Christmas Bowling!

Please let me know if you would like to attend this Christmas social

Darren

Tough Swimmers!

Very tough swimming by Junior Development tonight, Fly until you die!

Well done to everyone that swam it, especially Eddie, Dan and Molly, who had to be stopped due to the end of their session, completing 1000m non stop fly!

Busy Weekend

Huge congratultions to the swimmers who competed in a range of competitions this weekend. It is fantastic to see representatives of Orion swimming technically good at Boldmere Open meet and fast!

Ian and I whizzed off to Rugby in the early evening to support the Novice gala compete.

This was a fantastic opportunity with lots of the team making their first competitive swims in an Orion hat, and I could not be more pleased!  With many swimmers 'swimming up', against older children, Orion did fantastic coming 5th out of 7. With some strong competition by a huge Rugby and Coventry squad, I was glad to provide an opportunity to reward the swimmers who train so hard with a representation for the Club.

Thank you swimmers, fellow coaches, poolside helpers and timekeepers for enabling this to go ahead. Most of all, THANK YOU to all parents for attending and supporting some of the first steps in your child's competitive swimming future.

Report to follow shortly.

County Qualifying Times

The County championships, Regionals Championships and National/British Championships are seen as the big events that lead the performance pathway for British swimmers. Age at these competitions will be classed as- Age as at 31st December. For next year, any child born in 2005 will be classed as a 10 year old, 2004 classed as 11 year old and so on. 

Please check to see if you are close to any qualifying times on any existing or new events. If swimmers have the 50's, go for the 100's too!

Qualifying times for this year do not have to come from GB rankings for 10/11 year olds, but they do for 12+.This highlights the fact that swimmers have to compete in Open Meets to meet the qualifying times, most galas will not not lead to eligibility.

http://www.warwickshireswimming.org.uk/images/championships/swimming/qts-2015-sc-v3.pdf

Commitment

Very impressed coach this evening due to the children's attendance and enthusiasm at a pool with no lane ropes! The children are still focusing on techniques whilst hopefully having fun too. With the big number of swimmers attending tonight, I only realised it was bonfire night upon seeing the smoke in the sky afterwards. A big thank you to all concerned when you manage to put swimming before other events.

Coach Darren

October Focus: Every breath you take.

The focus for October will be about breathing. 

Breathing in swimming is the one thing that you HAVE to do, but slows you down each time you do it! 

Ideally you wouldn't have to breathe when swimming, and this is why FINA introduced the 15m rule that we use today, as strong competitors found that they could win races by doing dolphin kick all the way underwater. The problem being not making it a very good sport for spectators!

The main ideas I want children to think about is smart breathing smart:

On Frontcrawl, rotate your head to the side, keeping your chin as close to your arm as possible
(See video below)

For Breastroke and Butterfly, try not to 'gasp' for breath; keeping your chin close to the water, exhaling in the water and breathing powerfully in for oxygen.

Coach Darren

Club Championships

Congratulations to all the swimmers at the club championships. Lots of swimmers achieved different things over this competition. Whether it be county qualifying times, club records, medals, first swims or pb's, I was really happy to see the hard work that the children do in training, pass over to technical improvements in their strokes. Well done Orion Juniors.

Lost Property - Junior Development Friday 12th September Harborne

Three pieces of equipment with no name/identifiable marks.

FINIS short fins.
Kickboard
Pull Buoy

Please can all items of swim equipment be clearly named. They have the potential to last the swimmers' years and years if not lost (I have the same kickboard since when I left learn to swim!)

Please see me for collection.

Darren

Birmingham Water Festival 19th October

Reminder about water festival, please get your entries in for this Friday, 12th September.

On the 19th October will be the annual Birmingham Water Festival, a competition designed for swimmers with limited competitive experience aged 8,9,10 (age on 19th October).

I have attended this competition for the past 2 years now and this is definitely one of the best competitions for your child to start competitive swimming.

To enter - either get an entry from me or Karen. Or print out the one attached in this email and hand it back in. I also recommend entering all the events, don't worry about putting a time in for the events if you don't know them we will do that for you.

Medals will be awarded for the first 3 places in each event. There are however upper qualifying times for each event to stop experienced swimmers entering. On the day if your child swims faster than the time allowed they will receive a speeding ticket.

We need the forms back by 12th September. Cheques made payable to Orion Swimming Club please.

The Sun Sets on Land Training

As the winter nights draw closer,  land training after Monday's session unfortunately has to cease. It is getting too dark and cold to carry on this practise safely.

The children that have been regularly taking part in these sessions have got a lot more out of it than just extra training. I have seen a good, friendly atmosphere where children are focused on doing things to help improve their swimming. It also allows them to socialise rather than stare at the long black line in the pool!

I am currently working on an alternative situation that will allow indoor practise,  I will communicate with everyone once confirmed.

Coach Darren

September focus: There's something about streamline!

Each month I will be listing a skill for the Junior squads main focus.

For the start of the season the focus is STREAMLINE.

It cannot be stressed enough how important streamline is to any swimmer. It is the easiest way to make competitive swimming easier and faster.

If a swimmer did not streamline on entry to the pool or pushing of the turns, the person that they are racing will probably get ahead and save their energy by utilising this basic but very important skill.

I will expect the swimmers to independently be on top of this, trying to impress with streamline of the walls.

Please have a look at this technique video. All-Strokes - Simple Streamline: http://youtu.be/fej5IOsR8BU

New Season Goals

I found this article recently about goal setting, which fits in excellently with the start of the season.

