Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club swimmers are divided into four practice groups based on age and ability level: Stingray, Dolphin, Marlin, and Shark. Swimmers participate in practices with their groups and compete in local and national meets based on age groups defined by USA Swimming. Below please find a brief description of each group.
Tryouts are required for all swimmers who are considering year-round competitive swimming with MLAC. Please note: while we strive to make the criteria for participation in each group as objective as possible, these criteria are guidelines and exceptions will occasionally be made based on the best judgment of our club coaches.
| Group |
Focus |
Common Prerequisites |
Common Group Goals for ‘23-’24 Season |
| Sharks |
This group focuses on the fostering of advanced technical skills and personal growth in and out of the water. They have morning and afternoon workouts along with dry-land and weight training. |
-HS student |
-IMX completion by end of SC24 |
| Marlins |
Solidifying a competitive foundation for junior level swimmers to prepare them for the next level of training and competition within the USA Swimming ladder. |
-At least one A time with experience swimming at a P/F meet in both sessions |
-IMX completion by end of Dec 2023, with reswim of best events by end of SC24 -At least 1 EZ AGC cut for 2024 SC meet |
| Barracudas |
This group begins the progression of furthered pacing and technical strategies while entering a developmentally changing age and structure. |
-Ability to show racing strategies for 50yd strokes, 100yd freestyle, and 100IM |
-IMX completion by end of Dec 2023 |
| Dolphins |
The emphasis for this group is on stroke technique, starts, and turns, building technical excellence and core body strength for the identification of dynamics and mechanics within the water. |
-Legally swim 50yd of all four strokes -Ability to complete the 100IM -Capable of doing a competitive racing start -Ability to do flipturns in practices and meets |
-IMX completion by end of Dec 2023, with reswim of best events by end of SC24 |
| Bluefins |
This group is for newer swimmers who have shown the ability and interest and growing as an athlete, continuing their focus of technical training. |
-Legally swim 50yd of all four strokes -Capable of doing a competitive racing start -Ability to do flipturns in practices and meets |
-IMR completion by end of Dec 2023 -IMX completion by end of SC24 |
| Stingrays |
This group consists of new/newer swimmers to competitive swimming, with training involving stroke instruction along with start and turn instruction and development. |
-Ability to swim 50yd freestyle and backstroke several times -Exhibit interest in evolving into more competitive practices and mindset |
-IMR completion by end of SC24 -IMX completion (on coach recommendation) by end of SC24 |
| Piranhas |
Our enthusiastic coaches will work with swimmers to develop good form, stamina, and race specific skills (diving, starts & turns). This experience will make them more independent and confident during all fun water adventures. |
-Ability to swim 25yd freestyle and backstroke several times without assistance -Exhibit the ability to side-breathe -Exhibit beginner knowledge of all strokes |
|
