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'Russell' up some changes to Training Groups

 

 
 
 
The Training Groups are certainly a huge part of the culture here at the Marlins boasting a membership of around 130 swimmers.  The group are split into T1, T2, T3 and T4 swimming in various sessions through the week both at the Triangle and Dolphin.  Training guru Russell Knottley (studying for level 3 coaching badge) has been the corner stone of this success story.  He has invested many man hours over the past 3 years building T1 to a very capable and disciplined squad of young swimmers. Over the past few months he has been given the role of Training Group Head Coach with the objective of streamlining the whole group.
  
 
 
Russell and Stuart on the balcony
 
 
 
The press caught up with him and Stuart Marshal after training this week (13th June 2011) to check out the progress.  He revealed ' the philosophy behind the training groups is to improve stroke technique, fitness and water discipline, we fully appreciate that not all our swimmers want to compete in galas so here in training we will be creating an environment where youngsters can come and enjoy the sport with out that competitive edge and have a bit of fun. Mind you, we aim to have our swimmers ready for competition if they are invited to compete in the various gala's'
  
As to the short/medium term plans Russell will be very busy over the next few months and he fully admits to the Training Groups as a work in progress.  His major objective for the new season (Sept 2011) will be to create brand new criteria for each of the 4 groups. He wants transparency so that every swimmer and parent will know what level of proficiency will be required.  As he explained ' eventually we want to be able to control the standard of each group and facilitate progression through the ranks'  He added ' there is no reason why training group swimmers can't progress to the competitive squads !!'
  
Out of the water his major work will be getting hold of those registers to monitor attendance records. He explained ' we need swimmers to regularly attend their sessions !'
  
  
  
He has assembled a dedicated and talented team of people to help him with this challenge.  Stuart Marshall, John Boydon, Lucy Deacon, Jill Rocky, Wanda Howard, Hilde Cowen and son Aaron will be taking sessions. 
  
The press officer caught up with 3 likely lads from T2 after their session, Ben Farrer, Sam Whewell and James Aires.  Ben said ' we have definitely been pushed harder in training of late'. James added ' its really good to have a change in the routine as it freshens up motivation levels'  Sam explained ' we really enjoy our swimming here in training but I don't think competitive swimming is for me'.  
  
 
 
James Ben and Sam.  Enjoying their time in T2
 
 
The press officer sends his best wishes to club legend Dobby  T1 as he regains full fitness after breaking a leg playing rugby. 
 
 
It certainly seems as though Russell and his coaches are striding to turn the Marlin Training culture into a streamlined and disciplined area of the club. It's not going to happen overnight but during the course of season 2011/12 Training group swimmers will be noticing a lot more structure and discipline to their sessions.  This will lead to them securing greater stamina, technique and speed.  
 
The press officer sends Russell and his team best wishes and will be back in the new year to check on progress.