Another Successful Age Group Practice

I still believe that practice groups need to separated by skill and development level. There are so many levels of swimmer at a specific age depending on the amount of time that they have been active in the sport. To really get the most out of the practices, it is more beneficial for the swimmer to participate in the groups for their development. Age does become a factor in the group they are in as well because the fun factor does play into the groups. Our groups are definitely designed to have more games and activities in our lower level groups, and the higher levels press the idea of having fun by developing as a swimmer. This is why for us, we try to keep 10 and unders in particular groups because it is important that they still are able to have those fun activities in practice. As the swimmer gets older, and their skills are developed to stay with the groups, it is good to create new motivations on why they are at practice, and as a coach try to get them to actually have a fun time working hard. I have found that swimmers ages 12 - 14 are actually waiting for someone to challenge them, and enjoy the aspect of working hard as being fun, and less need for the games.

Our team though wants to create a cohesive team, and not one that is splintered. Being at two sites provides many opportunities to develop the splintering culture, but out coaching staff works hard to prevent this from happening. We are all one team, and we are all here for the same reason. We all help push each other when we need to be pushed, and we are all there for one another when we are need of someone. Swimmers understand swimmers, and they can be what keeps a swimmer going in the sport. Parents of young swimmers, I hate to tell you this, but you are not going to be the most understanding as they get older. Yes, they are going to want to know that you aren't disappointed in them, but they need their teammates to talk through some of the rough patches of a swim season. We hope to begin to develop this culture by unifying the team at even the beginning level of our team. Starting early allows it to develop its strength through the years.

We started the Age-Group Practice last March, and we really have enjoyed the experience. The swimmers get to meet swimmers of their own age that they normally don't get to see, and begin a relationship with the all the team members of their age. Many times a swimmer may join late, and spend a few years developing through the lower level groups, but eventually end up in the same group as the other swimmers along down the road.

These practices aren't made up of sets, as there are different levels of swimmers. The include introduction activities during dryland; skill based practice such as starts, turns, and specific basic stroke technique; and fun games such as relays and sharks and minnows. All the swimmers have seemed to enjoy it, and group adjustment has been easier for some that have participated in the age-group practices.

It has also been good for our swimmers to meet the other coaches on staff, and for our coaches to see and meet some of the other swimmers on our team. All together it is a great way to have some team unity in a swim practice atmosphere from the various different levels.