WWSC Practice Group Objectives and Move-up Requirements
Wasilla Waves Swim club is organized into six different practice groups ranging from our most novice swimmers to our most advanced and experienced. These groups are put together based on a combination of specific performance, technique, practice, and soft skill elements. However, as there is always the factor of the individual, the head coach and coaching staff have the final and ultimate decision to move a swimmer up or to keep him or her in the existing practice group.
Competition is not required, but strongly encouraged. It plays a large role in how the groups' practice and training are developed and executed, especially in our top 3 groups. Additionally, it is used to shape the guidelines for the skills, fundamentals, and training taught by coaches in the younger groups. Competition allows swimmers to tangibly see their progress and ensure they are swimming the strokes legally as viewed by USA Swimming officials.
Wasilla Waves entry and exit skills of practice groups
In order for swimmers to move up into the next group, they must complete the following requirements and demonstrate the necessary abilities. It is to your swimmer's advantage to strive for the next group, but they will only be moved up if they are mentally and physically ready. Moving up too quickly will have a negative reaction, and all group placement is decided by the coaching staff. The coaching staff will use the following requirements as a guideline in regard to group placement.
Droplets
This group is a non-competitive, beginner level. Swimmers will develop stroke skills and gain endurance. This group is a transition from swim lessons to swim team. Swimmers must have some prior swimming experience. It is preferred that swimmers have passed level 4 of swim lessons prior to trying out. Swimmers must listen to team coaches at all times. Coaches will not be in the water during practices. Swimmers must be self-supporting while in the water.
Entry requirements:
- 25 yards freestyle with bilateral breathing
- 25 yards backstroke
- 12 1/2 yards breaststroke with a workable whip kick
- 2 1/2 yard butterfly
Practice requirements: Practices are held for 45 minutes, 3 times per week.
Equipment requirements: Swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, water bottle, kickboard
Swim meet requirements: Competing at local meets is encouraged but not required
Wavelets
This group is a beginner competitive group. Stroke development will continue to develop while introducing swimmers to competitive skills. Swimmers will learn and become familiar with drills that will strengthen strokes.
Entry Requirements:
- 50 yds freestyle with bilateral breathing and flip turn
- 50 yds backstroke with legal flip turn
- 50 yds breaststroke
- 25 yds butterfly
- Dive off of the block
Practice Requirements: Swimmers are expected to attend practices which are 60 minutes, 3 times per week
Equipment required: Swimsuit, goggles, cap, water bottle, kickboard
Swim meet requirements: Swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend local meets
Ripples
This group is an intermediate competitive level
Entry Requirements:
- 10x50 Freestyle @1:30
- 4x100 Freestyle @2:45
- 1x100 IM legal turns and finishes
- 8x25 flutter kick @1:00
Practice Requirements: Swimmers are expected to attend 1 hour and 15 minute practices, 3 times per week. Swimmers are expected to listen and follow coach's instructions.
Equipment Requirements: Swimsuit, water bottle, swim cap, goggles, kickboard, fins
Swim Meet Requirements: Swimmers are encouraged to compete in local swim events Swimmers at this level should be working toward qualifying for Alaska Age Group Championships as well as Alaska Junior Olympics.
Surgers
This group is an advanced competitive level. Swimmers at this level are working toward Alaska Age Group Championship times. They are also seeking to qualify for Alaska Junior Olympics.
Entry Requirements:
- 10x50 Freestyle @1:10
- 5x100 Freestyle @2:20
- 4x200 IM (no DQ)
- 12x25 IMO kick 0:45
Practice Requirements: Swimmers are expected to attend 1 1/2 hour practices, 5 times per week. Swimmers are expected to listen and follow coach's instructions. Swimmers are expect to work together with teammates.
Equipment Requirements: Swimsuit, water bottle, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, pull buoy
Swim Meet Requirements: Swimmers at this level are expected to attend most local meets. Swimmers are setting goals to qualify for the Alaska Age Group Championship and Alaska Junior Olympics.
Breakers (Juniors)
Entry Requirements:
- 10 x 100 freestyle @1:40
- 5 x 200 freestyle @3:20
- 1 x 400 IM @7:15
- 3 x 200 IM @3:40
- 4 x 100 flutter kick @2:00
Practice Requirements: Swimmers must be at least 11 years of age. Swimmers in this group are expected to attend 2 hour practices, 5 times per week. Swimmers are expected to swim between 4,000 to 6,000 yards depending on the timing of the training season. Swimmers should attend 80% of scheduled practices Attending this percentage of practices guarantees proper conditioning and training throughout the season.
Equipment Requirements: Swimsuit, water bottle, fins, pull buoy, paddles, snorkel, clean exercise shoes that can get wet, mesh equipment bag
Swim Meet Requirements: Swimmers will compete in local swim meets. Swimmers will be working toward qualifying for Alaska Age Group Championship and Alaska Junior Olympics. Coaches will help swimmers to set goals.
Tsunamis (Seniors)
Entry Requirements: Must meet requirements listed in the Breakers (Juniors) group. In addition, swimmers are high school age (14 years and older) or have qualified for a Sectional Level meet. They must be mentally as well as physically able to train for 2 plus hours per day, 5 days per week. Swimmers at the senior level are prepared and train to swim competitively not only for the Waves but also for their respective high school team. Swimmers will set goals and train to compete at Alaska Junior Olympics, Senior Championship, and Sectional level meets.
Equipment Requirements: Swimsuit, water bottle, fins, pull boy, paddles, snorkel, mesh equipment bag, clean exercise shoes that can get wet.