One thing you cannot control in swimming is the result, you can however control the success of YOUR race. The improvements made in racing will ultimately attribute to the improvements made in training. Concentrating on improving on something specific at each session doesn't necessarily have to be prompted by the coach. If you know you have been reminded to try something different before, why not make it part of your focus?

Taken from swimswam.com:

1. Set daily and weekly goals.

Having our big, season-long goals are great, and they provide us with the general guidance that is necessary to keep us pointed in the correct direction, but it is the steady accumulation of achieving the daily wins that will get us there.

Start setting goals for your week and for your workouts.Not only will doing so keep you engaged in your workout by keeping you task-oriented, but the confidence of knocking down those small goals will accumulate into some serious self-confidence over the long term.

2. Make this the year that you conquer that weakness.

Oh, you know what I’m talking about. Okay, maybe you don’t. Most swimmers have that Achilles heel, that one part of their race or training that they avoid, that they feel they will never be good at, that there is no use working because it will never be that good.

Make this the year that you turn it into a strength.

No, it won’t improve magically overnight. But decide to stalk and out-stubborn your weakness, and continually hit it until gradually that gaping weakness fills in.

3. Take your foot off the gas.

Going fast is great. Going fast is exhilarating. Going fast is just flat out fun. Balance that super swiftness with some slow, focus-based swimming where you are noticing your hand placement, your feel for the water, and any leaks in torque. It’s hard to keep track all of this stuff when we are driving through the water with all of our might, so nail the details when you’re going deliberately slow and ramp up the speed from there.

4. Break down why you swim the way you do.

Ever have those workouts that are absolutely out-of-control awesome? Where you swim so fast, so effortlessly, but can’t exactly pinpoint why? Conversely, do you have those workouts where you feel like you did everything right, but the results just weren’t there? In both circumstances it is frustrating to not be able to pinpoint the source.

Tracking and measuring your performance in the pool, as well as your diet, stress levels and rest schedule outside of the water can give you the necessary insight to have more of those grade-A practices, and less of the stinky ones.

5. Seek out the eagles.

Take a look at the swimmers and people who surround yourself. Do they share the same ambitions and goals as you? Are they generally positive and optimistic?

Although we all like to believe in the completely self-made man/woman, our success depends not only on our talents and attitude, but also on the people we surround ourselves with. When we have other swimmers who are actively engaged in chasing excellence in our circle, it is easier for us to make the tough choices (“Should I skip morning workout to go out tonight?”) while also giving you a reassuring jolt of self-belief (“If they can do it, why not me?”).

6. Share your goals.

In the same vein as the previous post, there are people in your life that are vested in your success. Your parents. Your coach. Your teammates/friends. Let them know what your goals are for the year, so that you can get their support and guidance.

Sharing your goals with your coach and parents will keep you accountable, which can be just what the doctor ordered on those cold winter mornings where the absolute last thing you want to do in the world is leave your bed.

KEHS

Work in progress!

Being able to see the King Edwards Girls school today is a thankful reminder for how hard the committee  have worked to ensure we can access training over the summer!

Hopefully everything is on track to swim in the refurbished pool for the new season!

Coach Darren

Summer training

   Now that the summer holidays are in full swing, it is a good chance for the children to have a break from swimming after a seasons worth full of work.

For the swimmers staying in Birmingham this summer, the junior groups will be focusing on specific strokes each week. It is half way through this week and some progress in strokes has been noticed by parents and swimmers!  There are many technical aspects of competitive swimming, so the children will be focusing on different skills throughout to help keep them focused.

Summer focus timetable.

    Week Commencing Monday 28th July - Butterfly
    Week Commencing Monday 4th August - Backstroke
    Week Commencing Monday 11th August - Breastroke
    Week Commencing Monday 18th August - Frontcrawl
    Week Commencing Monday 25th August  Individual Medley

Please do not worry if you have booked a holiday for a specific week, the new learning will be covered again in general training when the season starts on September 1st.

Coach Darren

Interesting Article

Interesting article supporting my youth philosophy.

http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/blog/the-only-six-words-parents-need-to-say-to-their-kids-about-sportsor-any-per

Boldmere Water Carnival

Well done the junior swimmers that attended the Boldmere Water Carnival this weekend. This meet features a very high standard of swimming from clubs close to ours, but also to performance teams coming all the way from Middlesbrough!

The junior swimmers that attended this were: Dan Hindle, Asha Guru,  Karnell Nunes- Smith, Tyler Micklethwaite,  Shyan Marrie,  Stefan Davies, Laila Jordan, Leah Jordan, Lily Buxton, Kendra Williams,  Charlotte Miller, Emma Pasha.

A special well done goes to the swimmers that competed for the first time at an event like this. With some fantastic swims and numerous medals collected, this standard of swimming is a fantastic level to be competing against.

It was great to see swimmers trying different events, and well done Tyler for tackling the 400 m freestyle with a fantastic swim! 

A big thank you to the parents for making this possible for their children. When the spectator environment is hot and stuffy, it really does show the dedication needed of both parents and swimmers.

Darren

My last final post...

I've been trying to build up the excitement for this final round of the Junior League for some time now, and I have to say it couldn't have gone any better.

Results:

6th Evesham 143
5th Oldbury 154
4th Boldmere (B) 155
3rd CampHill 158
2nd Cheadle186
1st ORION 244!!!

