Group Philosophy
 
Denver Swim Academy is a competitive USA sanctioned swim team, instructing swimmers from 6 to 14 years old (age group) to national level Seniors (high school age and above).  Our traning groups are designed to be a developmental ladder, teaching new skills and reinforcing good habits as swimmers progress from group to group.
  • Our youngest swimmers (White, and Blue Groups) learn technique drills for all four strokes, helping with balance, body position, better feel for the water, and stroke efficiency.  Our objective is for swimmers to develop a strong technical foundation, allowing them to have success in the short-term, but most importantly, enhance the probability of success in the long-term.  We also stress the importance of making each practice count (determined work ethic), sportsmanship (respecting teammates and fellow competitors), and TEAM (working positively with our teammates).
  • As swimmers grow with our team (Silver, Black, Senior), they continue learning more advanced skills and refine those already acquired.  With this opportunity, responsibilities and expectations increase with training committment, practice attendance, meet participation, and swimmer/coach communication.  Swimmers need to become more responsible for their practice effort.  We also encourage our older swimmers to strive to be leaders in their lane, group, and on the team.​

  • As swimmers progress to our highest levels (Senior Elite, National Development, National Team) they must be instrinsically motivated to train and push themselves to the highest level.  Swimmers need to strive for excellence in their own training and meet performance, but should also be motivated to act as a leader to positively influence their teammates.      

     
 
 
Tryout Evaluations
 
 
 
Qualities our coaches consider and are looking for during a tryout and initial placement.....
  • Technical ability
  • Fitness capacity
  • Potential
  • Enthusiasm
  • Willingness to learn
  • Previous swim team experience
  • Best times, if available
  • Age, but more importantly, maturity​

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Placement and Transitions
 
Initial Placement
 
Our goal when placing a swimmer is to give every athlete the best opportunity to learn, improve, and grow with our team.  The group should be challenging enough to help elevate each athlete to reach their potential, without being overwhelming.  Most importantly, we want to place swimmers in a group that will support their short-term ambitions while also encouraging long-term growth.
 
Before athletes are placed in a group, swimmers and parents should become familiar with the group's requirements and expectations, such as attendance, meet participation, equipment needs, and training goals.  Swimmers need to be properly prepared for the new responsibilities.
 
Group Transitions
 
DSA has two transition periods during the year, September (main phase) and April (minimal movement).  Prerequisites for group advancement include.....
  • Leadership within the lane, group, and team; in and out of the water.
  • Meeting the group's attendance, practice, and swim meet requirements.
  • Consistently completing all sets on the required intervals; dedication to the appropriate effort.
  • A positive TEAM attitude, supporting teammates and acting like a champion.
  • Maturity, including behavior, responsibility, listening, and work ethic.
  • Swimmers need the desire to be promoted and willingness to embrace the new expectations.
  • In short, we are looking to do what is best for our swimmers.
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