Set of the Week - June 1, 2007

5/25/07 - Got exams? Here's a set that combines academics and acquatics.

Study Set
With exams coming up, swimmers often ask for time off to study. As coaches, we have to keep our priorities straight, but I'm not sure we have to just give in. Wouldn't it make more sense to make sure they're really studying? I also think that kids learn better when you put things into a context they care about, and maybe understand better.

This week's set was the brainchild of a student athlete. It incorporates study time AND swimming. The swimmer brought in his study guide, and we built a practice of rewards and incentives to... shall we say... ENHANCE the learning experience. In other words, if he correctly answered a question, all the swimmers got to do a set of 25s thinking about stroke. If he answered INCORRECTLY, the set was a bit tougher, with push-ups, jumps, and general tough stuff to make sure he was ready for his test.

A quick example was the race set based on vocabulary words. The swimmers started from the side, dove in, and performed a VERY fast flip turn at the flags. Then they immediately sprinted back and jumped out on deck. This was performed as a race so they had the competitive fire going as well. As soon as the swimmer jumped out, he was asked a vocabulary question. If the answer was correct, the group lined up along the edge again and were given 10 seconds rest. If the answer was incorrect, he immediately had to do 10 push-ups, and then go right to the edge for a FAST start, and another race.

We did that one for 20 vocab words. He'll be VERY ready next time. Good thing it's almost summertime, but this was a great idea, inspired by the swimmer, manipulated by the coach. :)