Training Group Descriptions

   Elite is set up like a school system: elementary, middle school/high school and college levels equate nicely to the Pre-Elite & Marlins (elementary), Wavebuster (middle/high school) and Senior (college) Programs.

Pre-Elite Program

Pre-Elite Program: Many swimmers new to the sport just need "pool time" to work on their stroke technique and conditioning/endurance. Pre-Elite is meant to be the bridge between "learn to swim" swimmers and "competitive" swimmers. There are 3 levels within Pre-Elite: Pre-Marlin Teal, Pre-Marlin Black and Pre-Wavebuster Teals. The coaches work with swimmers at these levels to transition the swimmer into Elite's training groups of Marlin Teal, Marlin Black and Wavebuster Teal (see descriptions below). While Pre-Elite swimmers can earn the right to promotion into these training groups at anytime, swimmers are usually moved at the beginning of the next training cycle. Swimmers from Pre-Elite will have a priority in entering the Elite Swim Club.

   Age Group Program

Marlin Teals: beginner swimmers new to the sport. Basic body balance (in the water), stroke technique and stroke mechanics are the main focus of this training group.

Marlin Blacks: next level up; beginner swimmers who have mastered basic body balance (in the water), stroke technique and stroke mechanics. Review of all previous skills plus introduction of more advanced skills are the main focus of this training group. More conditioning (more laps per practice) is added as the training session evolves.

Wavebuster Teals: accomplished swimmer who is ready for conditioning to be a significant focus of practice. More advanced skills are promoted early in the training session and review of past and new skills are done on a daily basis. Counsilman Training System (trains both the aerobic-endurance and anaerobic-speed energy systems in each swimmer) in begun in this training group

Wavebuster Blacks:  reasonably competitive swimmer who is on the verge of being very committed to the sport of swimming. Stroke technique and mechanics are refined every day, but conditioning is main focus of each practice. Counsilman Training System is in full swing in this training group

Wavebuster Golds: seriously competitive swimmer who is very committed to the sport. Stroke technique and mechanics are refined every day, but conditioning is main focus of each practice. Counsilman Training System is foundation of practice, with stroke technique being further refined.

 Senior Program

Senior Preps: seriously competitive swimmer who is very committed to the sport. Attendance of 85% of practices held is expected. Counsilman Training System, underwater swimming and minor stroke refinements are major focuses of this training group. These swimmers are preparing for entry into the Senior Training Group.

Seniors: Elite's most competitive and committed swimmers. Attendance of 85% of practices held is expected. Swimmers are among the top swimmers in the state. Counsilman Training System, underwater swimming and minor stroke refinements are major focuses of this training group. Seniors have represented Elite at the regional, national and international level.