Group Descriptions
The South Lake Aquatic Club is divided into several practice groups according to both age and ability level. Each practice group has distinct objectives and goals, which help the swimmer develop their skills to their full potential and move from one practice group to another with ease. Group changes are made by coaches on an as-needed basis, when changes are deemed beneficial for the swimmer. For each group, a typical practice involves a combination of stroke technique and physical conditioning, with stroke instruction emphasized for the younger/developmental swimmers and conditioning becoming more important for more experienced swimmers.
BRONZE: The Bronze group is an introductory training group for young and/or inexperienced swimmers. This group is designed to introduce them to the sport of swimming while allowing maximum opportunity to participate in other activities. Coaching emphasizes proper technique of the four competitive strokes. Swimmers in this group will participate in intra-squad and SLAC Lightning hosted swim meets, as well as meets around the central Florida area. No level of practice attendance is required for this group but it is recommended that swimmers maintain at least a 60% attendance average in this group.
SILVER: This developmental training group emphasizes the fundamentals of the four competitive strokes by means of drills, and the introduction to interval training. Swimmers in this group will compete in intra-squad/ SLAC Lightning hosted swim meets, meets around the central Florida area, and 1-2 times a year they will have the option to travel with the team out of area to other regional meets. Swimmers in this group will target the Area 2 Championships as their end of season meet. No level of practice attendance is required for this group but it is recommended that swimmers maintain at least a 60% attendance average in this group.
GOLD: This training group is our top age group training level. Practices will focus on stroke technique through drills, interval training, and endurance based sets. Coaching will still focus on proper technique, while also building endurance. Swimmers in this group will compete in SLAC Lightning hosted swim meets, meets around the central Florida area, and 1-2 times a year they will have the option to travel with the team out of area to other regional meets.. Swimmers in this group will target the Florida Age Group Championships and Area 2 Championships as their end of season meet. No level of practice attendance is required for this group but it is recommended that swimmers maintain at least a 65% attendance average in this group.
SENIOR 1: This training group is for the advanced age group swimmer and aspiring high school aged athlete. Training in this group is for committed, motivated swimmers, and emphasizes serious training in preparation for higher levels of swimming. The group will focus on stroke refinement, aerobic training, and strength building. Senior 1 level swimmers have achieved, or are striving for, FLAGs (Florida Age Group Championships) and Senior Champs time standards. Swimmers in this group will compete in SLAC Lightning hosted swim meets, meets around central Florida, as well as other out of area meets. Swimmers in this group should maintain at least 75% practice attendance.
SENIOR 2: This training group is designed for high school swimmers who are experienced and very proficient. Swimmers who qualify for state and sectional level meets, and are working towards achieving national level time standards. Coaching equally emphasizes conditioning and fundamentals offering the determined swimmer an excellent opportunity to improve rapidly. Swimmers in this group will compete in SLAC Lightning hosted swim meets, meets around central Florida as well as meets in the regional/national area. Strong practice attendance is necessary at this level. Practice attendance must be above 85% in this group.
