I am interested in hearing everyone's thoughts about how much practice time should be spent doing drills vs sets. This is in regards to age group training...with specific interest in the 10 and under and 11-12 age groups.
My kids swim in a local club and the majority of the practice time is spent doing set after set. All the coaches do is throw the kids in the pool and tell them to swim laps. There is virtually no time dedicated to drills. I am very disappointed in the fact that my kids have developed bad stroke technique that is not being corrected in practice. As a result, their times are going up and they are becoming disenchanted with their experience.
I am currently a member of the board and would like to address these issues with the rest of the board and the coaches. However, I need information to help me with my stance.
What is everyone's experience with drills vs endurance training?
Thank you.
Parents
Former Member
What is everyone's experience with drills vs endurance training?
quote]
Agreeing with That Guy...there needs to be a purpose to what each aspect of the workout is for. If the coach can't verbalize what HIS goals are for the team and how he will be attaining those goals, he needs to rethink what he's doing, or you need a new coach.
When I swam there were many times when the sprinters would do different drills/sets than us distance swimmers. And of course the strokes would be split up as well. Our coach actually Coached us, talking with us about our strokes, effort, etc. That's the only way one can improve--with input.
Unfortunately back then there was also an emphasis on "garbage yardage", which I understand now is a thing of the past. Still, I think I recieved an excellent swimming experience. In my experience my coach (a gold medalist Olympian) really could coach and communicate with his swimmers.
What is everyone's experience with drills vs endurance training?
quote]
Agreeing with That Guy...there needs to be a purpose to what each aspect of the workout is for. If the coach can't verbalize what HIS goals are for the team and how he will be attaining those goals, he needs to rethink what he's doing, or you need a new coach.
When I swam there were many times when the sprinters would do different drills/sets than us distance swimmers. And of course the strokes would be split up as well. Our coach actually Coached us, talking with us about our strokes, effort, etc. That's the only way one can improve--with input.
Unfortunately back then there was also an emphasis on "garbage yardage", which I understand now is a thing of the past. Still, I think I recieved an excellent swimming experience. In my experience my coach (a gold medalist Olympian) really could coach and communicate with his swimmers.
