Swim Team Practice/Training Groups
Ransom Everglades Aquatic Club applies several criteria in determining the best fit for each swimmer. Included are age, current skill level, and commitment to the sport. We recognize that not everyone develops at the same rate, and as such, we seek to allow each young athlete the appropriate space to grow and enjoy their experience in our club and our sport. If you have a question about group placement, please reach out to Coach John Janszen
Required Equipment for each group can be found HERE (click)
- Order details to purchase equipment can be found in our Intro Letter from SwimVille USA HERE (click)
Sailors
Ages: 5-10
Three workouts per week are recommended
This is the first point of entry into our team. Swimmers in this group have completed swimming lessons and should be acquainted with all four competitive strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. In the Sailors group, swimmers are learning proficiency in all four competitive strokes through progressive skills and drills that suit the sensibilities of young children. Swimmers are also learning to be attentive, take instruction, as well as to be respectful and supportive teammates. Sailors are expected to participate in practice swim meets at our pool as well as traveling to local swim meets with their teammates in preparation for full competitive swimming.
Explorers Group
Ages: 11-14
Three to Four workouts per week are recommended
The Explorers group recognizes that developing swimming skills happens at different ages for different kids. This group is to help those swimmers transition to Raiders or Bandits depending on their age.
Its focus is on the 11-14 year olds who are still developing their strokes and not yet at the proficiency to train at the level of Bandits or Raiders. Multi-sport athletes may also find this group beneficial as swimming will continue to provide a great endurance base for them.
Pioneers Group
Ages: 9-12
Three to Four workouts per week are recommended
Our transition group between the Sailors and the Bandits, the formation of Pioneers group recognizes the significant shift from those who have just completed our swim lessons to those who are preparing to become competitive swimmers.
With this in mind, this is really our Bandits preparation group. It is designed to help the kids learn the skills needed to be in the Bandits group such as reading the clock and learning interval times, in addition to taking on greater challenges than those offered to a child who has just completed swim lessons.
Bandits Group
Ages: 10-12
Four workouts per week are recommended
The first of our competitive groups, the Bandits are learning about the relationship between practicing and competing. The technique is emphasized so as to create complete proficiency in all four strokes. Basic cardiovascular training is introduced to complement the new techniques learned. This is meant to create confidence at swim meets which are more frequently attended by this group than the Sailors.
Raiders Group
Ages: 12-15
4-5 workouts per week are recommended
Designed and structured for swimmers with previous competitive background, the Raiders group forms the bridge between introductory competitive swimmers and our senior level swimmers. Athletes in this group are learning to train and understand what a swimming season (and year) looks like. There is an emphasis on technique, however, at this stage, the volume of work is gradually increased in order to prepare for endurance events at competitions. This group ought to be committed to competing for the club, as their swimming becomes more results driven.
Skills Required For Entrance Into This Group:
- Proficiency in Streamlines & Kicking (including regular butterfly kicking off of walls)
- 8x50 Free @ :50
- 8x50 Kick @ 1:10
- 12x25 Swim @ :40 (4 Fly, 4 Back, 4 Breast)
Performance
Ages: 13 and over
5+ workouts per week are recommended
Performance is a training group. This level is designed for Jr. High and High School age swimmers of Intermediate to Advanced competitive development and commitment to the sport. Athletes accepted into the Performance Group must display a strong desire to perform at their maximum capacity. Training is designed to develop each individual's skills and will be heavily focused on strong aerobic base, IM and Race Pace with a significant emphasis on kicking. Athletes accepted into the Performance Group must have the ability and desire to meet the physical demands of an advanced training regimen. Athletes in the Performance Group who engage in other activities are expected to balance their commitment to swimming with these activities.
Expectations:
- Attendance below 80% cannot be expected to produce optimal or desired performance results.
- Swimmers are expected to attend all Team Championship meets for which they qualify, including LSC Championships as well as USA Sectionals & above
