Group Name

Skills Needed to Enter Group

What is Expected of This Group

Flying Fish

1. Coach’s discretion
2. 25 yard Free (with side breathing)
3. 25 Backstroke

To learn correct technique for 4 competitive strokes. Also will be taught freestyle flipturn, “open” turn for backstroke and breast/fly turns. Will be taught starts from blocks as skill level progresses.

Stingrays

1. Coach’s discretion
2. 200 Free w/flipturns, solid stroke technique and no stopping
3. 2 x 100 IM (:30 RI) with consistently legal strokes

To further develop upon correct technique as taught in FF, with expectations that technique can be maintained for longer distances.. Also will be taught backstroke flipturn and the underwater pullout for breast. Continue to develop on starts as skill level progresses. Basic interval and “set” understanding will also be taught.

Sharks

1. Coach’s discretion
2. Have understanding and ability to use the pace clock during workouts.
3. 12 x 50 IMO (:20 RI) with consistently legal strokes and turns
4. 200 IM performed legally in a meet under 4:00
5. 500 Free with proficient turns performed under 11:00

The Shark group is our top 10 & Under group and the majority of the swimmers in this group will begin to focus on championship level swimming. The focus will be on continued development of proper stroke techniques and great starts and turns. Athletes at this level will also begin to understand the concept of training and will learn the framework for workouts. This will prepare them for the next group levels but will also allow them to see rapid improvements in their ability to handle the competitive meet event list.

Marlins

1. Coach’s discretion
2. Have understanding and ability to use the pace clock during workouts.
3. Minimum of 11 years of age
4. 12 x 50 IMO (:20 RI) with consistently legal strokes and turns
5. 200 IM performed legally in a meet under 4:00
6. 500 Free with proficient turns performed under 11:00

The Marlins group is a transitional group that will have a range of swimmers from elite to advanced beginners that have the strength and ability to face increased challenges. Swimmers in this group will be expected to take responsibility for proper training habits. They will also be expected to have the dedication and self motivation to handle an increased aerobic workload. At all times, they will be challenged to maintain excellent strokes, starts, and turns. Marlin swimmers will focus on swimming a full 3 days at invitationals and the challenges that such a commitment brings. 

Piranhas

1. Coach’s discretion
2. 11 year-old – 6 AGS cuts
3. 12 year-old – 3 AGS cuts
4. 13 year-old – 4 USA “B” cuts
5. 14 years or older – 2 USA “B” cuts

The Piranha swimmer will be a self motivated, mature, and disciplined athlete focused on goal achievement. Work continues on stroke mechanics, however emphasis changes from stroke education to improving stroke efficiency during long swims and competition. This is our highest pre-senior group and swimmers will be treated accordingly meaning that a great deal will be expected of them.

Seniors

1. Coach’s discretion
2. Incoming Freshmen in High School

This is our highest level training group and is open to all swimmers of the appropriate age. A commitment to the schedule and to serious training and improvement is required.