The Coaches Lane
The Coaches Lane
0
A podcast created by swim coaches for swim coaches, with the goal of helping them improve every day. It is part of the AP Race Coaches Community and the broader AP Race organisation, co-founded by Adam Peaty OBE and Ed Baxter. The show aims to revolutionise swimming by maximising the experience for everyone involved in the sport, offering feedback and content for the global coaching community.
Эпизоды
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E38 Kev and Ash's HIGHLIGHTS of the 2025-26 season! 17.08.2026 35минThis is our 2025-26 season round up episode. Ash and Kev reflect on the past year of coaching discussions, highlighting key insights from various guests. They explore themes of empathy, adaptability in coaching, the importance of consistent messaging for young athletes, and the role of leadership and communication in fostering a positive coaching environment. The conversation expands upon the need for coaches to connect with their athletes on a personal level and to be open to evolving their methods based on experience and feedback. There was so much packed into the more-than-20 episodes that were released this season and we hope this round up gives you a good insight into the different conversations we had.Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E37 Paul Greaves. Chameleon Coaching and adapting to Individual Needs 11.08.2026 54минIn this episode of The Coaches Lane, Paul Greaves shares his unique journey from a young trampoline coach in Sheffield to coaching an athlete to multiple Olympic Medals. He discusses the evolution of his coaching philosophy, emphasising the importance of creating a positive and individualised coaching environment. Highlights include the significance of education in coaching, the concept of chameleon coaching, and the challenges faced in modern coaching. He advocates for a balance between professionalism and enjoyment in sports, and the need for coaches to adapt to the individual needs of their athletes. You can connect with Paul via his instagram and linked in below:https://www.instagram.com/paulgreaves01/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-greaves-8b074720/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E36 Simon Richards. Enjoy it, work hard and listen to your coach - A swimming parent perspective! 10.07.2026 48минIn this episode of The Coaches Lane, we explore the swimming journey through the lens of the swimming parent. Simon Richards shares his journey as a swimming dad, detailing the highs and lows of supporting his son, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist Matt Richards, on his path to becoming an Olympic champion. Simon emphasises the importance of enjoyment, hard work, and listening to coaches in youth sports. He reflects on the relationships with various coaches throughout Matt's career and discusses the challenges of managing transitions between clubs and programmes. Additionally, Simon offers insights on parental support and the significance of intrinsic motivation in young athletes. We delve into the complexities of swimming as a sport, focusing on the roles of motivation, parental support, and the long-term development of young athletes. We discuss the emotional challenges faced by parents, the importance of communication between coaches and parents, and the impact of coaching on the personal growth of athletes. Simon emphasises the need for a balanced approach to athlete development, highlighting that the journey is as important if not more so than the outcomes.Connect with Simon here: https://www.instagram.com/s1monrichards/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E35 Katie Baxa. From Summer League to International Coaching 26.06.2026 37минIn this episode, we are joined by Katie Baxa, from Nations Capital Swim Club in the USA, one of the biggest and most prolific programmes in America. She shares with her inspiring journey from summer league swimming in the US to coaching at the highest levels internationally at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She discusses her coaching philosophy, the importance of athlete development, and insights into coaching across different cultures. It is a wonderful conversation and Katie is so honest and humble in her reflections. You can connect with Katie via her instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coach_kdbaxa/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E34 Andy Hailey. Embracing curiosity and exploring learnings from the global swimming community 15.06.2026 54минIn this conversation, Andy shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting the influences that shaped his coaching philosophy and approach. He discusses the importance of integrating safeguarding with coaching practices, the need for resourcefulness in coaching, and the value of learner-centred coaching. Andy also reflects on global coaching perspectives and the significance of peer coaching in athlete development, emphasising the need for a supportive and safe coaching environment. We explore the importance of guided discovery in coaching, emphasising the need for coaches to allow learners the freedom to explore and express themselves. We also dive into insights on individualising coaching for diverse swimmers, the significance of building relationships, and the journey of self-discovery as a coach. Andy also reflects on defining success in coaching and offers valuable advice for new coaches, encouraging them to embrace curiosity and foster community.The book Andy mentions by Jeanne Dekerle can be found here: https://amzn.eu/d/06Y27jgFYou can connect with Andy on Linked-in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hailey-766b30212/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E33 Ian Wright. Building a team and taking people on a journey 22.05.2026 55минIn this fascinating interview, Scottish Swimming's National Coach Ian Wright shares his journey, coaching philosophy, and insights into developing successful swimmers regardless of resource constraints. Discover practical tips for coaches at all levels to improve technique, build resilience, and foster a strong team culture. Ian shared with us his mentors, lessons and reflections from a career spanning many roles. You can connect with Ian on Linkedin here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-wright-607a9920/He also has a fantastic blog to check out on Substack:https://heat1lane1.substack.com/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E32 Kevin