2.2.10 Swimming |
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TECNIQUES Visually Impaired S12 (B2) and S13 (B3) Same as able-bodied swimming. When explaining leg and arm movement or position in the water, it is helpful to be in the water physically manipulating swimmer's body. Remember to let them know what you are doing before you do it. Explain things with a lot of detail. Do not say, "Do this..." and show movement. Blind S11 (B1) Same as able-bodied swimming. When explaining leg and arm movement or position in the water, it is helpful to be the water physically manipulating swimmer's body. Remember to let them know what you are doing before you do it. Explain things with a lot of detail. Do not say, "Do this..." and show movement. TRAINING Visually Impaired S12 (B2) and S13 (B3) Training plans and expectations should be the same as any able-bodied swimmers. Place them in speed appropriate lanes. The expectations of the visually impaired swimmer should be the same as their able-bodied peers. The coach may wish to stand in front of the swimmer to give visual/auditory information or use the athlete to demonstrate a technique (Be sure to do this without making it a negative situation for the swimmer). Blind S11 (B1) Training plans and expectations should be the same as any able-bodied swimmers. Place them in speed appropriate lanes. The expectations of the blind swimmer should be the same as their able-bodied peers. The coach may wish to use the athlete to demonstrate a technique (Be sure to do this without making it a negative situation for the swimmer). LANE LINES / MARKERS Bright colored lane lines or markers on the lane lines may assist the swimmer if the traditional lines are difficult for the swimmers. Ask the swimmer what would help them. Swimmers will run into lane lines a lot while learning. Sharp/rough lane lines may be painful and cause the swimmer frustration. Watch for these situations and approach accordingly. WALLS / FLIP TURNS The S13 (B3) Athlete In Training A bright colored marker may be placed on or near the wall for beginning teaching purposes to locate the wall. As they develop, the swimmer should work on their stroke count. In Competition In national and international competition, swimmers cannot use any external aid to help them see the wall for turns. The S12 (B2) Athlete In Training Depending on the athlete's level of vision, a bright colored marker may be placed on or near the wall for beginning teaching purposes to locate the wall. As they develop, the swimmer should work on their stroke count. In Competition Swimmers may have a tapper in national or international competition. This is the swimmer's choice. Same ideas as S13 & S11 may help.The S11 (B1) Athlete In Training The athlete should work with the tapper and/or sprinkler to develop their stroke count going into the flip turn. The tapper should be used at a consistent distance from the wall each time. In Competition The expectations of the blind swimmer should be the same as their able-bodied peers. TAPPING The S12 Athlete Swimmers may have a tapper in national or international competition. This is the swimmer's choice. If the athlete wishes to be tapped, it is beneficial that the coach is the tapper since they "know" the athlete the best. Tappers may not give swimmers encouragement, or coach them, only instruct them regarding their surroundings. In Training If the athlete chooses to be tapped, it would be beneficial to have a consistent person(s) tap for the athlete in practice and competition. The S11 (B1) Athlete In Training It would be beneficial to have a consistent person(s) tap for the athlete in practice and competition. In Competition Swimmers must be tapped in national and international competition. It is beneficial that the coach is the tapper since they "know" the athlete the best. Tappers may not give swimmers encouragement, or coach them, only instruct them regarding their surroundings. What is the tapper?
Hinge two boards together--one with the sprinkler fastened to the board and angled to spray into the pool. The other is on the pool deck with a heavy weight attached to keep it from moving. Setting the angle of the board will depend on the how many lanes you hope to mark. The sprinkler is then connected to the water supply and turned on. The objective is to provide another means of identifying where the swimmer is in relation to the end of the lane. This is very helpful to a coach who is unable to tap at both ends of the pool. This could be used in conjunction with the tapper at the other end. Aqualert: A device developed specifically for the blind or visually impaired swimmer. Similar to the sprinkler system, the Aqualert makes the visually impaired swimmer aware of the upcoming wall through water that sprays down to the pool from the backstroke flags. SEND OFF TIMES AND PACE CLOCK Visually Impaired S12 (B2) and S13 (B3) Place a smaller portable pace clock right in front of the swimmer's lane. Have the swimmer go behind a slightly faster swimmer that they can follow. The coach can choose to verbally tell the swimmer when to go. As the swimmers become more independent in training, the athlete can count silently to themselves (one one-thousand, etc.). Place in speed appropriate lanes, but still challenge for optimal performance. The S11 (B1) Athlete Have the swimmer go behind a slightly faster swimmer who is willing to verbally communicate the send off. The coach can verbally indicate the send off. As the swimmers become more independent in training, the athlete can count silently to themselves (one one-thousand, etc.). Place in speed appropriate lanes, but still challenge for optimal performance. CIRCLE SWIMMING Visually Impaired S12 (B2) and S13 (B3) Swimmers follow circle-swimming rules. Have the swimmer use one bright lane lines or the bottom of the pool to guide. The S11 (B1) Athlete S11 swimmers can be taught to circle swim but require a lot of practice and patience with the other swimmers. When pushing off the walls, the swimmer should make sure they " square off." Swimmers place back flat against the wall before pushing off to push off in a straight line.< One-way swimming against the lane line is optimal. DIVING Visually Impaired S12 (B2) and S13 (B3) Starting block starts are used with the same technique as able-bodied swimmers. The S12 Athlete For relay take-offs, an assistant may tap the swimmer on the foot when it is time to start. An assistant may also hold the swimmer's ankle and let go when it is time to start. The S11 (B1) Athlete One-way swimming against the lane line is optimal. Starting block starts are used with the same technique as able-bodied swimmers. An assistant may help guide the swimmer up on to the blocks. For relay take-offs, an assistant may tap the swimmer on the foot when it is time to start. An assistant may also hold the swimmers ankle and let go when it is time to start. No verbal c communication is allowed in national or international competition. LOCKER ROOM/POOL MOBILITY Visually Impaired S12 (B2) and S13 (B3) Explain and show the swimmer where things are located and which routes to travel when. This will encourage complete independence getting to and from the pool.The S11 (B1) Athlete Explain and show the swimmer where things are located and which routes to travel when. This will encourage complete independence getting to and from the pool. MEETS Visually Impaired S12 (B2) and S13 (B3) Explain and show the swimmer where things are located and which routes to travel when. This will encourage complete independence getting to and from the pool. Enter the swimmer in all appropriate local competitions. Notify the meet referee prior to the competition to explain the swimmer's potential needs. The S11 (B1) Athlete Explain and show the swimmer where things are located and which routes to travel when. This will encourage complete independence getting to and from the pool. Enter the swimmer in all appropriate local competitions. Notify the meet referee prior to the competition to explain the swimmer's potential needs.GOGGLES Visually Impaired S12 (B2) and S13 (B3) Look for information about the annual USA Swimming Disability Championship meet. Information can be found on the USA Swimming website under events. If the swimmer meets qualifying times, encourage their participation. Same as able-bodied swimming. The S11 (B1) Athlete Look for information about the annual USA Swimming Disability Championship meet. Information can be found on the USA Swimming website under events. If the swimmer meets qualifying times, encourage their participation. Goggles are to be blacked out and inspected by meet officials during both national and international competition. |