PRACTICE GROUPS
Whether a swimmer is just beginning in the sport, or is looking to compete at the regional, national, or Olympic level, there is a place for him/her on the Barracudas. Each training group provides lesson plans appropriate to a child’s level of expertise and commitment. The Coach can evaluate a swimmer and recommend which training group would be most appropriate.
Training Groups
Blue
The Blue group is for novice swimmers, ages 6 - 12. These children have shown an interest in swimming, are comfortable in the water, and are willing and able to follow the coach’s instructions. The swimmer can already complete one pool length (25 meters) of both freestyle and backstroke with reasonably good form. The technical goals of the group include learning and refining the four competitive strokes (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly), proper turns, and starts.
Practice sessions: 45 minutes to one hour. Attendance requirements: None
Attendance recommendations: 3 times per week.
Other sports activities outside of swimming are both accepted and encouraged, especially those that emphasize body awareness and cardiovascular conditioning (eg: gymnastics, karate, soccer).
Silver
The Silver group is designed for beginning swimmers who have mastered the basics of all four competitive strokes to the extent that they can legally swim 50 meters of each plus a 100 Individual Medley (IM). The swimmer should understand the importance of respecting and supporting his/her teammates and coaches, and be able to use the pace clock in training. The goals of the group include refinement of strokes, starts, and turns. Basic race strategy is also introduced.
Practice sessions: One hour to 1:15. Attendance requirements: None
Attendance recommendations: 3 - 4 times per week.
Other sports activities outside of swimming are both accepted and encouraged, especially those that emphasize body awareness and cardiovascular conditioning (eg: gymnastics, karate, soccer).
Pre-Senior and Senior
The Pre-Senior and Senior levels are designed for children ages 11 and older who enjoy the sport of swimming and wish to continue to improve. Some have decided that they wish to give the sport of swimming a priority in their lives. When determined appropriate by the coach, additional training enhancements such as morning practices, dryland exercises, and strength training may be added to the swimmer’s training program. The swimmers are encouraged to set goals and strive to reach them. Each swimmer assumes personal responsibility for choices and actions which impact his/her training and progress.
The Pre-Senior group is designed for swimmers ages 11 - 14. They must be able to successfully complete 100 meters of each stroke, as well as a 200 IM and 500 Freestyle.
Practice sessions: 1:15 - 2:00.
Attendance requirements: The coach will recommend how many practices a child should attend, based on his or her ability and commitment level.
Attendance recommendations: 5 - 6 practices per week.
The Senior group is designed for swimmers high-school age and older. These young men and women show highly-motivated levels of dedication and commitment to the sport. Technically, they are able to successfully complete 100 meters of all four strokes, a 400 IM, and a 1000 freestyle
Practice sessions: 1:30 - 2:30
Attendance requirements: The coach will recommend how many practices a child should attend, based on his or her ability and commitment level.
Attendance recommendations: 5 or more practices per week, including Saturday practices when offered.