Brooks. Exploring the coaching journey and the development of Wycombe District Swimming Club 15.05.2026 56минIn this in-depth interview, Kevin Brooks, Head Coach of Wycombe District Swimming Club, shares his coaching journey, his philosophy on building a sustainable club, and strategies for long-term athlete development. Discover how he transformed Wycombe from a small club into a national powerhouse and the key principles behind his success.You can connect with Kevin via his instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/kevbrookscoach/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E31 Alys Thomas, finding longevity and purpose through the eyes of an Olympian 08.05.2026 40минIn this episode, Olympic swimmer and coach developer Alys Thomas shares her journey from early swimming days in Kingston to competing in four Commonwealth Games, transitioning into coaching, and her role in developing Wales' swimming talent. She discusses longevity in sport, athlete development, coaching strategies, and the importance of enjoyment and individual pathways. It is a fascinating insight into the rollercoaster of the athlete journey and how Alys has taken lessons from her own sporting journey to support the next generation of Welsh swimmers.You can connect with Alys via her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alys_thomas/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E30 Ross Nicholas, from Swimmer to Coach to National Performance Director for Swim Wales 01.05.2026 49минIn this in-depth interview we were joined by Ross Nicholas, the National Performance Director of Swim Wales. He discusses with us the importance of system-wide athlete development, innovative coaching principles, and the role of competitions like the Commonwealth Games in nurturing talent. This episode offers valuable insights for coaches, athletes, and sports administrators aiming to elevate their performance and support pathways. We explored a range of areas including key topics such as,System-wide athlete development in swimmingCoaching principles for technical and physiological growthThe impact of competitions like the Commonwealth GamesSupporting isolated or remote athletes and clubsLessons from other sports and innovative approachesYou can connect with Ross on Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-nicholas-70b09712a/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E29 - Milorad Čavić. Olympic Podium to Coaching and Parenthood - A life in swimming! 27.03.2026 57минOur guest for this episode is an Olympic medalist, World Champion and World Record Holder... but he is so much more than that! Milo shares with us his inspiring journey from being a 4x Olympic swimmer to transitioning into a coach, emphasising the importance of belief, creativity, and continuous learning in sports and life. Discover insights on resilience, coaching philosophy, and the power of sharing knowledge to elevate the sport. We discuss his view as a parent himself on how we support young people through their journey, and there are some profound insights Milo shares with us on this topic.You can connect with Milo on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/milorad_cavic/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E28 - John Szaranek. From Scotland to Ireland and beyond. Two careers, one fascinating journey. 20.03.2026 55минJoin us as we explore John Szaranek's journey through swimming to coaching at the National Centre in Ireland. We dive into how his coaching philosophy was influenced by 30 years in the police service, and insights into developing elite swimmers in Ireland and beyond.Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E27 - Pernille Blume. Finding enjoyment on the journey to becoming Olympic Champion... and what comes next? 09.03.2026 51минIn this insightful interview, Danish Olympic Champion, Pernille Blume shares her journey from becoming an Olympic swimmer and then the transition into a multifaceted career.Pertinent for club coaches, was certainly how she emphasised the importance of joy, exploration, and emotional intelligence in sports and life. You can connect with Pernille via her instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/pernilleblume/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E26 - Andi Manley. Reflecting on the journey from a swimmer, to parent to coaching an Olympic Gold 13.02.2026 53минIn this conversation, we speak to Andi Manley, the Director of Swimming at Loughborough University. The coach to Dan Wiffen's Olympic Gold Medal-winning campaign in 2024, Andi shares insights from his extensive coaching journey including powerful insights from that moment in Paris. He discusses the transition from being a swimmer to a coach, the importance of understanding each athlete as an individual, and the influence of various coaches on his development. Andi reflects on the success of athletes like Dan Wiffen, his coaching philosophy, and the unique environment at Loughborough that fosters athlete growth. He also touches on the challenges of balancing coaching with parenting, the importance of continuous professional development, and offers advice for early career coaches. As he prepares for the role of Team England Head Coach at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Andi emphasises the significance of collaboration and support within the coaching community.You can find out more about Loughborough University's Swim Programme here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/sports/swimming/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E25 - Lauren Cox. Every step of the journey matters. A coaching conversation with a European Champion 06.02.2026 40минIn this conversation, Lauren Cox shares her journey as a swimmer, detailing her experiences from a small club to becoming a European Champion. She discusses the importance of resilience, the adaptations in her training, and the lessons learned from various coaches. Lauren emphasises the significance of mental toughness, visualisation techniques, and the role of resistance training in her development. She reflects on the transitions between programs and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with coaches. Ultimately, Lauren defines success as personal fulfilment rather than just accolades, highlighting the need for athletes to enjoy their journey.You can follow Laurens journey here: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_cox01/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E24 - Gary