Swim Groups

Sharks (11-14 years old)

The Sharks are a Middle School aged group. These swimmers are not only honing their technical proficiency in the five strokes, they are also learning to train within multiple energy systems, set long and short term goals, and have fun doing it.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A SHARK?

List of 5 items.

Being disciplined

Sharks are expected to not only be proficient in the five disciplines (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle, Underwater Dolphin), but to be moving from proficiency to excellence in each of them.
Being at practice

Sharks are offered six practices a week. While the team does not require attendance of a certain number of practices, it is important that as the swimmers become more engaged and involved in the sport they lead the way in attending as many practices as they are able.
Being focused

Sharks are purposeful swimmers. They allow coaches to concentrate on the more intricate details of stroke development because they need fewer reminders about breathing patterns, streamlining, and not breathing off the wall.
Being positive

Sharks are developing into leaders on the team. Their attitudes are contagious, and their example to the younger swimmers is a vital ingredient in creating and sustaining a positive team culture.
Having fun

Sharks are learning how to train, but not at the expense of remembering how to have fun in practice.

Dolphins (9-11 years old)

The Dolphins are a developing group of young swimmers who are very proficient in Freestyle, Backstroke, and Underwater Dolphin, and are gaining strength, power, and coordination in both Butterfly and Breaststroke. Dolphins are always being coached so that mechanics are the priority, while they are being challenged progressively through a season of practices.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A DOLPHIN?

List of 4 items.

Being open-minded

Dolphins are too young to know what kind of swimmer they will develop into. It is important that they not only work toward mastering all five competitive disciplines (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle, Underwater Dolphin), but that they are also excited to try as many races as possible through the season.
Having fun

Dolphins have to enjoy practices. Occasional practices will include games and relays, allowing their coaches to make each task an engaging opportunity to enjoy swimming. Dolphins will also begin to understand that hard work is fun, as well as seeing hard work turn into great results.
Being a great teammate

It is important that Dolphins enjoy swimming with their friends. It is equally important that they learn to respect and honor all of their teammates through positive interactions at practice and at meets by supporting each other.
Being at practice

It is important that Dolphins are consistent in their attendance through the season. Whether that means 3, 4, or 5 practices a week for a child, it is vital to get to practice to progress with the group.

Stingrays (8-9 years old)

The Stingrays are still very early in their swimming development. They are strong Backstroke and Freestyle swimmers, and legal Butterfly and Breaststroke swimmers. Stingrays know how important Underwater Dolphin is to their swimming, and are working steadily to make that part of their racing toolkit stronger each day.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A STINGRAY?

List of 3 items.

Being at practice

Stingrays require consistency in order to improve on their skills. Nothing is more important for a Stingray than becoming a better swimmer…the faster part will always be there…but they cannot get better without being at practice
Having fun

It is hard for a Stingray to want to practice if it’s not fun. Stingrays will play games on Saturdays and do relays during practice, but most importantly understand that fun also means learning a new skill and trying to master it.
Loving to race

Stingrays will learn the excitement and joy of racing in practice and at meets. In practice, racing will often be about kicking and relays. In meets, it will be about exploring different events and distances.