The Cincinnati Marlins have multiple practice groups to allow swimmers of all ages and abilities to progress at the most appropriate level based on age, emotional preparedness, and ability. The Cincinnati Marlins groups will develop each individual to the best of their abilities. 

Pre-Competitive Program Overview

Our Pre-Comp program is considered an introductory program for swimmers & families looking for swimming 1 day per week with limited meets & volunteering. Ages for each group are general, kids may move up or down groups with coaches permission. **All swimmers must demonstrate the ability to swim one length unassisted. 

Pre-Comp 3 
For swimmers ages 5-7. Pre-Comp 3 is an introduction to competitive swimming and will focus on learning all four competitive strokes, turns and starts. This is a swimmers introduction to being on a competitive swim team. There will be one practice per week for 45 minutes. 

  • Level 2 will have a goal of moving into Red 3 
  • Limited team offerings and meet schedule. 
  • Volunteering only at end of season “fun” meet. 

Pre-Comp 2 
For swimmers ages 8-9. Pre-Comp 2 can swim all four competitive strokes and will continue to focus on improving the basic swimming skills in a fun environment. There will be 1 practice per week for 60 minutes. 

  • Level 2 will have a goal of moving into Red 3 
  • Limited team offerings and meet schedule. 
  • Volunteering only at end of season “fun” meet. 

Pre-Comp 1 
For swimmers ages 10-12 years old. 
Pre-Comp 1 will continue to build on the foundational skills established in the four competitive strokes as well as starts and turns. There will be 1 practice per week for 75 minutes each. 

  • Level 3 will have a goal of moving into Red 2. 
  • Limited team offerings and meet schedule. 
  • Volunteering only at “fun” end of season meet. 

 

Platinum
Ages 6-18. Must be able to swim a lap of freestyle or backstroke without stopping. This group is designed for swimmers who have emerging competitive skills, but would benefit from more support with not only their swimming skills but group participation, following directions, social skills, maintaining focus and so on. These practices will be run as a standard practice and are all registered members of the Cincinnati Marlins and USA Swimming and will be able to participate in meets (not mandatory). The white group will learn all 4 strokes and attempt turns and diving into the water. This group will offer more one on one personalized instruction as needed based on skill level. These swimmers will not have 1:1 support but will have a smaller group with extra encouragement and support. The goal of this group is to get the swimmers up to speed to eventually join the red and blue groups. The coach for this group has experience working with athletes with disabilities. 

 
Age Group Overview 

The age group program is designed to introduce and refine swimmers skills. The Marlins Age group program will ensure a strong foundation that leads to long term development of proper swimming, dryland skills and an understanding of being a contributing member of a team. An emphasis is placed on proper stroke mechanics, starts, turns and racing strategies. The Marlins Age Group swimmers will take this skill set into the Senior program. Throughout the program the more practices attended the better experience your swimmer will have and the more success they will enjoy. 

  • All group placements are at the discretion of the coaching staff. 
  • The physical, social and emotional maturity of the swimmer is considered. 

Bronze  
For swimmers ages 8 and Under.  Bronze will focus on the mechanics of all four competitive strokes, starts, turns, streamline, and underwater kicking. These swimmers will understand that they are a part of a team. They will also learn the importance of respect for their teammates and listening to the coaches instruction. An emphasis will be placed toward the goal of a legal 100 IM. There will be 3 practices per week available for 60 minutes each plus dryland time.

  • Swimmers must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim one length unassisted for safety purposes. 
  • Introduction to competitive swimming focusing on learning the strokes and having fun!

Silver 
For swimmers ages 9-10 years old. Silver will focus on the mechanics of all four competitive strokes, starts, turns, streamline, and underwater kicking. These swimmers will understand that they are a part of a team. They will also learn the importance of respect for their teammates and listening to the coaches instruction. An emphasis will be placed toward the goal of a legal 100 IM. There will be 5 practices per week available for 75 minutes each plus dryland time.  
Complete 25 yd unassisted freestyle & backstroke. Will work on becoming legal in butterfly and breaststroke.

Gold 
For swimmers ages 11-12 years old. Gold swimmers will be proficient in all four strokes and will establish proper mechanics in all four strokes. Should have prior swim team experience from a summer club, other USA Swim team, or Marlins Pre-Comp program. These swimmers will be introduced to more advanced racing strategies and goal setting. More conditioning and endurance work will be emphasized on a consistent basis. They will understand the importance of being part of a team and have expectations of competing at meets. There will be 5 practices offered for 90 minutes each plus dryland time. It is recommended that swimmers attend at least 3 practices a week. 

Blue 
For swimmers ages 13-14 years old, in Junior High. Blue will continue to focus on advanced stroke techniques, racing strategies, as well as endurance work in preparation for Senior level swimming. These swimmers will work on goal setting, time management skills, and a strong commitment to the team. There will be 5 practices per week for 90 minutes plus dryland time. A minimum attendance of 3 practices per week is required to participate in meets. To get the full benefit of the program it is recommended to attend all practices and drylands offered.

 

National Team & Blue Program Overview 
The Senior program offers varying levels of training options to accommodate all swimmers ages 14 & over. Blue, Blue 1 and National groups will produce outstanding swimmers and leaders that will be prepared to compete at a state and national level. These swimmers will train at an elite level with a commitment to a supportive team environment in reaching their personal and team goals. Commitment, good time management skills, and a willingness to pursue the highest level of swimming will be required of these swimmers. As always, consistent practice attendance is necessary to progress through the senior program. 

The HS Pre-Season / Post-Season will offer an opportunity for high school swimmers/summer club swimmers, or multi sport athletes an opportunity for some pre-season conditioning to start the season in shape. 

All group placements are at the discretion of the coaching staff. 
The physical, social and emotional maturity of the swimmer is considered. 

HS Pre-Season / Post-Season 
Swimmers in this group either participate in other sports and are not able to commit to the expectations of the other senior groups, or for swimmers looking to prepare for the high school/summer club season. This group will train at a high school swimming level with an emphasis on conditioning and proper technique. There will be 4 practices per week for 90 minutes each. No meets or volunteering. 

  • Two sessions available: Fall (1) Sept & Oct, and / or Spring (2) March and April. 
  • Swimmers will have a goal of moving into Red/Blue 

Senior
Dedicated high school swimmers (14 & over) and 14 year old junior high swimmers who are striving to improve and excel in swimming. These swimmers will have goals of successfully competing in meets ranging from high school competition to national meets like sectionals. This group will train at a high level with an emphasis on endurance while maintaining technique and advanced racing strategies. Time management ability, goal oriented, positive role models/leaders, and a commitment to practice attendance and team success are essential qualities for these swimmers. There will be 6 practices per week for 120 minutes plus  dryland time.  

National Team 
Coach’s Invitation Only.
The National Team is the elite group in the Senior program. The national group will strive for success on a national level. This group will have a highly advanced comprehensive training program and grow the Marlins’ great history of excellence at the highest level. These swimmers must have clearly defined goals, time management skills, a willingness and desire to work hard to achieve their goals as a positive, supportive teammate. Positive leaders and swimmers committed to practice everyday with a desire to continue to swim at the collegiate level will comprise the National Team. There will be 6 practices per week for 120 minutes plus 3 mornings and dryland time. 
 

 

Summer Club Prep

Noncompetitive program (no meets/volunteering). Pracitces in April and May. Offered at Keating and NKU.