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.
I think FAR too many age group coaches are barely competent.
Note that this statement probably applies to all kids sports, not just swimming and isn't just about overuse injuries. My wife was a PE major and played softball and volleyball in college then coached volleyball at the high school level later. She still rolls her eyes when she sees some dad coaching pee wee soccer where he has 10 kids on the field and 8 of them are standing in line while two are doing some drill and several soccer balls are sitting around gathering moss as well.
Skip
I think FAR too many age group coaches are barely competent.
Note that this statement probably applies to all kids sports, not just swimming and isn't just about overuse injuries. My wife was a PE major and played softball and volleyball in college then coached volleyball at the high school level later. She still rolls her eyes when she sees some dad coaching pee wee soccer where he has 10 kids on the field and 8 of them are standing in line while two are doing some drill and several soccer balls are sitting around gathering moss as well.
Skip
