Piranhas Squad Descriptions
The Piranhas strive for improvement through daily focus on skill development and technique. In all squads we work on the four competitive strokes, turns, and racing starts. All squad descriptions below are for the beginning of the season. When joining the team after the start of the season or moving between groups please be aware that the group will have increased skill levels as the season progresses.
In addition to stated squad requirements (below), consideration will be given to:
- swimmer maturity
- training level within current group
- meet attendance
- practice attendance
- THE OVERALL ABILITY FOR THE SWIMMER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN NEXT GROUP
All swimmers will be placed into groups that will facilitate the best growth and success possible within our competitive swimming program.
Final placement is solely at the discretion of the coaching staff.
Mini Squad
The minis will be the smallest swimmers and will focus on the basics of competitive swimming. The purpose of this squad is to teach the basics of the four competitive strokes, turns, and starts. Daily emphasis will be on learning the strokes and having fun.
Entrance Requirements
- 25 yards of continuous freestyle with rotary breathing and demonstrating good balance in the water
- 25 yards of continuous backstroke demonstrating good balance in the water
- Basic kicking skills Training: Offered 3 times a week for 30 minutes.
Swim Meets: Optional, but encouraged to attend local meets. Competitive experiences will also be introduced during normal training times.
- Goals of the Minis
- 100 yards of continuous freestyle
- 50 yards of continuous backstroke
- 25 breaststroke
- Understand and demonstrate the YMCA’s four core character values
- Demonstrate an understanding of a team environment
White Squad
Entrance Requirements
- 100 yards of continuous freestyle with rotary breathing and demonstrating good balance
- 50 yards of continuous backstroke demonstrating good balance
- 25 yards of breaststroke Attendance: Recommended 2-3 times each week
Swim Meets: Encouraged to attend dual meets and 1-2 invitational meet during the season.
Goals of the White Group
- 200 yards of continuous freestyle
- 100 yards of continuous backstroke
- legal 100 IM
- Understand and demonstrate the YMCA’s four core character values
- Demonstrate an understanding of a team environment
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of all four competitive strokes and turns Piranhas Squad Descriptions
Red Squad
Entrance Requirements
- 200 yards of freestyle
- 100 yards of backstroke
- legal 100 IM
Swim Meets: Encouraged to attend dual meets and 2-3 invitational meet during the season.
Goals of the Red Group
- Swim 200 IM with correct turns
- 6x100 free @ 2:30 with correct flip turns
- 8x50 Kick @ 1:30
- Perform front start and backstroke start
- Push-off and streamline to flags with a dolphin kick
- Acquire basic understanding of the pace clock
- Understand and demonstrate the YMCA’s four core character values
- Demonstrate an understanding of a team environment
- Demonstrate a strong technical understanding of all four competitive strokes and turns
Bronze Squad
Entrance Requirements:
- Swim 200 IM with correct turns
- 8x50 kick @ 1:20
- 6x100 free @ 2:15 with correct flip turns
Swim Meets: Encouraged to attend team meets once per month
Goals of the Bronze Squad
- 300 freestyle under 5:30
- 6x100 IM @ 2:30
- 6x100 Free @ 2:00
- Kick 6x50 @ 1:10
- Qualify for Districts
- Perform front start and backstroke start
- Push-off and streamline to flags with a dolphin kick
- Acquire strong understanding of the pace clock
- Athlete is motivated to listen to coaches and try to improve
- Understand and demonstrate the YMCA's four core character values
- Bring water bottle to all practices
Silver Squad
Entrance Requirements:
- 300 freestyle under 5:30
- 6x100 IM @ 2:15
- 6x100 Free @ 1:50
- Kick 6x50 @ 1:10
Swim Meets: Encouraged to attend team meets once per month
Goals of the Silver Squad
- Qualify for Districts
- Perform all turns and push-offs efficiently
- Perform front start and backstroke start effectively
- Athlete is motivated to listen to coaches and try to improve
- Courteous to other swimmers in pool
- Athletes know their attitude affects how they swim and how others around them swim
- Develop consistent practice attendance
- Learn basic nutrition skills
- Bring water bottle to all practices
Gold Squad
Entrance Requirements:
- 6x100 freestyle @ 1:40
- 6x100 IM @ 2:00
- Kick 10x50 @ 1:00 in training
- Must have one BB time standard or better, and at least 1 B or better standards (total of 2 or more standards) based on USA Swimming’s Motivational Times based on 13 and over age group.
- Consistent attendance in Silver Squad
- Piranhas Coach recommendation
Swim Meets: Expected to attend all Dual Meets and invitational once per month. Expected to compete in multiple events at invitational meets as chosen with/by the coaches.
- Goals of the Gold Squad
- Reduce swimmers drag and increase swimmers efficiency
- Increase fluidity during turns
- Mastery of pace clock during workout
- Swimmer is courteous to other swimmers in the group
- Qualify for District Championships
- Create great practice habits by showing up to work out early and ready to learn
- Bring water bottle to all practices
- Race in every event offered in age group
- Learn goal setting
