA Championship title in 2008. She represented the United States at the Pan Pacific Games in 2010 and World University Games 2011 where she placed first in the 50m breaststroke.
She is married to Matt Grevers and resides in Tucson, Arizona

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