With outstanding performance after outstanding performance, we led from start to finish by miles. It just goes to show how much all of the hard work is paying off, and was by far the best I have seen everyone swim! 

The atmosphere and team spirit was electric, especially during the final race. In fact I think my ears are still ringing slightly...

Next stop is the final on the 13th September. This gives everyone 2 months to keep working, and keep improving. Now you have a taste of victory, it should be even easier to motivate yourselves! All going well, next year will see us in a much tougher Division 1, so keep that in the back of your minds... 

Thank you to all the parents for their support - it wouldn't be possible without you! 

Finally, thank you all for the cards and gifts. It mans a great deal to me, and it is starting to hit home how many people will be removed from my life that never fail to put a smile on my face, or who make me love coaching so much.

The very best of luck to everyone for the future, and I hope to see you all around April next year when I plan to visit.

A very emotional, 

Coach Rob 

I'd like to allow myself to introduce myself

Thank you to everyone that attended tonight's session, my first as Head Junior Coach. The children worked really hard and I couldn't have wished for a better start.

I feel very proud to be welcomed into this club, and I look forward to helping develop the swimmer's talent for the future. For those that were not at the AGM; here's a little about me.

I started my swimming career in a very similar club to Orion, called the Daventry Dolphins.  I then progressed through the squads before moving onto Northampton swimming club. My main stroke was/is breastroke, where I won Midland Regionals numerous times, broke midland junior records, became National Age Group champion and swam for England at an international schools swim meet. As I went to University, I became a more casual swimmer whilst concentrating on my studies. I swam for the City of Leeds and City of Sheffield, working under some of Britain's top coaches. Upon finishing university, whilst training to be a teacher, I progressed as a swim teacher, being mentored by a tutor who helped write the current ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming. I taught in a Daventry swim scheme whilst supporting the junior squad of my old club, the Daventry Dolphins. My philosophy is to ensure that swimmers have the technical skills to be able to have the best chance of achieving their potential in the future. I was successful in having former swimmers of mine move through the club, competing under the Head Coach at Regional and National level.

For consistancy,  there will not be any sweeping changes made by myself. Land training will begin straight after the swimmers have got changed, ready for a prompt finish at 8 o'clock. I shall be carrying this on through the summer until we start to lose daylight in the autumn. The children that attend really benefit from the focus on swimming specific core skills,  to help them hold the best body position in the water and technique to be able to carry the exercises on their own.

I will be carrying on with morning training, until King Edward's girls school shuts for refurbishment.  I hope to see as many swimmers there as possible!

My final post...

Thursday AM will be my last training session with Orion, and after a weeks cover by your new Junior coach, Darren, I will leave my position as your coach following the final round of the Junior League (only 9 days away!).

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the AGM and BBQ but I am sure it will be a great evening, discussing the future of the club, and a chance for you all to meet Darren properly. 

Please keep an eye out for details regarding the Junior League, such as transport and where we plan to go for a little celebratory food afterwards. Please do your best to wear lots of purple, including face paint and any other things you can think of! I think we are also getting some Orion tattoos!

I am also now handing over the blog duties to Darren, so be sure to keep up to date with all new developments.

Thank you all for such a touching and memorable experience. I am extremely sad to leave, but there comes a time every so often that you must begin the next chapter of your life. No great book was written in 1! I hope you all look at this in the same way, and maintain the same attitudes and discipline that can only take you from strength to strength. 

Good luck for the future, and feel free to keep in touch with your progress, and maybe some of our paths will cross again in the future. I can be reached at  guest.rmg@gmail.com

Coach Rob

My last week!

Next week will be my last week of coaching before Darren takes over! I will be back for the Junior League, don't worry!

It would be great to see as many of you as possible. I will (third time lucky) remember to take a photo this Monday, and will also be asking you all to sign my Orion shirt. 

Its been an absolute pleasure, and I am very sad to see it end.

Coach Rob

17 Days and counting!

Just 17 days remain until the final round of the Junior League!

Please see Pippa Sibbald to ensure you're checked in for the coach journey. Please do your best to travel on the coach for both journeys - we may be stopping off somewhere for a little treat on the way home!

Training went extremely well last night, but there weren't many faces. Please keep up your sessions in this hugely important time!

If you are interested in having your stroke analysed then please let me know ASAP. I will need to have filmed it by the end of next week as my last session is next Thursday!! You can then view the video online once it has been completed at a later date.

See you tonight!

Rob

Team Photo

I know we have attempted a few of these, but given I forgot to take the last one when I meant to a few weeks ago, I shall take a few next Monday the 9th of June. 

It would be great if as many of you could make it as possible! You won't need any team t-shirts as I'm going to take it of you all in the pool. 

Cheers, 

Coach Rob

A snap from land training...

Don't miss out on land training next Monday! Remember sports kit and a good pair of trainers please. 

Update

With just 24 days to go until the final round of the Junior League, it was great to see such a great turn out to both swimming and land training last night! It's so important we keep this up. I want everyone to try and make an extra session that they wouldn't usually go to for the next few weeks and really push themselves. 

In particular.... Yes you guessed it - MORNING TRAINING! Its the same few people making the effort, and only they will see the rewards - not the ones snoring away in bed! 

Please take a look at the Splash and Dash event coming up this Sunday. It promises to be a great event with lots of fun and entertainment! 

Don't forget lanes 5 and 6 train until 1930 tonight, and lanes 3 and 4 get out at 1900. 

