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

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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

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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