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The six levels of training
offered by LAA are designed to allow a gradual and complete
development of an individual’s potential. The progression of
an athlete from one level to another is based on many different
variables, not just on age alone. To advance to a higher level, an
athlete must meet all the training requirements of the level,
demonstrate knowledge of workout rules and expectations, and have a
desire to meet new challenges. Advancement to each a new level is
at the coach’s discretion, but there are some guidelines in
place to help the swimmers set goals. There are 3 times per year
that a swimmer my advance to a new training group, with some
exceptions being made to new swimmers undergoing evaluations.
Swimmers may advance to a new group after the Christmas Holiday,
after the short-course season, or after the long-course
season.
Senior
Senior is made of high
school aged and returning college swimmers. At this level a great
deal of importance is placed on
dedication and attendance. Training in the group can be at a very
high level, and each member is expected to contribute to the
team’s pursuit of excellence. Team members in this group
learn the skills necessary to be successful at the highest levels
of swimming.
Gold
The Gold group is the
highest level of training for age group swimmers before reaching
the Senior Team. A great deal of
importance in the training of the Gold group is placed on enhancing
skills and technique, as well as increasing the intensity of the
training sessions. Members of this group also have increased
expectations of consistent practice attendance and to demonstrate
leadership to the other members of the age group team. Swimmers in
this group typically range in age from 10-14.
Advancement to the Gold
Level:
1. Swim 500 yards Freestyle
under 7:30
2. Swim 200 yard Individual
Medley under 3:00
3. Swim 10x100 Freestyle on
1:45 and 10x100 IM on 2:00
4. Maintain 70% or better
attendance in Blue
Blue
The goal at the Blue level
of training is to improve swimmers’ strokes during longer
aerobic training sets and to continue the development of their
skills. Swimmers will be encouraged to develop good practice
habits, and will begin to learn some of the training concepts that
will be used at higher levels of training. Swimmers in this group
typically range in age from 9-14.
Advancement to the Blue
Level:
1. Swim 500 yards freestyle
without stopping, demonstrating flip-turns and proper
technique
2. Swim a 200 yard
Individual Medley demonstrating legal strokes and
turns
3. Swim 10x50 Free on
1:00
4. Demonstrate knowledge of
workout rules and expectations
White
The goal of the white group
is to further refine a swimmer’s proficiency with the
different strokes,starts, and turns. This
group introduces the concept of interval training to build
endurance.Swimmers in the white group
are encouraged to participate in all local swim meets and
the conference championship
meet. Swimmers in this group typically range in age from
7-12.
Advancement to the White
Level:
1. Complete levels 1-10 of
Swim America
OR
1. Swim 300 yards freestyle
without stopping
2. Swim a 100 yard
Individual Medley
Developmental
The purpose of the
developmental group is to develop skills in all four strokes
through continuation of the Swim America program. The Developmental
group of swimmers completes levels 8-10 of Swim America. Practices
take place mainly through a means of drills and games. Workouts
will primarily focus on skill development and building endurance in
a fun atmosphere. This group is considered the first level of the
competitive team, and swimmers in the developmental group are
encouraged to participate in local swim meets. Swimmers in this
group typically range in age from 5-9.
Advancement to the
Developmental Level:
1. Complete levels 1-7 of
Swim America
OR
1. Swim 50 yards of
freestyle (2 pool lengths)
2. Swim 50 yards of
backstroke
3. Dive from side of
pool
4. 10 yards butterfly
kick
5. 10 yards breaststroke
kick
6. Freestyle
flip-turn
Swim
America
Lessons
Swim
America
is a program developed by the American Swimming
Coach’s Association (ASCA) in 1988. ASCA is a professional
and educational organization for swimming coaches. Only ASCA
certified coaches run this program. Swim
America
is progressive through 10 different levels. The
program promotes safety, fitness, and fun. After completing levels
1-7 of the program swimmers are ready for entry-level competition
and can be promoted to the Developmental level of the
club.
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