This isn’t just an adorable picture of my 4-year-old. There is something special about it. Want to know what it is? His hair is wet!!!! We are only three lessons in with Coach Joe Pascale and my son actually put his face in the water, without getting upset.
I’ll be honest. I was a little embarrassed about his first lesson, three weeks ago.
He was doing more talking than listening, he refused to put anything above his shoulders in the water, and he was hanging on Coach Joe’s neck like a little monkey. He’s also really tall for a 4-year-old, so he can easily touch the bottom of the pool. Instead of kicking, he would do a series of leaps through the water.
Instead of moving his arms, he had a death-grip on Coach Joe’s arm, or neck, or shoulder, or whatever he could scramble to make contact with. At the end of the lesson, I apologized to Coach Joe, but he said that my son is right at the same level as most kids during their first lesson…actually, he’s little better because he’s not afraid to get in the pool!
He was doing more talking than listening, he refused to put anything above his shoulders in the water, and he was hanging on Coach Joe’s neck like a little monkey. He’s also really tall for a 4-year-old, so he can easily touch the bottom of the pool. Instead of kicking, he would do a series of leaps through the water.
Instead of moving his arms, he had a death-grip on Coach Joe’s arm, or neck, or shoulder, or whatever he could scramble to make contact with. At the end of the lesson, I apologized to Coach Joe, but he said that my son is right at the same level as most kids during their first lesson…actually, he’s little better because he’s not afraid to get in the pool!
Fast forward another two lessons, and I see real progress. He’s listening to Coach Joe’s instructions. He’s pulling his feet up to kick at the surface of the water, and he’s moving his arms. He actually looks like he’s trying to swim…almost. I can’t wait to see what the next three lessons bring! Stay tuned for more updates.
Coach Joe Pascale offers private and group lessons in swimming, cross training, mixed martial arts and nutrition-based programs. Coach Joe attended Auburn University, where he was a member of the 2004 and 2005 NCAA Championship swim team. This, and other accomplishments, led him to compete in the US Olympic Trials in the 50 and 100 freestyle swim event in 2012.
Recently, Coach Joe worked as the Head Assistant Coach of American University as well as Nation’s Capital Swim Club in DC, coaching the Lane 4 Master’s Swimming and Triathlete Program, which is currently the largest Master’s program in the United States.
If you are interested in learning more about the services that Coach Joe Pascale offers, please visit his website and mention Macaroni Kid when you register!
