BLUEFISH SQUAD DESCRIPTIONS
Mini Makos - Let’s make a splash!
For kids 5 to 9 who can swim a little but haven’t mastered any of the competitive strokes. They love the water and are interested in maybe swimming competitively. They are introduced to all the strokes but focus on freestyle and backstroke and learning how their body works in the water.
White Squad - Dive right in!
These kids can swim 25 meters of freestyle with good breathing and 25 meters of backstroke. Primarily for those 6 to 10, the group is heavily focused on fundamentals and an introduction to racing.
Blue Squad - Stepping up!
Still a heavy focus on developing great technique but beginning to build a little endurance. This group, ages 8 to 11, are looking to become well rounded swimmers and learning to enjoy competing to measure their progress.
Green Squad - Look out!
Here we come! While technique is stressed every day, these 9- to 12-year-olds are learning more and more about training and racing. We’re looking to build more self-awareness and confidence. Mastering the clock, understanding pace, and becoming aware of what they are doing is all part of the package.
Bronze Squad - We can do this!
Bronze has two types of swimmers 13 and older. Some love swimming but can't quite make the commitment required of the other older groups. Others are newer to the sport and need more work on their technique and foundation.
Silver Squad - Next level stuff!
The Silver squad is intended to transition athletes from the Green or Bronze Squads and to provide some focus on how to race well at meets. Swimmers continue to work on stroke mechanics as well as aerobic capacity and to adapt to the crucial skills needed to develop as higher-level swimmers and people. As the swimmer progresses in Silver, the athlete will be better prepared for the next level once they move to the Gold squad. The Silver squad trains six days a week and swimmers are expected to attend at least four of those practices.
Gold Squad - You've Made It!
Primarily for athletes aged 13-18. This is our 2nd highest level. These swimmers have mastered most of the finer aspects of competitive swimming and they are in it for the long haul. Training as opposed to "practicing" is a big emphasis in Gold. This includes solidifying the aerobic base as well as lots of endurance training.
National Team – Top Notch!
This group is for our top athletes who are interested in competing at the national level or continuing to NCAA swimming. Swimmers in NT are athletes who have achieved New England Seniors/Sectionals time standards and who are willing to make a commitment to training at the highest levels of USA Swimming. NT swimmers are expected to attend every practice offered during the week.
