A circuit is a group of different activities that are followed in succession. They can be dynamic and continually moving or stationary and moving intermittently. This article will look at Circuit Stations in a swimming training program.
Circuit stations allow for high repetition of skills over a particular time frame. Students are asked to switch stations after completing an individual skill repeatedly within that time frame. This is great for skill acquisition in a swimming class.
Instructors have the flexibility to be able to position themselves at the activity which is the main program focus or to be mobile and move to each station after a few minutes (before the swimmers are asked to rotate) to ensure feedback is given to each student.
Set a time frame for each station and allocate time for yourself at each station. For example, if your station times are 9 minutes each, make sure you spend 3 minutes at each station to ensure you see all students at each activity before they move on. Repeat this process every time the swimmers move to a new station.
Our Swimming Training Program Tips
* Position yourself so you have a clear vision of all your swimmers.
* If you choose to remain at a single station for more focused work on a specific skill rather than moving around, ensure activities at the other stations are appropriate for the swimmers in the class to work on independently or with the help of a parent or carer.
* Be mindful check the other activities every now and then to ensure swimmers (and their parents where necessary) are safe and completing the repetitions of the skill.
Creating a swimming circuit is easy, it just requires some thought. Once you have a clear idea of your class group the ideas will flow and you will have a great circuit in no time.
When creating a circuit for your swimming training program, ask yourself the following questions:
* What is the age of the class group?
* What is the skill level of the class group?
* What activities are appropriate for this group of swimmers?
* How many activities are required for this circuit?
* What type of circuit will work best for this group of swimmers?
* Where will the class be situated? / What pool space will you be allocated?
* How large is the teaching area?
* What depth is the water?
* What type of circuit will work best with the space you have been assigned?
* What equipment will be available?
Laurie Lawrence