BREAKERS PRACTICE GROUPS
The North Dallas YMCA Breakers are a competitve siwm team operating out of the Moody and Semones Family YMCAs in Dallas, TX. The Breakers offer year-round competiive swim programming for youth swimmers up to age 21. Below you will find details on our 4 practice groups:
LEVEL 1 (ages 8 & Under)
Practice Group Description: In Level 1, your swimmer will build a foundation in all four strokes through basic drill and stroke technique. Swimmers will be provided with a fun and supportive environment, as their coaches work with them to recognize swimming as a competitive sport.
Practice Details: Our Level 1 groups practice 2 days a week, 1-hour each day. On average, our Level 1s swim 800 - 1,000 yards in a 1-hour practice (32 - 40 lengths of the lap pool).
Practice Group Expectations: It is the expectation that all Level 1 participants:
- Attend practice at least 1-2 days every week
- Attend a minimum of 1 swim meet per season
Discussions will be held about YMCA core values, and athletes in this group will be learning how to apply these values during practice and in daily life.
Level 1 Assessment (new swimmers only): Participants must be able to swim one length of the lap pool Freestyle and one length of the lap pool Backstroke. Both laps must be completed without stopping to touch the wall/lane lines or bottom of the pool.
LEVEL 2 (ages 9 & Over)
Practice Group Description: In Level 2, your swimmer will be introduced to a variety of training and endurance concepts. Coaches will aid swimmers in developing a strong work ethic and a positive attitude towards competitive swimming. Stroke development is the highest priority in this group, and athletes will have the primary goal of becoming competent in all four stroke disciplines.
Practice Details: Our Level 2 groups practice 3 days a week, 1-hour each day. On average, our Level 2s swim 1,500 yards in a 1-hour practice (60 lengths of the lap pool).
Practice Group Expectations: It is the expectation that Level 2 participants:
- Attend a minimum of 3 practices every week
- Attend our Championship Swim meet at the end of every season
Discussions will be held about YMCA core values, and athletes in this group will be learning how to apply these values during practice and in daily life.
Level 2 Assessment (new swimmers only): Participants must be able to complete a 50 freestyle, a 50 backstroke, a 50 Breaststroke and a 25 Butterfly.
LEVEL 3 (ages 9 & over)
Practice Group Description: In Level 3, your swimmer will benefit from additional technique training in addition to developing more advanced endurance. Athletes will learn to handle advanced endurance training as they focus on improving their technique in all four competitive strokes.
Practice Details : Our Level 3 group practices 4 days a week, 1.5-hours each day. On average, our Level 3s swim 3,000 yards in a 1.5-hour practice (120 lengths of the lap pool).
Practice Group Expectations: It is the expectation that Level 3 participants:
- Attend a minimum of 3 practices every week
- Attend a minimum of 2 meets per season, including our Championship Meets
Athletes in this group must commit to the Moody and Semones Family YMCA’s missions and will be expected to adhere to the core values of the YMCA. They must also serve as role models and set an example for the rest of their teammates.
Level 3 Assessment (new swimmers only): Participants must be able to complete a 200 freestyle with flip turns and a technically correct 200 IM. To test for endurance, participants must be able to complete each 200 in a time of 4 minutes or less
LEVEL 4 (ages 9 & over)
Practice Group Description: In Level 4, your swimmer will benefit from additional technique and endurance training, in addition to strength and full-body conditioning training. Athletes need to show the ability to work with advanced training techniques and must be able to handle over 8 hours of physical training each week.
Practice Details: Our Level 4 group practices 5 days a week, 1.5 - 2 hours each day. On average, our Level 4s swims 4,000 yards in a 1.5-hour practice (160 lengths of the lap pool).
Practice Group Expectations: It is the expectation that Level 4 participants:
- Attend a minimum of 4 practice every week
- Attend all swim meets (unless excused by the coach)
- Make a year-round commitment to Swim Team
All swimmers in this group must commit to the Moody and Semones Family YMCA’s mission and will be expected to adhere to the core values of the YMCA. Gold Group participants are expected to be team leaders and role models, as well as mature, responsible and dependable athletes.
Level 4 Assesment (new swimmer only): Participants must be able to complete the following swims/sets:
- 1650 Freestyle in 30:00 or less
- 400 IM (technically correct) in 7 minutes or less
- 5 x 100 Freestyle on a 1:45 interval
Please visit our "how to join" tab for further detials on our assessment process and how to get your swimmer on the Breakers!
If you feel your child is not yet ready for competitive swim team, both the Moody and Semones Family YMCAs offer Stroke Mechanic Classes that can help your swimmer prepare for it! Please contact Sara Calb (Semones) or Katelynn Morris (Moody) for further information on our lesson program and how to enroll.
Sara Calvillo: [email protected]
Katelynn Morris: k[email protected]
