NOVICE GROUP
Ages in these groups generally range from 5 to 9 years. Swimmers should practice 2-3 days per week. It is recommended that swimmers maintain a schedule that keeps them within the same practice days and times.
Coaches focus on 25/50-yard distances in practice with a strong emphasis on correct stroke technique and basic drills, turns, starts, (as well as some fun!) and serves as an introduction to competitive swimming.
The group covers starts, turns, stroke drills and technique in all 4 strokes. The pace clock is introduced along with an awareness of basic time calculation.
AGE GROUP DEVELOPMENT GROUP (8-12 yr olds)
The basic skills required for entering this group are a strong backstroke, freestyle with bi-lateral breathing, and basic competency in breaststroke and butterfly. We continue to develop stroke and technique work like the Novice group, as well as introduce training skills. We introduce swimmers to the concept of reading a written practice and using a pace clock.
Coaches look for:
- Be proficient in 4 strokes
- Able to do flip turns and dives
- Able to complete a 60-minute structured practice
- Commit to a minimum of 2-6 practices a week
- Attend meets whenever possible in both long and short course seasons
We want to develop a love for the sport of swimming by teaching new skills, giving swimmers new challenges, and helping them to enjoy racing. Swimmers in this group will prepare to swim a 200 Free and 200 IM and possibly the 500 free.
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT GROUP (12 & OLDER)
This group will continue to build on the techniques and skills taught in the Age group development group, as well as more training and racing skills for the swimmers. The main goal of the Senior Development Group is to help the younger inexperienced teenager to develop a love for the sport of swimming by teaching new skills, giving swimmers new challenges to build confidence, and helping them to enjoy racing. Swimmers may practice from 3 to 6 times per week.
This group is designed for the swimmer who needs more of the physical and stroke development. This group will continue to enhance stroke technique as well as develop cardiovascular conditioning. . Attendance of meets is strongly encouraged. We do expect a wide range of motivational levels in this group and will coach according to the needs of each individual.
Coaches look for:
- Attendance commitment to 5 practices per week.
- Swimmers must be willing to compete in a multitude of events.
- Meet participation is required
- Swimmers must be able to train consistently at the group’s high level. Technique must be sound, so injury does not occur with added yardage.
SENIOR PROGRAM
Swimmers should commit to attending a minimum of 5 practices, and strength & conditioning dry land workouts are strongly encouraged. The standards of commitment and competition will apply throughout the year as our swimmers develop into positive leaders and teammates for their fellow swimmers. Swimmers in this group should be striving to reach the State Senior Championship level and beyond.