Tiger Sharks

The Tiger Sharks group is the first of our competitive groups in the Northwest Arkansas Aquatics program. Swimmers in the Tiger Sharks group will range in 10-13 years of age and entering the 5th grade; however, there may be some swimmers that are prepared and the workload is developmentally appropriate for them. In such cases, coaches discretion may warrant a move-up prior to this ideal age range.

The focus of this group is for the swimmers to master the basic knowledge and skills for all four competitive strokes, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. These swimmers will continue to work on streamline push-offs, body position, head position, and the kick associated with all four strokes, but they will also continue to learn the specifics associated with the pull for all four strokes.

Championship Meets:

ARSI Open Water Championships

ARSI 14 & Under Championships

NCSA Age Group National Championships 

USA Swimming Central Zone Open Water Championships

ARSI Long Course Championships

USA Swimming Central Zone Championships

Training:

The Tiger Sharks will do swimming sets in practice that will help them in their development within the sport and will help them be competitive in local and regional competitions. The goal of this group will be for them to be able to navigate practices from start to finish which involves utilizing the pace clock to keep them on track during sets.  

The Tiger Sharks will also work on the skills associated with the starts, turns, and finishes in all four stroke.

Swimmers must be able to complete the following benchmark test set in order to be in consideration to be in the Tiger Sharks group:

2 Consecutive Rounds of the Following:

3 x 100 FR @ 1:40

2 x 100 IM @ 1:50

1 x 100 K @ 2:00

Move-ups will be communicated prior to the start of the short course or long course seasons; however, there may be some cases where a move mid-season is determined to be necessary by the coaching staff.

Required Equipment:

Mesh Bag

Kickboard

Pull Buoy

Paddles 

Fins

Lead Group Coach: Mark Gole - [email protected]

Assisant Coach: Mary-Catherine Ivey - [email protected]

Assistant Coach: Mary Clare Bono - [email protected]