See you later,

Coach Rob

This morning's session...

I can say without doubt that this morning was one of the best, most impressive sessions I have witnessed since I started. Well done to Ursula, Tani, Dan, Nick, Ellie, and Asha for putting in the work that will take them to the next level. 

Also a big thank you to Tania for giving up her mornings even when she has exams later that day! 

Hopefully see lots of you at the Olympian workshop on Sunday, or training on Monday! 

29 days to go!

Coach Rob

This week's training

Please do your best to make up for the lost sessions at the start of this week by coming to a few extra in the second half. Just 31 days until the next round of the Junior League, and only a few more until the Boldmere Water Carnival! 

Coach Rob

Inset Day Tomorrow

So there's absolutely no excuse to miss out on morning training! Come and give it a go! 

Coach Rob

For the parents...

This may not be new to all of you (parents) but a great document aiming to explain the process of the journey to success. Your understanding of this, and the communication of this to your swimmers will go a long way to ensuring everone's long term potential is obtained (or as near to it as possible).

http://www.swimming.org/go/library/document/long-term-athlete-development

Coach Rob

The new Junior female capain is...

Ellie Sibbald-Perkins! Ellie replaces Rosa as the new Junior team female captain, working alongside Dan Hindle to help me and the other coaches lead the team on a day to day basis. Please show Ellie the same respect as you all have Dan and Rosa so far - remember they have been chosen by us and therefore do have the right to make sure you are all doing the correct things and behaving as you should!

Dont forget - morning training Thurday 6am-7am at the girls pool. It would be great to see some new faces!

Coach Rob

Parent's involvement in swimming...

A very interesting read on the effect parents can have on the development of their kids.

http://www.usaswimming.org/ViewMiscArticle.aspx?TabId=1729&mid=4193&ItemId=3533

Coach Rob

Don't forget!!!

Land Training after swimming tonight for 30 minutes! Please wear apropriate footwear.

Coach Rob

Teamer Notifications

Please respond to Teamer ASAP with regards to the next round of the Junior League!

There was a little confusion at the last round with a few swimmers turning up who had not been selected for the team. Please use Teamer as the primary source to find out if your child is on the team, and please don't just turn up if you're unsure! Feel free to chat to Ian or myself if there are any queries. 

Coach Rob

Promotion!

After our first female captain progressed into the performance squad, she left a position that has left myself and the other coaches pondering for some time. 

However, we have come to a decision which will be announced tomorrow evening! 

Coach Rob

Good Luck!

The very best of luck to Aimee Richter and Lucie Carey in their disability gala tomorrow!

URGENT: Water Carnival Entries

Due to a large amount of confusion, and the quickly approaching deadline for entries, please get your entries in ASAP preferably to training tomorrow morning or via email to Loz of Carla.

It seems I may not have explained things well enough, so just treat it as a normal open meet entry.

Coach Rob

Transport to Junior League Round 3

Round 3 28th June at Wyndley Leisure Centre. 

We will be sorting a coach to travel to and from this final round of the Junior League. This is for the team and atmosphere benefits just as much as it is anything else. I will be making this a compulsory part of the evening. If you aren't on the coach - you will not compete. 

The coach will also be available for parents and other supporters if desired, and there will be a small fee per person (including swimmers) to cover the cost. 

Last round I requested to see some face paints, decorations, Orion colours etc etc and couldn't see much, no matter how hard  I looked. Please start thinking of ways to make you and your mates help Orion stand out from the crowd even further!

Coach Rob

Junior League Round 3

We are currently placed 3rd in the Division 2 table with one round left to go! The final round will be at Wyndley Leisure Centre on the 28th June. 

Again, everyone should know the drill by now. Arrive for 1730 ready to put on another strong performance. 

More details nearer the time. 

I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND PUTTING THE JUNIOR LEAGUE FINAL DATE OF 13TH SEPTEMBER INTO YOUR DIARIES - WE WILL NEED EVERY SINGLE SWIMMER THAT'S ON THE TEAM TO BE PRESENT IF WE WANT TO HAVE A CHANCE OF PROMOTION!!!

Water Carnival

Please put your name on the notice board at KEBS along with ASA number and DOB ASAP please as there isn't long left at all to get entries in!

Breaststroke

I have been speaking to quite a few of you recently about how important head position is in breaststroke (just as it is in any stroke). Keeping your head in line with your spine really affects the rest of your body in terms of its position in the water. Having your head looking forward all the time makes it very difficult to make your hips move up and down like it does in butterfly. 

The picture of the swimmer below is of Lindsey Swartz. I had the pleasure of coaching this young lady last summer, and is an extremely good breaststroker. At the end of the summer she went a 1.14.5 for 100m and a 2.35.98 in the 200m - Longcourse!! (The big 50m pool). 

Take note of where her eyes are looking as she lunges forward with her arms,  the angle of her back, and how her hands stay in the water as they drive forward. 

Coach Rob

Reminder for (another) team photo tomorrow and a chance to win some free video analysis!

Please remember we will be taking a group photo tomorrow in the pool at the start of the session. Plase also remember your land training kit!

There hasn't been much intertest in any video analysis as of yet, so I've decided I will be choosing a swimmer at random at tommorow's session to get 2 x 15 min analysis vidoes done for free! Make sure you're at training to not miss out!

Victorious Second Round of the Junior League!

