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Step 1
Learn the rules. In a swim meet there are four different strokes and specific rules for the mechanics of each stroke. This is especially true for younger or beginning swimmers, as incorrect execution of a stroke could result in elimination from a race. Most leagues will have a regulation book that outlines all of the rules for coaches and officials.
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Step 2
Research good coaching techniques. Learning the physical and psychological limits of the age group that you are coaching, as well as how to handle their specific needs, is a good idea for anyone coaching a sport. If you're really serious about coaching, you may want to consider taking a course on the subject.
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Step 3
Create a practice. If you've never coached swimming before, there's no reason to fret. There are books, videos and websites that not only give examples of stroke drills and endurance-building sets, but also have samples of full practices that are age and skill appropriate.
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Step 4
Find an event for each swimmer. After the first few weeks of practice, you should have a fairly good idea of which races your swimmers will be good at. For beginning swimmers, it may take a few meets and some trial and error to find their strengths, but the experienced swimmers will most likely be more than happy to tell you what they're good at (many can tell you their best times right down to the hundredth of a second).
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Step 5
Create camaraderie. In individual sports such as swimming and track, it is sometimes easy for an athlete to only focus on his or her best events. Remind your swimmers that as important as personal achievements are, it takes the entire team to win a meet. Encouraging swimmers to cheer each other on, not only at meets but also at practices, will help keep them motivated and feeling like a team.
