Avoiding Path Dependence in Your Learning Journey

Last year, I embarked on a journey to train for a triathlon. I had no prior experience in freestyle swimming, so I decided to accelerate my learning by enrolling in one-on-one coaching sessions. Over the course of ten sessions with different experienced coaches, all of whom had started swimming at a young age, I observed a crucial distinction. The most effective coaches did not rely on routine drills and patterns from their own past experiences or training methods for other swimmers. Instead, they assessed my unique abilities and adjusted the training regimen in response to my progress.

Photo by Maxwell Young on Unsplash

Fall into the Path Dependencies

This year, a friend of mine decided to pursue triathlon training as well, with a similar lack of freestyle swimming skills. He also opted for one-on-one coaching from a swimmer who ranked in the top three for the 100m freestyle in his city. Surprisingly, my friend struggled to swim continuously for more than 50 meters after nearly half a year of training.

Comparing our training efforts in terms of total swimming distance and frequency, we both dedicated ourselves to swimming 2 to 3 times a week, covering approximately 1.5–2 kilometers each time. However, one significant difference emerged. My friend spent a considerable amount of time, about 400–500 meters, on kicking drills, while I focused primarily on body rotation, body positioning, and the catch-pull-push technique for the upper body.

Upon further investigation, I discovered that traditional swimming instruction typically starts children with kicking drills, emphasising that kicking forms the foundation of swimming. While this approach holds true for young learners, does it still apply to adults with no prior swimming background?

I believe that path dependence significantly influences coaching methods. Here’s why:

1. Age Matters: Children and adults have different learning capabilities and tolerances. Kids are often encouraged or pushed to learn swimming from a young age, and they can endure the tedium and physical strain of kicking drills. However, for adults, the process can be significantly more painful. Learning under such discomfort can lead to demotivation and hinder effective skill acquisition. Learning is most efficient when it is enjoyable and rewarding.
2. Differing Goals: Adult swimmers, particularly those preparing for triathlon races, have distinct objectives compared to competitive swimmers. Adults swim for health, leisure, or the fulfillment of a hobby. Even in sprint-distance triathlons, the 750m swim is no longer considered a sprint distance for experienced swimmers. As a result, the importance of kicking diminishes, with the primary propulsive force coming from the upper body. Additionally, wetsuits allow for swimming with minimal kicking, further reducing the significance of kicking drills.

How to Break Free from Path Dependence?

1. Principles Over Processes: Path dependence often arises when processes developed in the past constrain future decisions. While it’s natural to seek efficiency and replicate past successes, it’s crucial to prioritise principles over processes. Principles endure over time, irrespective of changing circumstances. Understand the underlying principles that guide your actions rather than fixating on rigid processes.
2. Ask “Why?”: Continuously question why you are following a particular approach. What is the root reason behind a method’s effectiveness? What mindset should you maintain? Investigate why alternative methods may or may not work for you. For instance, consider why following a swimming or marathon training schedule set by an elite athlete might not yield the same results for you.
3. Learn from the Process: While processes aren’t inherently useless, they were initially created to achieve success efficiently. For instance, although excessive kicking may not be essential at the beginning, you may later discover its importance when facing performance bottlenecks. However, it’s crucial to understand why you’re practicing specific techniques. Are you working on balance, leg strength, anaerobic capacity, or body rotation? Without comprehension, efforts become futile.

Breaking free from path dependence in your learning journey involves embracing flexibility, prioritizing principles, and continually questioning and adapting your methods. Remember that learning should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, one that evolves to suit your unique needs and goals.