At WEST, we base all group placement on training ability and commitment level. We understand that children develop at their own pace and want to set all of our swimmers up for the greatest long-term success. All group placement is at the discretiion of the coaching staff and may be changed at any time.
Below is an outline of each group, please see our Registration Packet for a complete list of requirements.
EMBARK GROUP
Ages: 10 & Under
Minimum Requirements: Must compete in at least 75% of assigned meets per season • Three (3) out of Four (4) competitive strokes must be legal • 100 Yard Freestyle with proper & legal flip turns • 200 Yards of kick with a board or in streamline
Practice Schedule: Swimmers will participate in (4) Practices per week, broken down as follows:
(45 - 60) minutes of in water practice
Training Gear:
Rubber training fins
Snorkel
EXPLORE GROUP
The Explore Group is the entry level group of our competitive swim team. Swimmers in this group are still exploring their technique. However, at a minimum, they should be able to swim a legal 100 Individual Medley (IM).
Ages: 11 & Under
Minimum Requirements: Must be able to complete a legal 100 IM. Group placement is at the coach’s discretion and can be arranged at anytime based on all aspects, ranging from the performance to the commitment level of the swimmer.
Practice Schedule: 4 x 1.25 hour practices per week, including 15 minutes dryland training.
Training Gear:
Rubber training fins
Snorkel
DISCOVER GROUP
The Discover Group is the second development level on our competitive swim team. Swimmers in this group have discovered proper technique and practice habits.
Ages: 9 to 12
Minimum Requirements: Must be able to complete a legal 200 IM and display an ability to maintain consistent practice habits and meet attendance. Group placement is at the coach’s discretion and can be arranged at anytime based on all aspects, ranging from the performance to the commitment level of the swimmer.
Practice Schedule: 4-5 x 1.25 to 1.75 hour practices per week, including 20-30 minutes of dry land training.
Training Gear:
Rubber training fins
Snorkel
Pull buoy
CHALLENGE GROUP
The Challenge Group is our third level training group. Swimmers in this group are now ready to challenge the skills they have learned in the previous two groups. Group placement is at the coach’s discretion and can be arranged at anytime based on all aspects, ranging from the performance to the commitment level of the swimmer.
Ages: 10 to 13
Practice Schedule: 6 x 1.5 to 2 hour practices, including 30 minutes of dryland training.
Training Gear:
Rubber training fins
Snorkel
Pull buoy
Hand paddles - small
ACCELERATE GROUP
The Accelerate Group is our highest Age Group level training group and begins the transition from Age Group swimming into Senior swimming. Swimmers must display dedication to swimming at a very high level and consistently demonstrate great practice habits. Group placement is at the coach’s discretion and can be arranged at anytime based on all aspects, ranging from the performance to the commitment level of the swimmer.
Practice Schedule: 6 x 1.5 to 2 hour practices per week, including 30 minutes of dryland training.
Ages: 11 and Over
Training Gear:
Rubber training fins
Snorkel
Pull buoy
Hand paddles - small or medium
SENIOR GROUP
The Senior Group is the first Senior level swimming group. Training focuses on preparing the swimmer to compete at State and Regional levels. Group placement is at the coach’s discretion and can be arranged at anytime based on all aspects, ranging from the performance to the commitment level of the swimmer.
Practice Schedule: 6-8 x 1.5 to 2 hour practices per week, including 30 minutes of dryland training.
Ages: 13 and Over
Training Gear:
Rubber training fins
Snorkel
Pull buoy
Hand paddles - medium or large
SENIOR ELITE GROUP
The Senior Elite Group is currently our highest level training group. Swimmers must have Senior Sectional, Age Group Regional, or PNS Champs times. Group placement is at the coach’s discretion and can be arranged at anytime based on all aspects, ranging from the performance to the commitment level of the swimmer.
Practice Schedule: 8-11 x 2.5 to 3 hour practices per week, including double practices and 30-45 minutes of dryland.
Training Gear:
Rubber training fins
Snorkel
Pull buoy
Hand paddles - medium or large
