Swim Groups

 

VAST offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. It is the goal of VAST is to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging each individual and developing each individual to the best of THEIR abilities.

Please call us at 864-506-6730 to schedule a tryout, or Click Here to send us an email request for more information.
 

 

Developmental Group                                                                           
For those swimmers who know little about swimming, but want to learn.  The basics are developed by using many drills and games.  Swimmers in this group are typically 8 & Under and are just starting out and need work on technique.  Children who can comfortably swim 25 yards of freestyle are eligible.
Developmental Group Coach: Clare Flach & Molly McHarg
Workout Days/Times: Click Here

Equipment needed for this group:  Goggles, Team suit, Team shirt, Team cap.

Bronze Group                                                                                                                    
The  basics of the four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle) are improved.  Swimmers are learning the four strokes and want to improve their technique.  Competition in swim meets should be a serious option to consider for swimmers in this group and swimmers should come to practice 2-3 times per week.
Bronze Group Coach: Theresa DeCoursey
Workout Days/Times: Click Here

Equipment needed for this group:  Goggles, Team suit, Team shirt, Team cap.

 Silver Group
From the Bronze group, athletes move into this group.  Athletes in this group focus mainly on perfecting the four competitive strokes legally, having fun, and perfecting start and turn technique.  Typically, swimmers in this group should practice at least 3 times a week to keep results consistent.  Competition in swim meets should be a serious option to consider for swimmers in this group.   
Silver Group Coach: Casey Smith
Workout Days/Times: Click Here

Equipment needed for this group:  Kickborad, Goggles, Team suit, Team shirt, Team cap.

Gold Group
 From the Silver group, athletes move into this group. Athletes in this group have completed the Silver Group move-up skills list. This group is exposed to training for the first time while trying to prepare for the 200 Freestyle and 200 Individual Medley races. Competing at swim meets is highly encouraged at a rate of about once per month.
 Gold Group Coach: Jonny Kibler
Workout Days/Times: Click Here  

Equipment needed for this group:  Fins, Kickboard, Goggles, Team suit, Team shirt, Team cap.

Junior Group
 Athletes entering this group must display a desire to begin training on a more committed basis. Competition at swim meets is expected in this group. The percentage of practice spent on training will increase as the importance of technique is emphasized and required during the athlete’s  development. Athletes in this group train for the 200 -400 Individual Medley and 500 Freestyles.
 Junior Group Coach: Steven Phillips
Workout Days/Times: Click Here

Equipment needed for this group:  Pull Bouy, Fins, Kickboard, Goggles, Team suit, Team shirt, Team cap.

High Shool Group                                                                                                                                                       This group is set up for swimmers who are only going to swim with VAST until the High School Swimming Season starts. This is only available for those swimmers in 9-12 Grade. Swimmers will be preparing for the high school season by working on the following:

Stroke Technique
Starts & Turns
Endurance

High School swimmers can think of this group as a jump start to getting in shape and an advantage on their opponents.                                                                                                                                                                   High School Coach: Steven Phillips                                                                                                                      Workout Days/Times:  Click Here

Equipment needed for this group:  Pull Bouy, Fins, Kickboard, Goggles, Snorkel, Team suit, Team shirt, Team cap.

Senior Group
This group is a more advanced group than Junior and usually swimmers in this group are above the age of 13.  Athletes entering the Senior group must display a strong desire to perform at the highest level they are capable of. Training is geared towards individual talents, although a strong aerobic endurance factor is present.  This is the first group that offers Dryland & Weight Training.  Swimmers in the group are expected to come to 4-5 practices and at least 1 competition per month.Minimum training sets include:

30x100 @ 1:15
4x200IM @3:00

Senior Group Coach: Steven Phillips
Workout Days/Times: Click Here

Equipment needed for this group:  Pull Bouy, Fins, Kickboard, Goggles, Snorkel, Team suit, Team shirt, Team cap. 

National Group
This group is the current Top group for VAST and is geared for serious, committed and determined swimmers.  Swimmers in this group need to be the leaders of the team.  They should work the hardest, attend the most practices and cheer the loudest.  Swimmers in this group Have to come to 6 practices a week, on time, to stay in the group and must attend VAST competitions.  Minimum training sets for entry include:

30x100 @ 1:10
4X200IM @ 2:45

National Group Coach: Steven Phillips
Workout Days/Times: Click Here

Equipment needed for this group:  Pull Bouy, Paddles, Fins, Kickboard, Goggles, Snorkel, Team suit, Team shirt, Team cap.