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Too many different abilities and not enough lanes? 
Try using timed sendoffs instead of intervals. Have the group all do 8 x (somethings) on 3:15. The fast swimmers could do 225s, the almost fast swimmers could go 175s and the soon-to-be fast swimmers could do 125s. Everybody else in between picks the ideal distance for them as well. Even within a lane it's possible to have the swimmers go different lengths. 

This type training keeps the group together and creates a feeling of team-work.

A swimming program that invests in an underwater video system has many options. Swimming stroke technique can be analyzed, allowing coaches and athletes to watch arm and leg position, body rotation and presence of air. Turns and starts can be analyzed, watching for streamlined body position and improvements to increase speed. Learn-to-swim programs benefit from allowing new swimmers to compare their strokes to video of accomplished swimmers. Below are a few options to consider when purchasing an underwater camera. Read more... 

The Coach Asks: I was just at a meet where several swimmers swam in the wrong lanes or heats. Whenever a swimmer was in a lane assigned to one of my no-show swimmers, I reported it to the officials. Isn't there a provision in the rulebook to prevent this?

Answer: Yes, 103.11.2A and B. The head timer for each lane is required to determine whether the swimmer or relay team is present and in the correct lane, heat, and event. The head timer is also required to record the absence of a swimmer or relay team assigned to that lane and heat. Timers have more duties than just timing. They are also required to determine that relay swimmers are swimming in the order listed (103.11.2A), which is critical for leadoff splits, and also to determine and report if the swimmer has delayed in touching or has missed the touchpad at the finish or if there is reason to believe the semi-automatic or manual times may be inaccurate (103.11.2D and 103.11.3C). If you notice that timers are not performing these duties, report that to the meet director or referee. If you host a meet, be sure that these duties are included in the timers' instructions. Other timer duties include taking relay splits or initial distance times, if requested by the chief timer (103.11.2C). Although not required by the rules, timers sometimes assist swimmers on the blocks (see example in 108.5.1C and figure 2, 1st picture on the left).

For any questions about rules contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair. 

"USMS wants to know, what are the qualities that make a good masters swim coach?" See who replied

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