Being A Team Leader
Probably the
very best way for a captain to motivate teammates in practice and at meets is to
directly model the behaviors that you want them to take on. For example in practice, if you as the captain work hard, go all out on every set, closely follow the coaches’ instructions and do so with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, then you will be doing a lot to get your teammates on board following your lead.
How you act as the captain will always speak much louder and more powerfully than what you say. In addition, help your teammates remember exactly why they should be working hard today. That is, if you can periodically remind your teammates of the team’s goals and that the way to best achieve them is by working hard today (and every day) in practice.
However, keep in mind that sometimes you may have a teammate or two who haven’t bought into the team’s goals or who really don’t care as much about swimming as you do. Understand that it is very difficult to motivate someone who isn’t motivated to begin with.
At meets you want to keep in mind that swimming fast largely depends upon staying loose and relaxed and having fun. If you model these behaviors for your teammates, you will be doing a lot to help them relax and go fast.
