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?
As a teacher I would suggest first pointing out those that are doing a good job and working in some type of reward - going off of diving boards, relays, etc.
My principal is fond of saying we need to look in the mirror not out the window - figure out what you could be doing better first. I coached a good sized group of country club kids this summer. Age ranged from 5-12. All in the pool at the same time. I had them moving constantly.
You also need to make them aware of your expectations AND aware that there will be consequences if they don't follow the rules. Then follow through with the consequences. Swimming fly non-stop in a lane, push-ups, or anything on "dryland" that is not fun and seperates them from the mob mentality.
WHEN they do start following directions and doing a nice job reward them with sharks and minnows or something similar. Let them beat each other up in a supervised mannor. Start practice with all out sprints to wear them out and settle them down.
As a teacher I would suggest first pointing out those that are doing a good job and working in some type of reward - going off of diving boards, relays, etc.
My principal is fond of saying we need to look in the mirror not out the window - figure out what you could be doing better first. I coached a good sized group of country club kids this summer. Age ranged from 5-12. All in the pool at the same time. I had them moving constantly.
You also need to make them aware of your expectations AND aware that there will be consequences if they don't follow the rules. Then follow through with the consequences. Swimming fly non-stop in a lane, push-ups, or anything on "dryland" that is not fun and seperates them from the mob mentality.
WHEN they do start following directions and doing a nice job reward them with sharks and minnows or something similar. Let them beat each other up in a supervised mannor. Start practice with all out sprints to wear them out and settle them down.
