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Practice Groups

The Aquanauts use a progressive age group program designed to develop the child physically, mentally, and emotionally in a systematic fashion.  A well defined, long term approach to gradually increasing degrees of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels.  The emphasis in the early stages of participation will be placed on developing skills and love of the sport.  In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge will be introduced to the training program.  In addition to emphasizing long-term rather than short-term results, it is also important that we establish training groups of swimmers who are compatible in respect to abilities, commitment levels, and goals.  At each level, the goals and objectives are specific and directed toward meeting the needs of the swimmers.  As each child is different, he/she will progress at his/her own rate.

PRACTICE ASSIGNMENTS

Each swimmer will be assigned to one of five ability/age groups. This will be determined by the coach based on the swimmer’s ability and commitment.  If siblings are assigned to a different practice, the faster child may be reassigned to the slower practice at the parent’s request, but not vice versa.

         

PRE-COMPETITIVE

  • Practice Time: Monday – Friday 6:30 to 7:15
  • Beginners,  new to the team
  • Learning competitive swimming techniques and rules
  • Able to swim at least 25 yards continuously in one of the four competitive strokes
  • Participate in recreational swim meets with the coaches’ approval

BRONZE

  • Practice Time: Monday – Friday 6:30 to 7:15
  • Know their strokes and beginning to build speed and endurance
  • Participate in USS meets with coaches’ approval
  • Participate in recreational swim meets

SILVER

  • Practice Time: Monday – Friday 4:45 to 6:15
  • Well-versed in technique and strategy
  • Full fledged training group
  • Participate in USS and recreational swim meets
  • Consistently perform to the utmost of their ability in practice

GOLD

  • Practice Time: Monday – Friday 4:30 to 6:30 & Saturday 8:30 to 10:30         
  • Demonstrated a commitment to the sport and a serious level of competition
  • Exhibit a high level of competency in four competitive strokes
  • Train with emphasis on endurance, pace development, stroke technique, and mastering competitive skills

GOLD SENIOR

  • Practice Time: Monday – Friday 4:30 to 6:30 & Saturday 8:30 to 10:30
  • Demonstrated total commitment to their sport, team, and training
  • Highest level of competency in the four competitive strokes
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities, accept responsibility of leader/role model for  teammates
  • Ability to manage time so outside activities do not interfere with practice/meet attendance
  • Demonstrated understanding of the importance of seasonal/yearly training plan and consistency in training