Why a Private Lane Coach Could Be the Game-Changer Your Competitive Swimmer Needs

By Brian, Masters Swimmer and Coach

As a parent of an age-group swimmer aged 8 to 17, you’re already juggling a lot—practices, meets, school schedules, and the constant question: Is my kid getting everything they need to succeed? I get it. I’ve been in the swimming world for decades, first as a competitive age-group swimmer myself, then as a Masters athlete who still trains 4 hours a week and races regularly. Now, as a coach, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—for young swimmers chasing their goals. If your child is a competitive swimmer, I’m here to make the case for adding a private lane coach to their training mix, outside their regular team sessions. It’s not about replacing their program—it’s about giving them an edge.

The Reality of Age-Group Swim Training

Team practices are fantastic for building stamina, camaraderie, and race experience. Coaches work hard to manage 10-20 swimmers per lane, tweaking strokes and pushing times. But let’s be honest: with that many kids splashing around, individual attention gets spread thin. Your swimmer might get a quick pointer on their freestyle once a session—if they’re lucky. Backstroke flags get ignored in the chaos, diving blocks sit unused during crowded drills, and distractions from lane mates can pull focus.

That’s where a private lane coach comes in. Picture this: one swimmer, one lane, one coach—100% focused on your child’s technique, starts, and turns. As a Masters swimmer who still competes, I know firsthand how small adjustments can shave seconds off a race. For your 8-to-17-year-old, those tweaks could mean the difference between a personal best and a podium spot.

What Parents Worry About—and How Private Coaching Helps

You’ve got valid concerns. Cost, time, burnout, and whether it’s worth it. Here’s how a private lane coach addresses those head-on, with benefits tailored to competitive swimmers.

1. “Is My Kid’s Technique Holding Them Back?”
   Concern: In a packed lane, coaches can’t catch every flaw—say, a dropped elbow in butterfly or a lazy backstroke finish.
   Benefit: With a private lane coach, I use the entire session for stroke analysis. Backstroke flags help me spot alignment issues (e.g., over-rotation), and an empty lane lets me watch every arm pull and kick cycle. One 12-year-old I coached, Emma, had a sneaky crossover in her backstroke. After two sessions focusing on arm entry, she dropped 3 seconds in her 100m.

2. “Are They Maximising Starts and Turns?”
   Concern: Diving blocks and turn walls are goldmines for speed, but team practices rarely give enough reps to perfect them.
   Benefit: Private sessions mean unlimited access to blocks and walls. We drill dive angles, breakouts, and flip-turn timing. Take 15-year-old Jake—he shaved 1.5 seconds off his 50m free just by fixing his shallow dive and weak push-off, all honed in a distraction-free lane.

3. “Can They Handle More Training Without Burning Out?”
   Concern: Extra sessions sound exhausting, especially with school and meets.
   Benefit: Private coaching isn’t about piling on yardage—it’s about quality. A focused 45-minute session once a week can do more than two hours of crowded laps. I keep it sharp and fun, targeting weaknesses without overcooking your swimmer. Parents tell me their kids leave energised, not drained.

4. “Will This Actually Make a Difference?”
   Concern: You’re investing time and money—will it pay off?
   Benefit: Yes, if it’s done right. I’ve coached a 10-year-old, Liam, who struggled with breaststroke kick timing. In four private sessions, we broke it down step-by-step, and he went from mid-pack to top 5 at his next meet. Precision matters, and a private lane lets me deliver it.

Why a Private Lane Matters for Competitive Kids

At 8 to 17, your swimmer is in a prime window to build habits that last. A private lane coach offers tools team practices can’t always provide:

• Backstroke Flags: Perfect for refining head position and stroke rhythm—crucial for races like the 200m back.

• Diving Blocks: We can repeat starts until they’re explosive, not just “good enough.”

• Free Lane: No dodging slower swimmers or waiting for drill instructions—just pure, uninterrupted focus.

• Stroke Analysis: I break down every phase—catch, pull, recovery—using my own racing experience to spot what wins races.

As a Masters swimmer, I still train with purpose, chasing my own PBs. I bring that same mindset to your kid, whether they’re aiming for a sectional cut or their first win.

Real Results from Real Swimmers

• Sophie, 13: Her freestyle looked solid in team practice, but I noticed her breathing was late, sinking her hips. Three private sessions later, she cut 4 seconds off her 100m free.

• Ethan, 9: His turns were sloppy—too much glide, not enough power. With wall access and video feedback, he’s now the fastest turner in his group.

• Maya, 16: She plateaued in butterfly. Private lane time let us rebuild her timing, and she qualified for regionals.

How It Fits Into Your Busy Life

I know you’re stretched thin. That’s why private sessions are flexible—once a week or biweekly, slotted around team schedules. They’re an add-on, not an overhaul. Think of it as a tune-up for your swimmer’s engine, keeping them competitive without reinventing the wheel.

Take the Next Step

Your swimmer’s potential is huge, but it’s the details that unlock it. A private lane coach gives them the tools, focus, and feedback team training can’t always deliver. As someone who’s still in the water myself, I’m passionate about helping your 8-to-17-year-old thrive—not just survive—in this sport. Ready to see the difference? Book a private session with me, Brian, and let’s get your swimmer racing smarter, faster, and stronger. Contact us today—those seconds aren’t going to drop themselves!