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Training Groups

The Swim Team is divided into five training groups: White Water, Blue Ribbon, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each group has a clearly defined set of objectives. The White Water, Blue Ribbon and Bronze levels (Coaches Swanson and Alvarado) work predominantly on stroke technique and the basics of swimming. The Silver group and Gold group (coached by Coach Aguilar) continue to work on stroke and swimming technique with a greater emphasis placed on conditioning and training.
The goal for each swimmer is to learn the skills to move to the next group.

WHITE WATER - This group is comprised of novice swimmers, ages 6 - 9. Emphasis is placed on developing the fundamentals of the four competitive strokes. The practices combine in the water and dry land drills, games, and exercises. This allows for swimmers to learn total body coordination to help their stroke mechanics. The practices are geared to create an enjoyable atmosphere for instruction. This group participates in inter-squad meets on a regular basis. Practices are offered three times a week for one hour each session.
BLUE RIBBON - This group is comprised of swimmers ages 7-11 and can performat least three of the four competitive strokes. Emphasis is on stroke mechanics, sportsmanship, and the rules of competitive swimming. This group begins to learn basic training techniques for speed and endurance. This group continues to use both dry land and water training. Swimmers in this group begin attending local swim meets. Practices are offered four times a week for one hour each session.
BRONZE - This group is comprised of swimmers ages 9-15. The focus of this group is to continue the development stroke mechanics and competitive rules with an increased emphasis on training. This group continues dry land exercises, but increases time spent in water. This group introduces mental training, team building, and the use of video. Success of each individual swimmer is based on an increased commitment level in attendance and practice effort. Swimmers in this group attend both local and state level meets. Practices are offered five times a week for one and one half hours each session.
SILVER I - This group is comprised of the most skilled and experienced age-group swimmers ages 11 to 14. This group is introduced to advanced team building and mental and physical training concepts.  Swimmers in this group are expected to make a strong commitment with respect to attendance and training effort. These swimmers are striving to maximize their age group abilities. Swimmers in this group attend local, state, and regional meets. Practices are offered six times a week for two hours each session. 
 
 
SILVER II - This group is comprised of high school level swimmers as well as swimmers getting ready to enter high school ages 14 to 18.  Swimmers in this group are aiming to be successful at the high school/senior level.  Endurance, speed and perfection of stroke technique are the main focus areas of this training group.  Dry-land training is part of the daily practice.  This group attends local, state, and regional meets.  Practices are offered six times a week for two hours each session.
GOLD - This group is comprised of swimmers at the highest ability level ages 14 to college. This group maximizes mental, physical, and team building skills. Goal setting and race strategies are developed in this group. Endurance, speed, and perfection of stroke technique are expected at this level. Total commitment to all aspects of swimming is expected in this group. Swimmers in this group are striving to contend at state, national, and international competitions. Practices are offered ten times a week for up to three hours each session.

Group Requirements

Requirements for membership in the various training groups are based on ability, age, speed, maturity, attitude, toughness in practices, and commitment level. The coaching staff is responsible for placement into the appropriate group. Swimmers move to the next group when coaches determine that they have met the requirements. All changes between groups are discussed among coaching staff and finalized by the Head Coach.

WHITE WATER
  1. Minimum of 6 years old.
  2. Swim 25 yards of 2 of two competitive strokes.
  3. Attend at least one practice per week.
  4. Wear competitive suit, cap, and goggles.
  5. Equipment:  kickboard, fins.
BLUE RIBBON
  1. Minimum of 7 years old
  2. Swim at least three of the four competitive strokes legally.
  3. Attend at least two practices per week.
  4. Wear competitive suit, cap, and goggles.
  5. Equipment:  kickboard, fins.
BRONZE
  1. Minimum age is 9 years old.
  2. Swim all four competitive strokes legally.
  3. Attend at least three to four practices per week.
  4. Practice sets 10 x 50 Free on 1:00 minute, 5 x 100 IM on 2:00 minutes.
  5. Meet attendance expected.
  6. Wear competitive suit, cap, and goggles.
  7. Equipment:  kickboard, fins.
SILVER I
  1. Minimum age is 11 years old.
  2. Swim all four competitive strokes legally with good stroke mechanics.
  3. 85% practice and meet attendance.
  4. Practice sets 10 x 100 free yards on 1:30 or 5 x 200 IM on 3:30.
  5. 'A' level swimmer.  Swimmer must have at least three 'A' times.
  6. Equipment:  kickboard, fins, paddles, and snorkels.

SILVER II
  1. Minimum age is 14 years old.
  2. Swim all four competitive strokes legally with good stroke mechanics.
  3. Super sportsmanship, attitude, and work ethic.
  4. Practice sets 10 x 100 free yards on 1:30 or 5 x 200 IM on 3:30.
  5. Swimmers must have at least three 'BB' times.
  6. Equipment:  kickboard, fins, paddles.

GOLD
  1. Minimum age is 14 years old.
  2. Swim all four competitive strokes legally with good stroke mechanics.
  3. Super sportsmanship, attitude, and work ethic.
  4. 100% practice and meet attendance.
  5. Practice sets 5 x 200 IM yards on 3:00 or 10x 100Fr yards on 1:20.
  6. TAGS level swimmer.
  7. Equipment:  kickboard, fins, paddles, and snorkels.