Group A (8 and Under) Practices Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 5:45-6:30 pm

This group is designed to be a bridge from “learn-to-swim” programs to competitive swimming and to primarily prepare age 8 and under swimmers to swim 25-yard events in the four competitive strokes. Coaches will teach dives/starts and turns, technique for all four strokes, and other skills required to compete in a swim meet. Although it is not required, Group A swimmers are encouraged to swim in YMCA meets.  All 8 & under should sign up for this group. 

Group B Practices Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 5:00-5:45 pm

This group is designed for age 9 and over swimmers who are new, or relatively new, to competitive swimming, and are still learning the “basics.” The emphases are similar to the above group with an added emphasis on preparing swimmers to compete in 50-yard events and above. Swimmers at this level will compete primarily in YMCA meets, but some may be prepared for USA Swimming meets. All new swimmers 9 & older should sign up for this group.

Group C Practices Monday through Friday 5:00-6:00 pm

This group is designed for age 9-12 swimmers who are prepared to meet the demands of and keep pace with Group C practices. It will also include swimmers over age 12 who are not yet ready for Group D. Coaches will work on all four strokes, starts, and turns, building endurance and racing. Swimmers in this group will compete in YMCA meets, and some may compete in USA Swimming meets.

Group D Practices Monday from Friday 3:30-5:00 pm

This group is generally for age 13 and above swimmers who are prepared for the increased demands of Group D, including both workload and intervals (as determined by the coaching staff). Coaches will continue to focus on fundamentals, but Group D is heavily focused on event-specific preparation. This group requires a strong commitment. For the training design/structure to achieve its fullest potential, swimmers’ attendance is crucial. Group D swimmers compete in YMCA meets and have the option to swim in USA Swimming meets.

Group Assignment

Group assignment is determined by the coaches. Swimmers and parents are encouraged to discuss goals and progress with the coaches. All of the following (not just “measurables” like age, intervals, and time standards) are taken into consideration when determining group assignment:

• The ability to make intervals/time send-offs
• Time Standards
• Age
• Ability and Potential
• Commitment and Attendance
• Practice Habits/Attitude
• Leadership
• Interaction with Others

Although these factors are primary in determining a swimmer’s “group,” coaches will work hard to make pool time available to club members. If a swimmer has a scheduling conflict and needs to swim at a different time/practice, we will try to work it out. If there is a scheduling conflict, please contact the coaches to discuss whether or not it is feasible and in the swimmer’s best interest.