A great night of racing saw Orion take the win for the first time since the league started 8 years ago. The racing was very close at times, but Orion showed consistent domination, winning a number of the relays and cannons by a full 25m! 

The final scores haven't been put online yet, but I will update the blog with them when they do. 

The win comes as a direct change of attitudes within the junior group since I started. The standard of training (most of the time) now is so much better than I could ever have wished for when I came to Orion back in September. Those who were at the gala can confirm that the standards we are now setting is something the other clubs can only think about - never mind accomplish. Pre-warm up blood flow, team spirit, discipline and comradery all come to mind. Even the way we get into the warm up is so much better! 

I was particularly impressed with everyone's reaction times. We seemed to be the first team flying through the air on most of the starts. I was also impressed with the swimmers who had to do lots of races, swimming up an age group or two on a number of occasions. Again, this is a testament to all the hard work and training. 

That being said - there is plenty still to work on. Our opposition is only going to get tougher and tougher as we get better and better. We need to start getting the small things right 100% of the time, day in day out. Streamline, breakouts, turns, breathing, finishes etc etc. If you all want to see another win at the next round then its crucial we get the training right! 

Swimmers of the night go to... 

Karnell Nunes-Smith - for some outstandingly quick swims (and remembering not to go before the starter...)

Jodie Carreon - for some great swims all night long against older swimmers with consistently beautiful technique. 

Also a huge thank you to Karen Watson and Clara Day for their poolside help, and my partner in crime Ian Watson who's organisational skills are beyond comprehension. 

The next round is on the 28th June, location to be confirmed. We need another full team so please make this your priority! 

See you all tomorrow at KEBS and remember we have land training for 30 minutes afterwards! (Please speak to me if your child cannot attend). 



An extremely proud Coach Rob



The older swimmers warming up to take the victory!

Boldmere Water Carnival 5th and 6th July

All Juniors please see the noticeboard for a form to put down your name and sessions you are available to swim at.

The coaching staff will then select your races for you. This is to ensure you get the necessary experience, and swim the events that they may not otherwise try. Please do not try and pre-empt what races your child will get to swim by referring to the programme of events. Please attend all the sessions that you can make.

Again this is an 'expected' open meet. After the response from the previous competitions (CoB and Rugby) although better, I really hope you guys step up and show a good turn out for what will likely be the last time I see any of you race!

CoB swimmers ignore this as you will be doing a similar thing through CoB.

Coach Rob

Land Training

Quick reminder that our first ever land training session will go ahead for 30 minutes after the swim session on Monday. Please see earlier blog post for details.

Parents feel free to help out on and/or join in on the night!

Coach Rob

Team Photo

We want to make the most of the rare opportunity to have the majority of swimmers in one place at the same time this Saturday evening and so would like a volunteer to come forward to take a few team shots (preferably someone with a good camara!).

Please get in touch if you'd like to get involved.

Coach Rob

Congratulations!

A HUGE well done to Annabel, Maddie, Rosa and Mia who have all this week moved up into the Aquarius Performance group. This is a reflection of all the hard work they have put into training over the past months, and we all wish you the best of luck in the next chapter of your careers!

Rosa will still hold her position as Junior Captain alongside Daniel for this weekend's Junior league. I will then announce the new female captain at some point next week.

See you all Saturday!

Coach Rob

Junior League Round 2 - REPOST

The next round of the Junior League will be on the 10th of May at Stechford Cascades. Please arrive for 1730 for a 1800 warm up. Same drill as before, everyone should know what's what by now!

I want to see EVERYONE in Orion kit, specifically swim caps - even all the boys. Also feel free to think outside the box -  purple pom poms, purple face paint etc etc. Lets make our appearance as good as our swimming! 

In light of this, make sure you're putting in the training. Those Easter eggs will need a bit of burning off! 

I'm very excited to see what we can do this time, with an even stronger team! Let's go for the win... 

Coach Rob

No Training on Monday 5th May

Just in case you missed the email. Have a good bank holiday!

Record Breaking!

I think last night must have been the most we have ever had in a Tuesday session, maybe in any session ever?!

Training can be tough when there's 8 of you per lane. Training in large groups comes with some getting used to, but I always enjoyed the busy sessions rather than the empty ones. It comes with a better atmosphere which helps everyone train better, and of course means theres more people to talk to!

But please remember your lane discipline. The person swimming has priority, in every case. So, if you arent swimming or turning - then get out of the way. Check before you do anything else that could disrupt another swimmer.

See you all later tonight for some more technique!

Coach Rob

Land Training

Land Training will commence as of Monday 12th May after the normal swim session. For the first week, we'll go for 30 minutes from when everyone in outside and ready - so the quicker you change, the quicker you can get home!

Just like the extra 30 minutes on Tuesdays for the older swimmers - this is a compulsory addition to your training. If you aren't allowed to stay then you need to make sure your parent's speak to me!

This will hopefully be a fun but tough extra bit of training that will be a good step up in everyone's training regime.

Make sure you bring good, proper footwear, a tshirt and a pair of shorts. It'll be on the grass or car park near the boys pool, dependant on weather, but fingers crossed for the sunshine! We will not cancel if it is raining, so bring something you dont mind getting a bit wet.

Dont forget the photo on this night too!

Coach Rob 

Racing Suits

I'd just like to make it clear to ALL swimmers that it is NOT expected of you wear the expensive, fancy racing suits that you may see your competitors or older swimmers wearing.

They make a fraction of a second difference over races and are designed for that extra edge at the elite level. Please Please Please save your parents the money and wait until you have at least made a regional qualifying time. 

