TRAINING GROUPS’ INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
| GROUP |
INFORMATION |
| MAKO 1 |
This is our novice group. Most beginning swimmers that join our team start in the Mako 1 group regardless of age. Teaching proper breathing, freestyle and backstroke is the priority in this group. |
| MAKO 2 |
Swimmers in this group are expected to swim the four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly) and be able to swim longer freestyle sets during practice. Most swimmers in this group are still 11 years old or younger. Kids are also encouraged to attend as many meets as their age group allow to gain racing experience. |
| MAKO JUNIOR |
This is the largest group on our team. Most of the swimmers in the Mako 3-4 groups are in middle school. This group trains every day for over an hour. Stroke technique is the priority in this group. |
| SENIOR GROUP |
The majority of swimmers in the Senior group are high-school aged kids. This group practices 5-8 times per week depending on the time of year. The goal of the group is to perform at the highest level at championship meets. |
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
| GROUP |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
| MAKO 1 |
3:30 – 4:15 |
3:30 – 4:15 |
3:30 – 4:15 |
3:30 – 4:15 |
3:30 – 4:15 |
N/A |
| MAKO 2 |
4:15 – 5:15 |
4:15 – 5:15 |
4:15 – 5:15 |
4:15 – 5:15 |
4:15 – 5:15 |
N/A |
| MAKO JUNIOR |
5:15 – 6:30 |
5:15 – 6:30 |
5:15 – 6:30 |
5:15 – 6:30 |
5:15 – 6:30 |
10:00 – 11:00 |
| SENIOR 1-2-3 |
3:40 – 5:30 |
3:40 – 5:30 |
3:40 – 5:30 |
3:40 – 5:30 |
3:40 – 5:30 |
10:00 – 11:00 |
*This schedule does not include dryland practices or additional practices for Senior groups. Groups will be contacted by the coach with additional scheduling details.
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
- Swimmers that are 9 years old and younger can swim up to 3x week.
- Swimmers that are 10 years old can swim up to 4x week.
- Swimmers that are 11 years old can swim up to 5x week.
- Swimmers that are 12 years old can swim up to 6x week (when eligible for Saturday practices).
GROUP TRANSITION GUIDELINES
Coaches take into consideration several aspects before moving swimmers up. Before moving up swimmers, we look at: biological age, physical maturity, times, training capacity, social interaction, motivation, attendance, etc... Our goal is to make sure swimmers are in the group that will help them perform their best and stay motivated to keep swimming.
It is always an exciting challenge for kids (and parents) to try to move up groups early, but after nearly 20 years of competitive swimming experience, I can tell you that moving up before the right time will certainly result in a burned-out swimmer.
On top of the aspects mentioned above, we use some specific requirements for most group changes, such as:
MAKO 1 -> MAKO 2
· 8-year olds can move up if they have A times.
· 9+ year olds move up when coaching staff determines they are ready.
· Swimmers that are allowed to practice during the Mako 2 time due to schedule conflicts but don’t fulfill the requirements above will continue to practice the Mako 1 45 minutes (4:15-5:00) equivalent time until they have the age and level to move up.
MAKO 2 -> MAKO 3
· 9-year olds can move up if they are turning 10 before the current season state championships (FEB for winter, JUL for summer) and they are qualified for that meet.
· 10-year olds immediately move up if they have B times.
· 11+ year olds move up achieving 10-year old B times or when coaching staff determines they are ready.
MAKO 3 -> MAKO 4
· Kids need to be at least 11 years old, have three 11 year old B times, and be able to complete 6x100@1:45
MAKO 4 -> SENIOR
· 7th graders with age group sectionals qualifying times have the option to move up when they turn 13 years old.
· 7th graders with summer state championship qualifying times have the option to move up in the spring/summer if they are 13 years old.
· 8th graders with a 13 year old A times usually move in the beginning of the season (fall).
· Most 8th graders without qualifying times move up between spring and the beginning of their freshman high school swimming season.
*For swimmers that don’t attend meets, Coaches are able to tell what level they are at according to practices and therefore make the necessary group changes.
