Skills Program
All new swimmers to the Orangeville Otters must do an assessment before registering for any level of programming.
Our next assessment night is: Monday January 19, 2026
Please register for an assessment here: https://form.jotform.com/253424093566056
Please contact skillscoach@orangevilleotters.com for any other questions.
Session 2
- Starts the week of February 16th
- Ends the week of June 22th
- (Mock Meet TBA)
ADVANCED SKILLS GROUP
(Development Stream)
LTAD: FUNdamentals
Goal for this group:
The Advanced Skills program is designed for swimmers who have built a strong foundation and are ready to grow their technique and training habits. This stage focuses on refining stroke mechanics, improving endurance, and introducing elements of racing in a fun and supportive team setting.
Swimmers continue to develop all four competitive strokes—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—along with starts and turns. Training includes purposeful drills and structured sets that encourage progress, build confidence, and keep swimmers engaged through a motivating and enjoyable atmosphere.
This program emphasizes the importance of consistent effort, discipline, and goal-setting. Athletes begin to experience more structured practices that promote endurance, coordination, and technical refinement, preparing them for future entry into competitive swim groups.
Swimmers are encouraged to build up to participation in designated fun meets or time trials to gain experience and confidence in a mock race setting. These opportunities help reinforce technical execution and introduce basic race strategies in a low-pressure environment.
The Advanced Skills program serves as a critical bridge between pre-competitive swimming and competitive development. By fostering strong technique, positive training habits, and a love for the sport, we prepare athletes for progression into the Novice or Orange groups and continued growth within the swim pathway.
Sessions:
- 17 weeks from February to June
Schedule: 2 Pool Sessions per Week
Tuesday and Thursday at either time slot:
- Group 1: 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
- Group 2: 5:45 p.m. - 6:30p.m.
BEGINNER SKILLS GROUP
(Development Stream)
LTAD: FUNdamentals
Goal for this group:
The Beginner Skills program is designed for young swimmers at the beginning of their aquatic journey. Our objective is to foster an initial passion for swimming by introducing fundamental techniques in a fun, supportive, and confidence-building environment.
Participants develop an appreciation for the water through focused instruction in the basics of freestyle and backstroke, along with introductory skills in starts and turns. Our approach emphasizes enjoyment and engagement, using creative activities and games to reinforce proper technique and build comfort in the pool.
This pre-competitive program lays the groundwork for future success by promoting essential life skills such as focus, consistency, and perseverance. Athletes begin to understand the value of effort and teamwork while building positive training habits in a low-pressure setting.
Workouts are designed to gradually improve swimming proficiency, coordination, and aerobic capacity, all while maintaining a playful and encouraging atmosphere. Coaches prioritize individualized attention and celebrate progress to help each swimmer feel confident and motivated.
The Beginner Skills program serves as the entry point into our swim development pathway. By instilling a love for swimming and building strong technical foundations, we prepare athletes for progression into the Advanced Skills program and beyond.
Session:
- 17 weeks from February to June
Schedule:
Friday OR Sunday at either time slot:
- Group 1: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Group 2: 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