On the other hand, I have seen some swimmers, boys in particular racing in shorts that I could probably squeeze into! All you need is a separate costume set aside for races that is maybe one or two sizes smaller than what you would train in to keep it nice and tight!

Feel free to chat to me if there are any questions. 

Coach Rob

The days are counting...

After today, just 12 days will remain until the next round of the Junior League!

There was a good turnout this morning, and I want to see record breaking numbers to sessions over the next two weeks! Don't think of it as doing it for yourself - but for the TEAM!

If you aren't competing, then you need to be getting yourself to training to make sure that one day soon you could be!

I'm extremely excited about the next round, and after the performance last time we should be showing the other teams exactly how its done.

On a slightly different note, I would like to arrange another team photo. This time it will be of all of you guys in the pool gathered around the blocks at the deep end. I'm going to get it printed and then hopefully have as many of you sign it as possible for me to remember you for years and years to come.

I'm proposing Monday the 12th of May in two weeks time so hopefully everyone can make it!

See you all tomorrow,

Coach Rob

Video Analysis

I will now be offering some video analysis feedback using 'Coach's Eye' technology . This will consist of a 5 minute filming session at the end of a session. 

I propose to offer an analysis video available to the swimmer, for any combination of the 4 strokes, starts and turns. 

Videos would typically last 15 minutes for each stroke, and would be charged at £20 each, and reduced rates for multiple videos. 

I'll put some information on the notice board, and feel free to check out the technology online - just search it in google.

Come and have a chat if anyone's interested or wants to know more! 

Coach Rob

Junior League Round 2

The next round of the Junior League will be on the 10th of May at Stechford Cascades. Please arrive for 1730 for a 1800 warm up. Same drill as before, everyone should know what's what by now!

I want to see EVERYONE in Orion kit, specifically swim caps - even all the boys. Also feel free to think outside the box -  purple pom poms, purple face paint etc etc. Lets make our appearance as good as our swimming! 

In light of this, make sure you're putting in the training. Those Easter eggs will need a bit of burning off! 

I'm very excited to see what we can do this time, with an even stronger team! Let's go for the win... 

Coach Rob

Good Luck this Weekend!

Good luck to everyone swimming at the City of Birmingham open this weekend! Ian and Carl will be there to make sure you all get the job done. 

Remember who will be watching, and make sure you continue to act and behave the way you have all been doing recently. Lets continue to be the team that the others look at and think ''that's what we should be doing...''

Feel free to let me know how you've done, but I will be doing my best to keep up to date regardless. 

Coach Rob

A big Thank You and a little inspiration for the week...

First of all, thank you all so much for the birthday card! I cant even remember telling any of you guys it was my birthday so it was a great surprise. 

Secondly, please take a look at the link below to watch some of the swimming from the British Championships 10th-15th April. No doubt there will be huge display of talent that will be great to watch!

Enjoy your Easter break but don't forget to train! You'll only make it harder for yourselves later on. Keep up the momentum and I will see you all a week Monday.

http://www.swimming.org/live/british-gas-swimming-championships-2014

Coach Rob

Training during Easter

I understand lots of you will now be starting your Easter holidays, and whilst of course I am sure most of you will have lots of activities and adventures planned, it is important to take this opportunity to get some extra training whilst you can!

The school holidays are a great time to get in an extra session or two each week. It's little differences like this that will add up over time and help you on your way to reaching your potential - whatever that may be! The funny thing is, no one ever really knows what that is... Who knows what you will all become in 10 years time?

This weeks morning session will be the last one for two weeks until it recommences after easter. It would be great to see as many faces as possible!!

Coach Rob

5000 Views!

The blog has today reached a total of 5000 views! Thank you all for checking back to the blog to keep up to date on news and events. Hopefully its a tool you all find useful!

Coach Rob

Junior League Round 1

A very good start to the league indeed!

The final points were:

1st - Rugby 230
2nd - Orion 214
3rd - Coalville 186
4th - Wombourne 176
5th - Fox Hollies 141
6th - Driotwhich 105

As you can see, we finished with a very strong second place, not far behind first. We had some excellent swims, with quite a few of the races being won by up to half a length!

The team spirit was good with lots of cheering and support including parents - but it could be better! I was also very impressed with how more and more of you swimmers are starting to get into the habit of warming up properly before races.

Well done to all of those who had their first gala tonight too - always a daunting experience but hopefully along with lots of fun.

I'd also like to congratulate Rosa for doing a great job as Captain!

Swimmers of the Night:

Stefan Davies and Ella Blythe.

Thanks to the Orion officials of Pippa Sibbald-Perkins, Loz and Angie Miller. Special thanks as always to Clara Day and Karen Watson for their poolside help.

Ian apologises for those he went to the wrong post code!

Keep your diaries free for the next round - 10th May. Keep up the good work, keep training hard and lets make the next one a first!

See you Monday,

Coach Rob

More Swimmers Needed!

We would like to try and get as many swimmers into the Junior Squad a spossible. In particular we would like to see some more boys!

So - If you have any friends who are swimmers, or are learning to swim invite them to Orion! They can organinse a free trial by contacting this address: freetrial@orionswimmingclub.co.uk

Coach Rob

City of Birmingham Selection

I am extremely proud to announce that Imogen Viney and Ruby Couzens have been succesful in their trial at City of Birmingham and have been selected to join the squad at the end of the month!

