HRA TRAINING GROUP DESCRIPTIONS

BLUE GROUP

Athletes in the Blue group are typically seven to nine years old (but not to exceed the age of ten) and must be able to perform freestyle and backstroke legally and consistently (Blue 1), and/or swim at least one length of breaststroke and butterfly (Blue 2). Development of these skills and an understanding of basic training etiquette are the coaches’ primary objectives. Participation in other activities is strongly encouraged. The emphasis in this group is on swimming satisfaction, fun, and learning correct stroke technique with a goal of preparing athletes to compete in USA Swimming competitions. Training sessions are offered three times per week. The attendance recommendation for athletes in this group is a minimum of two practices per week.

WHITE GROUP

Athletes in the White group typically range in age from nine to eleven years old (not to exceed the age of twelve) and must be able to perform all four competitive strokes legally and consistently. White group athletes will be working to earn Silver State, State and Age Group Zone qualification times. Interval training and pacing are introduced at this level, though continued stroke refinement is the primary focus. In addition, race strategy and competitive skills are developed along with an understanding of time standards. As with the Blue Group, fun and satisfaction are emphasized and participation in other activities is strongly encouraged. Practices for the White Group are offered five times per week. An attendance minimum of three practices per week is recommended with a suggested goal of four per week.

SILVER GROUP

Athletes in the Silver Group typically range in age from ten to twelve years old (not to exceed the age of thirteen) and have demonstrated competitive swimming experience in all four strokes. The goal of the Silver Group is to earn Silver State and State qualification times, and ultimately prepare athletes to progress into the Red Group. This group balances the need for increased training intensity with continued technique and skill refinement. Outside activities are encouraged in this group. Five workouts per week are offered. Attendance at a minimum of four practices per week is strongly recommended.

RED GROUP

Athletes in the Red Group typically range in age from eleven to thirteen years old (not to exceed the age of fourteen) and have demonstrated a high level of competitive swim experience in all four strokes. The goal of the Red Group is to earn State and Age Group Zone qualification times, and ultimately prepare athletes for the State Group. While the level of training intensity increases significantly, technique and skill refinement remain a main focus. Outside activities are encouraged in this group. Six workouts per week are offered. Attendance at a minimum of four practices per week is strongly recommended with a suggested goal of five per week.

STATE GROUP

Athletes in the State Group are typically twelve to fourteen years old (not to exceed the age of fifteen) and have demonstrated an extremely high level of training skill and competitive swim experience. The primary goal is to prepare State athletes to score at the State and Age Group Zone Championship meets. Technique and skill refinement are primary emphases as the level of training intensity and duration increases. Formal dry land is introduced at this level. Outside activities are encouraged in this group. Six workouts per week are offered, and attendance at a minimum of five practices per week is strongly recommended.

SECTIONAL GROUP

Athletes entering the Sectional Group must be at least thirteen years old (not to exceed Junior year in high school), possess the ability to train at the current Sectional level, and have the desire to commit to a rigorous year-round training program. This group introduces athletes to an increased volume and intensity in training. It is expected that the athletes in the Sectional Group will show a dedication to the sport through exemplary attendance and attitude. The main goals of this group are to refine stroke skills, improve functional fitness and gain competitive experience to achieve Sectional, Futures and Junior National time standards. Six to eight workouts per week are offered.

HIGH SCHOOL GROUP

As swimmers advance into high school, they frequently want to participate and succeed on their respective high school teams but do not wish to train at the level required in higher level groups. As such, HRA offers a training option for athletes passionate about swimming but desiring a reduced commitment than what is expected of the other groups. The goal of this group is to prepare swimmers for CHSAA League and State competitions. Up to six practices per week are offered, and swimmers interested in this group are encouraged to meet personally with the coach to determine their level of commitment.

HIGH SCHOOL+ GROUP

This group is for high school athletes with a strong desire to train and compete at a high level. The goal of this group is to prepare to compete at the CHSAA and CSI State Championship meets. Consistent attendance in practices and meets through the short and long course seasons is expected. Through committed participation in the HS+ group, a swimmer can advance to the Senior level. Six practices are offered per week and swimmers are encouraged, based upon their goals, to attend 4-6 practices.

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP GROUP

This group is for high school athletes looking to get a jump on the competition and prepare for the high school season. The goal of this group is to prepare for high school competition. Three practices are offered per week and swimmers are encouraged, based upon their goals, to attend 2-3 practices.

NATIONAL GROUP

Swimmers in the National group must have achieved two Sectional qualifying times (excluding the 50 freestyle) or have the ability to train at a level commensurate with a National-level swimmer. Swimmers must display - through training and competition - the desire, dedication and discipline necessary to obtain the highest level of performance the swimmer’s individual talents will allow. This expectation includes dry land conditioning and weight training in addition to, rather than in place of, in-water practices. Basic exercise physiology is explained to the athletes so they can understand the changes taking place during the different types of training. Swimmers in this group represent HRA at national competitions with the goal of reaching Futures, Junior National, Senior National and Olympic Trial time standards. National group athletes are expected to develop seasonal competition plans in conjunction with the coaching staff which should include the highest level meets for which the athlete qualifies. Up to nine practices are offered per week.