SWIM GROUPS
Each swimmer is assigned to a practice group determined by the coach. As their skills improve, swimmers may be evaluated by the coach for advancement into a higher group. The descriptions below offer a general guideline of each group. The head coach has the final judgement on when a swimmer can advance to higher group.
Bronze
Entrance Requirements:
- At least 5 years old
- Able to swim 25 yards freestyle with side breathing
- Able to swim 25 yards swimming on back
- Coach evaluation
- Deep water safe
- Shows interest in participation with the group
- Register with USA Swimming
Training Focus:
- Continuing to learn all 4 swim strokes, starts, and turns
- Practice etiquette
- Introduction of swimple swim sets
- Introduction to racing
- Participate in a SKA-sponsored swim meet
Yardage:
- 500-1000 yards per workout
Practice Schedule
- Monday-Friday 3:30-4:15pm
- Saturday Clinics 10:00-11:00am
Attendance:
- Encouraged to attend at least 3 practices per week
- Saturday stroke clinics encouraged
- No minimum attendance requirement
- At least 2 meets per year
Silver
Entrance Requirements:
- Functional in all 4 strokes (some technical errors allowed)
- Able to swim 100 yards freestyle
- Able to swim 50 yards at least 2 of the following strokes (back, butterfly, breast)
- Able to swim in a lane with other swimmers in a safe and organized manner
- Coach evaluation
- Register with USA Swimming
Training Focus:
- Continuing to build on Bronze focus
- Technique focus more >50% of workout
- Increased conditioning/endurance in sets
- Introduction to the pace clock
- Participate in an off-island ABC swim meet
Yardage:
- 1000-2000 yards per workout
Practice Schedule
- Monday-Friday 4:15-5:15pm
- Saturday Clinics 10:00-11:00am
Attendance:
- Encouraged to attend at least 4 practices per week
- Saturday stroke clinics encouraged
- No minimum attendance requirement
- 4 meets per year
Gold
Entrance Requirements:
- Legal in all 4 strokes
- Legal turns
- Willingness to swim longer sets in practice and develop endurance
- Register with USA Swimming
Training Focus:
- Refinement of all 4 swim strokes, starts, and turns
- Additional yardage and endurance
- Develop race strategy
- Encouraged to participate in an off-island meet
Yardage:
- 2000-3500 yards per workout
Practice Schedule
- Swim: Mon/Fri 3:30-5:15pm, Tues/Wed/Thurs 4:15pm-5:15pm, Sat 7:30-10am
- Dryland Strength Training: Tuesday/Thursday 3:30-4:15pm (shoes required)
- Dryland Stretching/Flexibility Training: Wednesday 3:30-4:15pm
- Saturday Clinics 10:00-11:00am
Attendance:
- 5-6 practices per week recommended
- Coach approval needed for athletes regularly attending less than 5 practices per week (signed contract)
- Saturday stroke clinics encouraged
- 5 meets per year
Junior
Entrance Requirements:
- Gold requirements
- 10 x 100 Free at 1:30 intervals
- Register with USA Swimming
Training Focus:
- Refinement of all 4 swim strokes, starts, and turns
- Additional yardage and intensity
- Continue race strategy
- Encouraged to participate in invitational and championship meets
Yardage:
- 4000-6000 yards per workout
Practice Schedule
- Swim: Mon/Fri 3:30-5:15pm, Tues/Wed/Thurs 4:15pm-5:15pm, Tue/Thurs/Fri 5:30-7:00am, Sat 7:30-10am
- Dryland Strength Training: Tuesday/Thursday 3:30-4:15pm (shoes required)
- Dryland Stretching/Flexibility Training: Wednesday 3:30-4:15pm
- Saturday Clinics 10:00-11:00am
Attendance:
- 6-8 practices per week recommended
- Coach approval needed for athletes regularly attending less than 6 practices per week (signed contract)
- 6 meets per year
Senior
Entrance Requirements:
- AAA Times in multiple events
- Participation in multiple off-island meets
- Willingness to work at a higher level than Junior Group
- 10 x 100 Free at 1:20 intervals
- Register with USA Swimming
Training Focus:
- Refinement of all 4 swim strokes, starts, and turns
- Increased yardage and intensity (interval challenges)
- Refinement of race strategy and multi-day meet maintenance
Yardage:
- 4500-7000 yards per workout
Practice Schedule
- Swim: Mon/Fri 3:30-5:15pm, Tues/Wed/Thurs 4:15pm-5:15pm, Tue/Thurs/Fri 5:30-7:00am, Sat 7:30-10am
- Dryland Strength Training: Tuesday/Thursday 3:30-4:15pm (shoes required)
- Dryland Stretching/Flexibility Training: Wednesday 3:30-4:15pm
- Saturday Clinics 10:00-11:00am
Attendance:
- 6-8 practices per week recommended
- Coach approval needed for athletes regularly attending less than 6 practices per week (signed contract)
- 6 meets per Year