Their first trial session went well, but was certainly a huge challenge. After the warm up, they had 20x50 max kick which they both kept up on despite being the 2 youngest in the pool. By the end of session I think they had done nearly 2000m kick!

They were then invited back for a second trial on the Friday, which unfortunately I couldn't attend. They had continued to impress however and were offered the place at the end of that session.

They were noted for having some of the best land training technique too, which was very good to see.

Of the 24 (I think) swimmers in the CoB Junior Squad, 5 are now Orion swimmers. This is a huge acheivement for the relatively small club that we are, and true testament to the quality of teaching available to all of the younger swimmers.

Hopefully this will serve as some inspiration and motivation to all you other swimmers. CoB is not some distant, unacheivable 'super team'. Hard work, focus and consistency can make anything possible.

Coach Rob

 

Next weekend...

A week Saturday will see Orion head to Rugby for the 1st round of the Junior League. It will be a real test to see how much of the hard work has paid off, and to see the team come together in a fun and competitive gala. 

I'd like to see lots of people at training for plenty of relay and take-over practice and to fine tune our skills for the event. 

Like for the last Junior friendly, arrive in plenty of time (1730), bring lots of team kit and your loudest voices! We will have a little team chat beforehand and swimmers ARE expected to remain until the end to cheer everyone on. 

As Captain Rosa will be helping Ian and myself out on poolside. Make sure you give her the same respect as you do your coaches.

Lets get ready to race!!!

Coach Rob 

  

Morning Training Morning Training Morning Training Morning Training Morning Training Morning Training

I want to see a big turn out this week for morning training please! 6am - 7am at the Girls pool on Thursday. 

Thanks, 

Coach Rob

Our Junior Captains!

Just to let those of you who dont know already know;

Our Captains are...


Daniel Hindle and Rosa Day!

Well done! They will be taking up responsibilites in helping to ensure the smooth running of the Junior squad at training and competitions and to help the coaches day to day. They are also a point of contact for any swimmers who wish to talk to them about any issues or problems they may have, who don't feel as comfortable speaking to any of the coaches

If there are any questions, please dont hesitate to ask!  

Coach Rob

 

News!

Firstly I am hugely impressed with the 3 weekends at Counties! We had some great swims with the main benefit simply being experience and I think it could well be the biggest team Orion have sent for a while which is always great to see.

Hopefully those who competed have been inspired and continue to work on the good habits we're getting into, such as blood flow, warming up and swimming down, stretching etc.

Thursday morning sessions are proving successful with good turnouts on all three occasions so far. I would really like to see some more Juniors there though please!! This week we had Ruby, Imogen, Daniel and Asha so well done to you guys and keep up setting a good example!

And finally, congratulations to Ruby and Imogen for being selected to go on a trial to the CoB Development squad next week! Their attitudes and commitment to training have paid off massively and they have started to see some of the fruits of their labour! Unfortunately space is limited a little more this time, so I unable to take as many swimmers as I'd like, but this partnership is all about getting you guys on their radar - whether you're ready now or in a few months, or a year - the sooner they know who you are the better, and so the opportunity consists of much more than a plain 'yes or no'.

Keep up the good work everyone! Next up is the Cob Open, Rugby Open and the Junior League!!

Coach Rob

Junior Captains

The Male and Female Junior Club Captains will be announced at the start of the Tuesday session, next week (18.3.14). It would great to see as many faces as possible when the new positions will be announced, so please make an extra effort to attend!

Coach Rob

First Round of the Juniors!

Please can all swimmers and their parents check their Teamer accounts to see if you have been selected for the first round of the Juniors!

Please let your availabilty be known asap to allow Ian and myself more planning time.

Cheers

Coach Rob

News

First of all well done to all those who competed at the first day of the Counties! Ian and myself were very impressed with the overall standard bearing in mind this is the first time a lot of swimmers had even swam some events, never mind in a 50m pool!

Training has also gone very well so far this week so keep up the good work! Remember the morning session on Thursday, 6-7am. Last we had a great turn out but Aquarius beat the Juniors 10 swimmers to 5. Don't let me down this week!

And lastly Open meet entries, Please remember to look at the Rugby open or City of Birmingham Open over the last 2 weekends in April and see what you'd like to compete in. I would like to see as many people as possible entering at least one out of the two. Please get your entries in to Carla ASAP!!!

Coach Rob

Solihull Friendly Gala Report

A big thanks to Ian for leading the team to a solid 2nd place, just a few points off first! Take a few minutes to read through his report below.

Orion finished a solid 2^nd place at Saturday’s friendly gala hosted at Solihull and only 5 points off first.

In total we had 19 1^st places, 14 2^nd places, 10 3^rd places, 8 4^th places and 1 5^th place. We also had no DQ’s in this gala, however there was some leniency.

We were a bit short on 11 boys and girls and 12 year old girls for this gala so thank you to all those swimmers who filled in by swimming up, in particular Niamh, Maya, Daniel, Stefan and JoeD.

The 9 year old girls showed their strength by winning both of their relays as did the 10 year old girls.

The most outstanding swim of the night must go to Althaf Bukhari swimming a 35.50 for 50m Fly and receiving a round of applause from the audience. Althaf also claims the club record for this event which has stood since 2002.

The top boy of the night must go to Althaf Bukhari for his 50m Fly and the top girl to Niamh Bevan for outstanding swims throughout, in particular in Event 1 where Niamh showed her streamlined fly kick speed coming up at half way a few meters ahead of the opposition.

