Swim Groups

A seasonal Program every May through July, Pre-Olympic Way is designed for the beginning swimmers between the ages of 4-8. They will learn the freestyle stroke with proper breathing to the side as well as the backstroke. Our goal is to have them able to swim 25 yards freestyle with breathing to the side and to swim 25 yards backstroke. Each swimmer must reach this goal, to graduate into our Olympic Way program . Upon completion of the course, each swimmer recieves a certificate and a prize. Each class has 4 swimmers and 1 instructor, 1 aide, and a coach on deck. In order to participate, the swimmer must be comfortable in the water and able to doggie paddle and float on their back for 15-25 yards. The classes meet 3 times a week for 3 weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Look for our flyers at your local school every Spring.

Olympic Way

The Olympic Way Program is the Napa Valley Swim Team’s pre-competitive instructional program. This program is directed toward building the basic skills needed for success in competitive swimming. After demonstrating an ability to swim 25 yards of Freestyle with passable side-breathing, swimmers are instructed in the fundamental swimming skills of balance, rhythm, breath control, and sculling so that they can move fluidly through the water in a relaxed and efficient manner. Swimmers in the Olympic Way learn to swim the four competitive strokes as well as starts and turns in a fun and non-competitive environment. Instruction is based on games and drills, with a minimum of lap swimming. Workouts are 30 minutes and there are 6 workouts offered per week. Ages 6 to 10. After completing the Olympic Way program, swimmers are welcome to advance into our introductory competitive group, Novice or Age Group I.

Novice

The Novice Program is the Napa Valley Swim Team’s first level competitive instructional program, and bridges the young swimmer’s development between Olympic Way program and Age Group I. This program continues to develop the basic skills needed for success in competitive swimming learned in the Olympic Way program. Age Group I will prepare the swimmers for a limited competition schedule. Workouts are 60 minutes and there are 6 workouts offered per week. Ages 6 and up. After completing the Novice program, swimmers are welcome to advance into our introductory competitive group, Age Group I.
 

Age Group I

This program is designed to continue building on the skills learned in our Olympic Way and Novice programs, with a strong emphasis in developing strength and technique in all four competitive strokes. The swimmers will learn proper workout behavior, basic stretching, simple interval and clock reading, working in a group and good workout habits. It is very important in this group that the children have fun learning skills and techniques. Age Group I will prepare the swimmers for a limited competition schedule. Workouts are 60 minutes and there are 6 workouts offered per week. Ages 6 and up.

Age Group II

This program is designed to teach advanced technique, improve drills, sculling, begin aerobic development, learn basic race plans and develop a positive attitude about distance. Swimmers will learn basic nutrition, be encouraged to try new events and learn to have a greater awareness of time standards, intervals and drill theory. Workouts always stress being a good team member and to always support their fellow team members both in and out of the water. Workouts are 1 hour and 45 minutes and there are 6 workouts offered per week. Ages 8 and up.
 

Advanced Age Group

Swimmers range in age from 10-14 and must meet minimum standards based on performance, attendance, and basic understanding of training procedures. The group trains 2 hours 15 minutes perday, 6 days per week. Swimmers are encouraged to attend 5 practices per week. The basic goals of the group include a major emphasis on stroke technique in all four strokes, including balance and posture in the water, efficiency, and starts and turns; in addition there is a strong aerobic conditioning component, focusing the training on the 200’s in the strokes, 500 Free, and 400 IM. Light dry land training is introduced in this group. Swimmers are introduced to goal-setting strategies, mental preparation, and time management.
 

Senior I and II

For those athletes who wish to develop their abilities either at the local club, high school, Sectional (Junior Nationals), Senior, or International level. This group offers and encourages 9 or more practices per week with 5,500 - 7,500 yardage per workout. At various times throughout the season some dry-land may be incorporated (i.e. stretching, core strength work, stretch cords, medicine balls, running, and weight training.) This group has a wide range of abilities within an age range of 14 (8th grade) to college level swimmers. Our goal is for each athlete to reach his or her swimming potential and continue with their swimming career at the collegiate level.
 

Junior Varsity/Varsity/High School Conditioning

The Junior Varsity Program is a pre-competitive instructional program for 11-14 year old swimmers.   Emphasis is on swimming technique in all strokes, starts and turns, and basic conditioning. Three one hour practices a week are offered.

The Varsity Group is an ongoing year-around program geared toward those high school age swimmers of all ability levels who want to develop there swimming skills in a low-pressure environment. Emphasis is on swimming technique in all strokes, starts and turns, and basic conditioning. Four practices a week are offered. Competing at meets is encouraged but optional.

The High School Conditioning Group swim alongside the Varsity group in a 3 Month program from November through January. This program is designed for high school students who want a swim conditioning program before the high school swim season begins, and is open to swimmers attending all local high schools.