The Swim Chronicle: Issue #25- Small Improvements Mean Big Progress in Our January Swim Series

The Hidden Wins at Early Meets

When the first races of the year roll around, many parents naturally look at one thing — the stopwatch.But early in the season, times often tell only part of the story. What really matters are the small improvements — the quiet gains in rhythm, form, and focus that lay the groundwork for success later in the year.

These are the races where swimmers rediscover their feel for the water, adjust to competition tempo, and test what they’ve been practicing.A smoother turn, a stronger breakout, or a more controlled breathing pattern — these are signs of progress just as meaningful as a new personal best.

A Story from the Deck

At our January meet last season, one of our 10-year-olds, finished her 100m freestyle with a time slightly slower than her best.She looked disappointed — until we showed her the video. Her stroke count was lower, her streamline cleaner, and her breathing pattern far more consistent than before the holidays.

She hadn’t swum faster yet, but she’d swum better.And that difference set the stage for her to drop over two seconds by March.

“In January, the details matter more than the digits.”

What Small Progress Looks Like

Here’s what coaches actually notice in early meets — and what parents can look for too:

• Cleaner starts: A confident dive with tight streamline.

• Sharper turns: Quicker rotations and stronger push-offs.

• Smoother pacing: Holding effort evenly instead of starting fast and fading.

• Body awareness: Adjusting mid-race without panic or hesitation.

• Composure: Calm breathing and controlled reactions, win or lose.

These signs show that your child is learning how to race, not just how to swim fast.

Why It Matters So Much

Small improvements compound.Each well-executed skill builds the foundation for faster racing in March’s National Age Group Championships and April’s School Championships.By the time taper hits, swimmers who focused on refining details — not chasing times — usually find that their big improvements come naturally.

How to Encourage Your Child

• Highlight Form, not time. Mention that their skills looked better, or their racing strategy was good

• Ask about control. “Did that race feel smoother?” sparks reflection without pressure.

• Celebrate Effort. Early-season effort is a bigger win than most realize.

• Keep the long view. Remind them that every small step in January adds up by March.

Key Takeaway

January meets aren’t meant to be perfect — they’re meant to be productive.When swimmers and parents learn to see small improvements as major progress, the entire season changes.Because what starts as “just a little better” now, often turns into “a lot faster” when it counts.

Our EffiSwim Stroke Masterclasses are designed to help young swimmers refine those small but critical details — body position, coordination, and efficiency — that make a big difference by race season.Find out more at EffiSwim.com and join our next clinic this February.