I was just put in charge of the rowdiest group of boys I have ever seen. They were so bad I barely got them to do 300 yards in the first practice. I wasn't even able to get their names or any times.
They're middle school level, and while I'd love to keep them, I'm not going to put up with 40 boys who are like that. I want to cut that number to about 30.
I could do a 50 and cut by time, but I was thinking of having them swim a 500, and anyone who touched the floor, stopped to talk, or doesn't finish would be out, especially during the first part of the drill. Do you think that is fair?
Not sure what kind of organization you are with... some do not like "cutting" based on a fixed performance.
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. There are probably a few diamonds in the rough that aren't proficient yet but have superb potential.
My suggestion is a week of practices, where you state up front the behavior expectation, provide moderate intensity workouts and create workouts based on ability. Tell the kids their attendance is mandatory and so are the workouts. If they don't attend or screw around, they are gone. I'd also say anyone who does the workouts and is appropriately well behaved after a week deserves to stay.
Oh, and give the ringleaders the hardest set you can imagine. They are screwing around for one of two reasons. Either they are a swimming stud and think you aren't pushing them or they stink at swimming and are covering their lack of talent with bad behavior. Either way, you'll find out.
Not sure what kind of organization you are with... some do not like "cutting" based on a fixed performance.
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. There are probably a few diamonds in the rough that aren't proficient yet but have superb potential.
My suggestion is a week of practices, where you state up front the behavior expectation, provide moderate intensity workouts and create workouts based on ability. Tell the kids their attendance is mandatory and so are the workouts. If they don't attend or screw around, they are gone. I'd also say anyone who does the workouts and is appropriately well behaved after a week deserves to stay.
Oh, and give the ringleaders the hardest set you can imagine. They are screwing around for one of two reasons. Either they are a swimming stud and think you aren't pushing them or they stink at swimming and are covering their lack of talent with bad behavior. Either way, you'll find out.
