In this insightful discussion, top swim coaches and sports scientists delve into the evolving landscape of coaching and athlete development. They explore the challenges and opportunities in preparing athletes for peak performance on the world stage.

Their stage was the Eastern States Clinic after the 2024 Olympic Games.

• The importance of explaining coaching philosophies and the science behind them to engage today's intelligent and skeptical athletes.
• Strategies for fostering athlete autonomy and responsibility, and the role of mental health resources in athlete development.
• The significance of endurance training and aerobic development in young athletes for long-term success.
• The impact of collaboration and resource sharing among coaches on international success.
• The role of sports science and biomechanics in enhancing athletic performance and setting new world records.
  
  

The video allows visual clues as to the various speakers. See the entire presentation at the Substack.com/@rauterkus.

Bob Bowman, University of Texas, coach of Leon Maqrchand of France
Tom Himes, NBAC Head Coach and ISCA Hall of Fame
Brent Archey, Sarasota Sharks and Coach of Summer MacIntosh of Canada
Carol Capitani, Univ of Texas Women and USA Olympic Coach
Dr. Zac Hojnacki, sports psych and former coach in Metro LSC
Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas, sport science, formerly with USA Swimming
Mark Schubert, 8-time USA Olympic Coach

The Coaching Wizard is a bold new initiative to prototype an AI-powered mentorship and learning platform that transforms how aquatic instructors, youth leaders, and civic educators grow, teach, and lead. Designed to work within and across schools, community pools, recreation centers, and underutilized civic spaces, this idea reimagines the role of coaching as a personalized, lifelong, and community-embedded learning journey.

At its core, the Coaching Wizard blends emerging technologies with proven pedagogical approaches. The platform delivers AI-generated insights, adaptive learning content, and motivational nudges to coaches and youth in real time—helping them refine skills, develop leadership capacities, and support others. From new swim instructors seeking certification to youth transitioning into mentorship roles, the Coaching Wizard guides learners along individualized pathways that emphasize both personal mastery and public impact.

The initiative integrates with the proposed ISCA’s I-League, which activates schools and pools lacking robust programming, and with U CAN Swim, which supplies professional development and mentoring for aquatic educators. Together, these elements create a complete ecosystem for lifespan learning -- from learning to swim, to leading swim teams, to applying those leadership skills in civic, entrepreneurial, or public health contexts.

If you want to help, contact Coach Mark at Mark@Rauterkus.com.

Jump Cut #17 dives into the intriguing intersection of technology and childhood development. The digital age is reshaping the way kids grow and learn, and Ed Tech is not a healthy trend, as per a wonderful speech by Sophie Winkleman of the UK.

• Play water polo and put down the mobile device!

• Gain insights from Coach Mark on empowering adults to guide the younger generation.

• Understand the impact of constant device presence on social skill development.

• Learn about Sophie Winkleman's observations on screens affecting classroom and social interactions.

• Consider the long-term effects of technology-induced isolation on children.

Link to Sophie Winklemn's talk on YouTube.

In today's digital world, technology is an integral part of our daily lives. Children are growing up in an era where digital devices are ubiquitous. But what does this mean for their development? A recent discussion delved into this topic, using the seemingly simple rule of "no phones in the water polo pool" as a springboard to explore the broader implications of technology on childhood development. Let's consider how we can better navigate this digital age for the benefit of our children and still use AI.

The Role of Technology in Kids' Lives

The conversation began with a seemingly straightforward rule: no phones in the water polo pool. While this rule is practical, it opens up a deeper discussion about the role of technology in children's lives. The presence of digital devices is not just limited to structured settings like sports games; it permeates every aspect of their daily interactions. This constant connectivity raises questions about how technology is shaping the social skills and development of young people.

Empowering Adults to Guide the Next Generation

One of the key insights from the discussion was the importance of empowering adults—teachers, coaches, and mentors—rather than focusing solely on providing the latest gadgets to children. Coach Mark, a featured speaker, emphasized the need to equip adults with the skills and confidence to guide young people effectively. By doing so, we can ensure that technology is used as a tool for empowerment rather than a distraction.

For instance, Coach Mark highlighted the shortage of swimming coaches as a practical example. By training more adults to become effective coaches, we can use technology to enhance their teaching methods and ultimately benefit the children they mentor. This approach shifts the focus from technology itself to the people who can make a meaningful impact on children's lives.

The Importance of Social Skills in the Digital Age

Another critical point raised was the impact of technology on social skills. The constant presence of devices, even outside formal settings, can hinder the development of crucial social skills. Coach Mark's podcast, "Heavy or Not," explores the idea that playing well with others is a skill that needs to be taught, reinforced, and valued. The initial image of no phones in the water polo pool serves as a metaphor for the broader issue of how technology affects social interactions.

When children are glued to their screens, they miss out on learning essential social cues, reading body language, and negotiating face-to-face interactions. This shift from the exuberance of youth to what Sophie Winkleman describes as "anxious, irritable insularity" is concerning. It raises questions about the long-term effects of such isolation on children's ability to navigate social situations.

As we continue to embrace technology in our lives, it's crucial to consider its impact on the next generation. The discussion highlighted the importance of empowering adults to guide children and the need to prioritize the development of social skills in the digital age. By focusing on these aspects, we can ensure that technology serves as a tool for growth rather than a barrier to development.

In conclusion, the rule of no phones in the water polo pool is more than just a guideline for a game; it's a reminder of the broader implications of technology on childhood development. By understanding and addressing these issues, we can create a balanced approach that allows children to thrive in a digital world while preserving the essential skills they need to succeed in life.