Get Organised, Swim Better: Expert Tips from Australian Pros

At ENGINE, we know that success in and out of the water doesn't just come from talent or hard work - it comes from structure. For swimmers juggling school, training, and competition, organisation can be the game-changer that sets you apart. 

We spoke to leading Australian coaches and sport psychologists to uncover why getting organised is one of the most powerful tools in an athlete’s toolkit, and how to actually make it happen.

According to Dr Joann Lukins, a Queensland-based performance psychologist with over 25 years' experience working with elite athletes, “Being organised reduces mental clutter. When you know what’s coming next, your brain can focus fully on the task at hand - whether that’s a race or a recovery session.”

Organisation helps athletes manage their time, energy, and stress. For swimmers who are often up before dawn, having a clear plan means less rushing, fewer forgotten items, and better mental clarity throughout the day.

Gold Coast coach Rohan Taylor, Head Coach of the Australian Dolphins Swim Team, puts it simply: “Organisation breeds consistency, and consistency wins medals.”

His tip for young athletes?

Start small. Keep your training bag packed the night before, lay out your uniform, and plan your meals ahead.

“A few small steps each night set up your next day to run smoothly.”

Tools That Help

We asked a few ENGINE junior athletes what tools keep them on track:

• A training diary – for logging sessions, goals, and race reflections

• A shared family calendar – so everyone knows when it’s training, race day, or recovery time

• Meal prep on Sundays – quick snacks and meals ready to go mean no skipping fuel

Melbourne-based high performance coach, Kate Sparkes, says routines are underrated. “If your morning is the same every day, you reduce decision fatigue. Your brain isn't wasting energy figuring things out - it’s in go-mode.” 

Establishing routines also helps young swimmers feel more in control. “The more ownership they have over their day, the more confident they feel stepping up to race.”

We design our gear to make organisation easier. Our Backpack Pro has dedicated compartments for wet gear, dry clothes, snacks, and tech. Keeping everything in its place means one less thing to think about before a session. 

And for those early morning starts?

Stash your swimmers, towel, and goggles at the foot of your bed the night before. You’ll thank yourself at 5:30am.

Getting organised doesn’t mean being perfect. It means building habits that support your goals. With the right structure, routines, and mindset, you’ll swim smarter, feel calmer, and perform at your best.

At ENGINE, we’re here to support every part of your performance — in and out of the water.