small pool--big kids!

Question
I currently coach a team of 30 H.S. swimmers and we are "blessed" with a three lane, 20yd pool.  I am in a constant struggle to make hard, effective, and safe practices.  I have a wide range of abilities on my team.  Any advice would be great!!

Answer
Amy,
Congratulations are in order.  It's better to have a 20 yard pool vice no pool at all.  Consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

My first advice is to concentrate on the fundamentals.  Stroke mechanics and technique are the basis for any sport.  Swimmers should know how to swim properly before working on cardio and endurance.

I would spend lots of time doing "20's" with them concentrating on their technique.

Obviously it's going to be difficult for you to do anything too long in terms of distance in the pool.  I would only concentrate on shorter races instead.  If some of your athletes excel at distance, try to get them in the water on their own either before and/or after the regular practice.  This will give them the opportunity to swim a bit longer.

My biggest advice would be to concentrate on doing 1 or 2 lap swims.  Make the intervals very tight.  The only way to get their heart rate up is to keep them swimming short distances. Anything over this and they will be swimming on top of each other.  10 people per lane is crazy.

Seriously, stick to 1 or 2 lap swims.  Keep the intervals tight.  Mix up the strokes.

Another idea is to split up your practice.  Have 15 in the water at a time.  The other 15 can be doing dryland. Push-ups, sit-ups, stretching, medicine balls, and running are all great ways to cross train.

I know you are in a difficult position, however you can make it work.  Think outside of the box.  Don't just think about your 3-lane and 20 yard pool.

I hope that this gives you a few ideas.  I could go on longer, but I think that you will get the idea.

Please let me know (1) if this helped, (2) if you have any more questions, and (3) how your team does.
Eric