TEAM STRUCTURE + GROUP DESCRIPTIONS
Windermere Lakers Aquatics group structure is set up in a way to unleash the highest potential in each athlete. Group placement is based on age, ability, attitude, and commitment. This allows each athlete to grow in the sport at a steady pace, developing their love for swimming and meaningful relationships with team members in the same age range.
GROUP PLACEMENT
Please keep in mind, the WLA coaching staff drives group placement decisions. Swimmers are placed into the training group that is developmentally appropriate.
Some of the most important factors driving group placement include:
- Maturity (chronological age, physiological age, and emotional development).
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Commitment (practice attendance, meet participation, priority of the sport).
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Training ability and technique.
Racing times are not a primary factor for group placement, although they may be an indirect factor as racing times translate to meet qualification and training needs.
The swimmer’s group placement determines a floor, not a ceiling. This means that each group has different standards for membership (the floor), but does not have upper limits of achievement (the ceiling). Group placement does not communicate a coach’s belief about a swimmers’ potential.
Swimmers are placed in groups that best serve their developmental needs. If swimmers or parents have questions concerning group placement, they are encouraged to speak with their swimmer’s primary coach.
The practice groups are as follows:
GOLD
Teaches the basics of competitive swimming
Introduction to all four strokes, turns and starts
Focus on drills and technique and fun
Age Range: 8 & under
Equipment Needed: Goggles, Swim Cap, Water Bottle, Kick Board
ORANGE I
Good technique on all four strokes
Primarily 25s and 50s during practice
Uses clock & intervals semi-regularly
Dives from side/block
Age Range: 10 & under
Attendance Expectation: 1-2 practices per week
Equipment Needed: Goggles, Swim Cap, Water Bottle, Kick Board
ORANGE II
Orange I expectations, plus:
Continued emphasis on technique and drill work with each stroke, turns and starts
50s & 100s with flip turns
Age Range: 10 & under
Attendance Expectations: Practice 3x per week and attends meets regularly
Equipment Needed: Goggles, Swim Cap, Water Bottle, Kick Board
DISCOVERY I
Athletes need not be overly competitive or time-oriented
Primary focus is on effort and finding a passion for the sport
Emphasis on technique and drill work with each stroke (50s and 100s), turns and starts
Age Range: 8 & older
Attendance Expectation: 3-4 practices each week are recommended but not required, swim meets are recommended but also not required.
Equipment Needed: Goggles, Swim Cap, Water Bottle, Kick Board, Pull Buoy, Fins
DISCOVERY II
Full understanding and ability to swim 100 in each stroke
Continued drill and technique work, but an emphasis on aerobic work
Swimmers must be able to use the pace clock and follow swim sets independently
Focus on a deeper understanding of competitive swimming, taking more thought in their races and setting specific goals for improvement
Age Range: 8 & older
Attendance Expectation: 5-6 practices each week + all recommended meets
Equipment Needed: Goggles, Swim Cap, Water Bottle, Kick Board, Pull Buoy, Fins
AGE GROUP
Three or more, 11-12 FLAGS cuts including a 200 Free OR 200 IM
Three or more, 13-14 BB time standards including a 200 Free or 200 IM
FLAGs link: https://www.teamunify.com/team/szfllsc/page/times/fl-time-standards
Age Range: 10 & older
Attendance Expectations: 90% of practices attended (including mornings)
Equipment Needed: Band, Paddles, Short Fins(long if you have them), Snorkel, Pull Bouy, Kickboard, Water Bottle, Snack
AGE GROUP DEVELOPMENT
Full understanding of all 4 competitive strokes; able to complete flip turns and starts
Emphasis on stroke technique and endurance building, as well as strength and coordination development
Some mastery of using a pace clock and understanding the structure of sets is required
Developing deeper passion and commitment for swimming, and preparing to represent their high school teams
Age Range: 10-14
Attendance Expectations: No requirement, but 80% is strongly encouraged
Equipment Needed: Short Fins(long if you have them), Snorkel, Pull Bouy, Kickboard, Water Bottle, Snack, Tennis Shoes
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT
Rules:
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Show Up
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Honor your teammates with your effort
Age Range: 13-18
Attendance Expectation: ~90% of practices attended (including mornings)
Equipment Needed: Band, Paddles, Short Fins(long if you have them), Snorkel, Pullbouy, Kickboard, Water Bottle, Snack
SENIOR
Three or more, 15-16 Senior Championships cuts; 2 have to be 100s or above
Three or more, Open Senior Championships cuts; 2 have to be 100s or above
Rules:
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Show Up
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Honor your teammates with your effort
Age Range: 15-18
Mandatory Attendance: ~90% of practices attended (including mornings)
Equipment Needed: Band, Paddles, Short Fins(long if you have them), Snorkel, Pullbouy, Kickboard, Water Bottle, Snack
