Conditioning

Early Season Tips

It is important as a coach to remember that for swimmers- under 12, the emphasis at practice should be a balance of anaerobic and aerobic work, with a focus on stroke proficiency and not yardage. Physiologically, tween swimmers do not need as much yardage as older, postpubescent swimmers. In fact, too much yardage increases risk of injury, burnout, and, according to a swimscience.net article, "Studies show over-training before age 14 can actually reduce the chances of later success."

Now Is the time to make technical changes. Not in the thick of the season or right before championships.
Evaluations and improvements should be done early.
Work on developing ease in the water. Especially in young swimmers. The more comfortable swimmers are, the more likely they will be able to shift from intermeditate to proficient stroke development.
Yardage. No escaping it. The only way to get into swim shape is to be in the pool swimming! Early in the season practice should be all about drills, kicking, and lots of laps!