Laybourne. Trackside with a running coach, exploring the similarities and differences in coaching methods 28.01.2026 40минIn this conversation, Gary Laybourne shares his unique perspective on coaching, drawing from his experiences in athletics and his journey from a troubled youth to a successful coach. He emphasises the importance of fun and inclusion in coaching young athletes, the need for coaches to balance historical wisdom with modern practices, and the significance of engaging parents in the coaching process. Gary also discusses his day job, which focuses on empowering marginalised youth through sports, and reflects on his personal journey and the lessons learned along the way. You can connect with Gary via the links below:Instagram 👉🏻 https://www.instagram.com/gazlaybourne/Linked-in 👉🏻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-laybourne-5307697a/CoreCore 👉🏻 https://coachcore.org.uk/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E23 - Eric Anderson. Coaching around the world and the lessons learned along the way 16.01.2026 48минIn this conversation, Eric Anderson shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting key experiences and influences that shaped his coaching philosophy. He discusses the importance of adaptability in coaching, especially in different cultural contexts like Malaysia. Eric emphasizes the need for a supportive environment to retain young athletes and the significance of continuous learning for coaches. He also delves into technical aspects of swimming, particularly breaststroke, and offers insights on how to help athletes break through performance plateaus. Ultimately, Eric advocates for a process-oriented approach to coaching success, focusing on long-term development rather than immediate results.You can connect with Eric via the links below:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericandersonswim/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-anderson-swimEmail: [email protected]: ttps://makoswim.io/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected] -
E22 - Jake Gibbons. The legacy of Bolles and using your socials to share your authentic self. 20.12.2025 50минIn this episode, Jake Gibbons shares his journey from being a competitive swimmer to a successful coach at the Bolles School, junior home to Caeleb Dressel and Ryan Murphy amongst many others. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, his coaching philosophy shaped by various influences, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with athletes. Jake highlights the legacy of the Bolles School in swimming, the significance of team culture, and the role of social media in modern coaching. He also reflects on the differences between the US and international swimming systems, the balance of opportunities for young swimmers, and his personal definition of success in coaching.You can connect with Jake via his fantastic Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/coach_jake_swim/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/ -
E21 - Victoria Jones. Underwater kicking and exploring biomechanics lessons from World Class swimmers 12.12.2025 53минIn this episode, Victoria Jones, shares her insights on the biomechanics of underwater kicking, with Kevin and Ash asking so many questions to really get into what the research Victoria has worked on shows. Victoria is a Biomechanist and Performance Analyst with Aquatics GB, and has been with the organisation for 8 years now, commencing with her PhD in the key biomechanical indicators of underwater dolphin kickShe discusses the importance of individual techniques, mobility, and coordination in developing effective swimming skills. She also emphasises the need for a holistic approach to coaching, focusing on quality movement patterns and the integration of technology in training. She also addresses common myths in swimming technique and the benefits of short course training. The conversation highlights the significance of continuous learning and the evolving definition of success in coaching.You can connect with Victoria here: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-victoria-jones-329208136AP Race are also on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ap-race-holdings/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via [email protected] and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/ -
E20 - Alex Dawson. Finding a new path in Canada, building 27.11.2025 52минIn this episode, we are joined by Alex Dawson, a seasoned swimming coach with a rich history in both the UK and Canada. Alex shares his journey from a competitive swimmer to a coach, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of patience, the need for continuous development, and the significance of understanding one's 'why' in coaching. The conversation delves into the differences between the coaching systems in the UK and Canada, the importance of multi-sport participation for young athletes, and the strategies he employs to build a successful swimming program. Alex also addresses the imposter syndrome many coaches face and offers valuable advice for young coaches starting their careers.You can connect with Alex on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-dawson-3b7831380/AP Race are also on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ap-race-holdings/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via [email protected] and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/ -
E19 - Mike Taylor. Leading Team Steel and the journey through the sport 14.11.2025 56минIn this episode, Mike Taylor, the Director of Swimming at the City of Sheffield, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a successful coach. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the culture of Sheffield, and the challenges faced by the club, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike emphasises the need for sustainability in coaching, the significance of partnerships for performance enhancement, and the importance of understanding athlete development, particularly for female swimmers. He also highlights the continuous learning process for coaches and the need to adapt coaching styles to meet the needs of athletes.You can connect with Mike on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-taylor-1ab5b6165/?originalSubdomain=ukDon't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via [email protected] and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/
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