CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMPETITIVE SWIM COACH

One hundred and fifty-nine coaches were evaluated with the Myers Briggs Type Inventory. There were no notable differences between categories of coach. Rather, there were general personality characteristics that emerged. Coaches must be confident leaders and effective communicators. Planning and problem-solving are critical skills. Successful coaches believe in their methods and, in turn, swimmers sense and derive strength and motivation from that belief.

Implication. Coaching success is predicated on maximizing one's strengths, recognizing and minimizing personal weaknesses, and developing the skill of communicating effectively with all types of characters in the swimming squad.

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