Long term Athlete Development with Don Heidary

In the webinar, Don Haideri's extensive coaching background at Orinda Aquatics in the US was highlighted, showcasing his 45 years of experience and impressive track record in producing Olympic trials qualifiers and successful collegiate swimmers. His coaching philosophy revolves around a big picture approach, emphasizing the development of good character, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic in young swimmers. Don stresses the importance of setting goals related to personal growth and teamwork, besides focusing on swimming performance. He advocates for a cultural focus in coaching that prioritizes humility, hard work, and long-term athlete development. Training strategies discussed by Don include balancing technique and training, with a focus on efficient stroke mechanics, distance per stroke, and underwater speed. He underscores the significance of continuous communication between coaches and swimmers during workouts to reinforce techniques and stroke awareness. Don emphasizes quality over quantity in training, pointing out the benefits of tailored workouts that prioritize stroke development over high volumes. He also highlights the impact of repeating targeted sets consistently over time to achieve significant improvement, showcasing the effectiveness of focused coaching strategies in guiding age group swimmers towards long-term success through a holistic approach to athlete development.