The only time I ever circle swim is during warm up at a meet. I'm unsure about one aspect of how to do it properly. If I'm coming into a wall for a turn, do I veer to the left before the wall and then push of straight or do I swim into the wall straight (on the right side) and then push off at an angle? Also, If I want to stop, do I hang out all the way to the right side or left side of the lane (assuming I'm facing the wall)? I've always done it one particular way, but was told recently that the other way was correct. Several beers ride on the answer.
Thanks, Rich
Should the coach get involved or let the lane handle it ?
I would think the easiest way to handle the issue is for the coach to set the rules on circle swimming and make it consistent for everybody. This would save a lot of discussion and cut to the chase; the swim workout! If everybody is on the same page, it simplifies everything.
I haven't shared a lane for workouts since high school, so this is just my :2cents:...
I would think the easiest way to handle the issue is for the coach to set the rules on circle swimming and make it consistent for everybody. This would save a lot of discussion and cut to the chase; the swim workout! If everybody is on the same page, it simplifies everything.
I haven't shared a lane for workouts since high school, so this is just my :2cents:...
We have a team policy, which is pretty much what people have described here: flip to left, rest to the right. Now getting people to do it (or expect it) is another story...
I think you are all making a problem out of circle swimming. Very easily handled it is called cooperation. You seem to be making a mountain out of a mole hill.
The coach probably never has to interfere.
If the lane is not too crowded and wide enough, someone can pass a slower swimmer on the wall without either swimmer stopping. Often in our distance sets (500's or 400's), the lead swimmer will catch the last swimmer. The faster swimmer would tap the slower swimmer's foot before they approach the wall. The slower swimmer slows down slightly and flips on the right side. The faster swimmer crosses over and flips on the left side and they push off together. The faster swimmer speeds up and the slower swimmer moves behind the faster swimmer. Of course the coach needs to teach the swimmers in the workout how to down this.
I think this is the most problematic when it's not in an organized workout.
At least you (should) have swimmers of similar skills/speed in a given circle lane when it occurs in an organized workout. Coaches should make sure this happens.
But when you're at the YMCA open lap swim ... all bets are off. The manatees are simple unaware of the serious swimmers around them. I can be bearing down on them at the wall, and they'll still push off instead of waiting two seconds and letting me pass.
Fortunately for me, circle swimming at my pool is a rarity. Their schedules are well known, and very consistent. There is really only one circumstance that causes circle swimming: when the aerobics class gets 4 of the 6 lanes, and one lane is used for a swimming class. All lap swimmers of any capability are all collapsed into one remaining lane. I might find myself in that situation about 2 or 3 times a year. And when I am there, I make sure all participants know some basic rules: Swim to the right; turn on the left side of the T; stop on the right side of the T; keep aware of who is behind you and let them pass if they are catching up.