Throughout the gala it was clear that shallow end relay takeover practice is needed, whilst we will continue to work on this in training it is critical swimmers understand the following:

·         When you are the swimmer performing the shallow end finish keep low and don’t jump up otherwise you will block the diving swimmer.

·         When you are the swimmer performing the shallow end dive position yourself in the center of the lane. You will be diving over the swimmer and not round them. Finally ensure you dive in and not fall in!

This gala has set the expectations to perform well for this year’s Junior League. It is however critical that we have the strongest team possible in order to fully compete against the other clubs. Another reminder of these crucial dates: 5^th April, 10^th May, 28^th June, 13^th September.

I must also apologize to Zakariya Ahmad for missing him off the Teamer invites and hence the gala.

Thanks to all the Orion officials which were Pippa Sibbald-Perkins, Ganga Gurung, Aaarti Jain and David Smith.

Special thanks to Clara Day for her invaluable poolside help.

Ian

News

Just one more week of training until Counties!!! We start the competition off with the girls freestyle relay and the boys medley relay which will hopefully the first of many great swims!

A couple of pointers from me for the duration of the competition:

• Be early! This applies to everything - there's nothing worse than being late and stressed at a competition and has a huge effect on performance. 
• Eat well and stay hydrated. Come prepared with meals and snacks as well as plenty of fluids. 
• Bring a chair. Camping chairs are perfect for meets at Coventry with little seating on poolside.
• Bring clothes to wear on poolside that you don't mind getting wet, and flip flops. 
• Try and bring spares of everything just in case! 
• Know what you're swimming! I do not expect people turning up not even knowing what races they are in. It shows a lack of interest and preparation. We'll let you know what heat and lane you're in though once we know on the day. 
• Find the team and stay with them for the day. I talk about being a team a hell of a lot, and a good team atmosphere on poolside makes things much more enjoyable. Go and speak to parents after races etc but I expect everyone on poolside for the majority of the day. 
• Make sure you speak to me BEFORE AND AFTER every race. 
• Make sure you swim the full race warm up and swim down which we'll practice a few times this week. 
• Try and make an extra session or two this week! Remember there's no training on Tuesday night.
• Team kit please wherever possible! 

If I think of anything else I'll make another post, and if any one has questions please ask!

On another note, records are starting to fall! Stefan and Niamh both writing their names in the history books at the WWL last weekend. Rumour has it more were broken last night?!

Finally, the first morning session starts on Thursday! I'm hoping for a good turn out, otherwise the opportunity will be taken away from us. This is the next step on that long journey to success...

See you all tomorrow! 

Coach Rob

Solihull Junior Friendly

Good Luck to all the Juniors racing on Saturday night!

Loughborough Session Success

Thank you to all who came to the session tonight! There was a good turn out and everyone seemed to get the hang of swimming in the longer pool!

See as many of you as possible tomorrow please! Only 12 days to go to the Counties!

Coach Rob

Loughborough Session on Sunday

Just a quick reminder about the long course (50m) session this Sunday. It will be from 1700 - 1900 at the University pool. The plan is for Juniors and Aquarius to share the two lanes for the first hour, and then the Juniors will get out leaving Aquarius a little more room to train for the second hour. This may change slightly on the day depending on numbers etc. We may also do a slightly extended stretching session, but whatever the case we will finish at 1900.

This will be invaluable experience for everyone swimming at the Counties in a few weeks, especially those who have never swam long course before. Please take this opportunity and save yourself disappointment at the counties from the unusual experience! 

Coach Rob 

More Good News!

As of tomorrow, Swimmers in Lanes 5 and 6 will swim for an extra half an hour until half 7. Carl has been kind enough to allow us to carry on into his session to give the older swimmers some extra time and attention. 

This extra training is expected of these swimmers - it is not an option like stretching - and swimmers will only be allowed out at the normal time of 7 if their parent or carer comes and speaks to me to explain the reasons why. 

Swimmers in lanes 3 and 4 will get out at the normal time of 7 and stretch. 

See you tonight, 

coach Rob

Good News!

As of the 27th of February we will be starting a morning training session from 0600 - 0700 at the girl's pool.

This session is open to ALL Performance and Club swimmers, and Junior swimmers who usually train in Lanes 3-6. If you have any queries or are unsure if you or your child can come, then please ask! 

There will also be a lane for any parents who wish to have a swim. This lane will not be coached and will be charged at £3 per parent per session. 

I've seen a lot of goal sheets, and a lot of motivated little swimmers who tell me all about what they want to achieve in the sport. This success will not come without  hard work and sacrifice, so lets see who really wants it the most! The first few weeks may make you a little tired during the day, but keep at it as your body will adapt as you get into a routine. By the time I was 11 I was training at least 3 mornings a week, for 2 hours each! You have got to want this - set your own alarms and don't wait for your Mum or Dad to wake you up - they are doing you a huge favor! 

Also make sure you have had something to eat before you train. Any 'I cant eat food this early in the morning' excuses will not be accepted and I will not let you train. Parents please keep an eye on this. Porridge, a banana, scrambled eggs on toast, good cereal (not Coco pops or Sugar puffs!) are all great ways of getting in the energy you'll need. 

Please do not attend (Performance and Juniors) unless you are ready to work hard. Club swimmers, please let me know what sort of things you'd be interested in doing so I can design some sets. 

See you soon!

Coach Rob