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Patterns of a Training Session Patterns of organization are formations employed by the coach to provide athletes with the opportunity to develop the desired skill. On the following pages are some common patterns of organization. Coaches need to become thoroughly familiar with all of them. They include formations for discussions, demonstrations, drills in which the athletes remain in one spot (static drills) and drills in which the athletes move from one point to another (fluid drills).   Coaches must constantly strive to provide maximum opportunity for skill practice for all athletes during each class period. Failure on the part of the coach to keep the athletes actively involved can cause the inactive athletes to become chilled, bored and restless, which can cause disruption and loss of control.   Arranging for Land Instruction   Formation Semicircle of one or more lines (The same requirements apply for water instruction) Use When speaking to the group Important Factors The sun needs to be behind the swimmers or divers Face away from the sun and other distracting influences Wind coming from behind the coach will help carry his/her voice to the athletes     Arranging for Water Instruction   Formation "L" formation of single or multiple lines Use When standing at the end or the side of the pool Important Factors The coach works in a pocket directly in front of the athletes If talking against the wind, the coach needs to talk toward the water to allow the sound to be carried over the water Athletes need to be close to and high enough above to look down on the coach and/or demonstrator     Formation Single line Use When working from a single runway or from the side of the pool or the deck when the group is small. Important Factors: Same as the "L" formation     Formation Multiple lines Use When working from a single runway or the side of the pool when the group is large Important Factors One group sits, the next group kneels, and the third group stands Same as the "L" formation     Arranging Team for Static Drill on Land or in Shallow Water   Formation Single line Use When the area is long and narrow and the group is small, either on land or in the water Important Factors The athletes are far enough apart to not interfere with each other The coach may stand in front of or at either end of the line     Formation Parallel lines Use When the area is long and narrow and the group is large Important Factors Especially effective when the athletes work as buddies The coach position may vary as in the single line formation     Formation Multiple lines Use When the area is short and wide and the group is large Important Factors The swimmers are far enough apart not to interfere with each other The coach must be seen by all swimmers and vice versa     Formation Circle Use When the area is short and wide and the group is large Important Factors It is difficult to observe all the athletes at the same time with this formation The coach must be certain that all swimmers are able to see demonstrations The coach can have an observer outside of the circle for the safety of the athletes     Arranging Team for Fluid Drills Fluid drill formations are used to improve the skill efficiency and the physical endurance of the athletes as well as to evaluate them. These drills should be varied to meet the needs of the athletes and the coach. The following factors should be considered when these drill formations are used: the level of skill proficiency of the athletes, their physical condition, the distance to be achieved for each swim, the intensity level of each swim and the frequency and length of rest periods between swims. Athletes should be comfortably tired but not physically exhausted at the end of the training session.     Formation Wave Use To divide a large group into smaller units to provide maximum supervision at practice To allow the coach to observe fewer swimmers at one time in order to make comments for skill improvement Important Factors The group is divided into smaller groups known as No. 1, No. 2 and so on The coach tells each group what to do and when to do it. Example: "Freestyle No. 1's, ready, swim" Each group swims as a unit on the appropriate command Each groups swims to a designated point and stops   The wave formation is one of the most often used of all fluid drill formations. Consequently, the coach must become skilled in organizing a team quickly. Following are some of the major factors to consider.   Coaching Tips For fluid and static drills on dry land or in shallow water, have the athletes line up in one straight line. Have them count off, according to number of groups desired, starting from one end. Have the athletes turn their heads in the direction of the count so that the next athlete can clearly hear the number being called out. Depending on the number of ranks to be formed, have the No 1's hold their positions, No. 2's step back two paces, No. 3's step forward two paces, etc. For fluid and static drills in shallow water, have the tallest athletes nearest the deeper water and the shortest athletes nearest the shallower water. A lane marker can also be used to divide deep from shallow water if there is a weak swimmer in the group. With patience, perseverance and the use of humor by the coach, the athlete can quickly learn to move only on the appropriate command, to stop and to remain in place at the designated location.     Formation Stagger Use When it is necessary to watch athletes individually and for final evaluation of many skills Important Factors The group remains in a single line Signal the first athlete to start swimming. If two coaches are available, start each end of the line simultaneously The athlete next in line starts when the swimmer just ahead reaches the spot designated by the coach The coach is able to follow the progress of each athlete for a few body lengths The coach usually moves along the deck to have a better view of the swimmers     Circle Swimming When training for distances of more than one length of the pool or for distance swimming in an enclosed area that is narrow and long. Important Factors: builds stamina and permits individual attention by the coach The swimming area is divided into smaller areas with lane lines For the short course, divide the group by the number of areas available. If possible, one group is assigned to each area by similar abilities For the long course, place the faster swimmers ahead of the slower ones Designate the number of laps: one length or width of the pool to be completed before stopping The swimmers keep a safe distance apart

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