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The Sarasota Sharks offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The goal of the Sarasota Sharks is to offer age-specific training for all of our athletes, geared towards challenging each individual and helping them reach their full potential.
Developmental GroupsThe developmental groups are for swimmers who are new to competitive swimming. Swimmers are placed in a specific group depending on their age and ability level to set them up for success.
Junior Sharks - SIGNUP FOR JUNIOR SHARKS HERE The Junior Sharks group is a session-based group for athletes who are new to the sport and/or are working towards learning how to swim all 4 competitive strokes legally. Our suggested age is 6-10 years old, but we will work with families on an individual basis as needed. In the Junior Sharks group, we will provide a more intensive, curriculum-based teaching of the skills needed to be successful in competitive swimming.
SwimFit - SIGNUP FOR SWIMFIT HERE The SwimFit group is for middle school-aged children (5th-8th grade) who are looking for a recreational or part-time swimming option. SwimFit provides a positive and fun swimming experience for those looking to develop their strokes and skills, while also improving their physical fitness with a less stringent commitment level than the competitive team. All of the SwimFit practice groups allow for progress in the water for those balancing several sports and activities, as well as for those looking for a way to maintain good physical fitness. Swimming is beneficial to both a child’s physical health and wellness, but it is also a vehicle by which the child learns valuable life lessons and skills that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Competitive GroupsThe competitive teams are for swimmers who can swim all four competitive strokes legally (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle). In addition to the technique development these swimmers will do, they will also be introduced to training.
White Group Lead Coach: Scott Bowers White swimmers are generally 8 and under, and this is when they begin actual technique work of strokes and learn competitive skills i.e., Starts, turns, finishes. Meets are encouraged to measure progress. Dry-land is introduced, creating a complete athlete. Other activities outside of swimming are encouraged.
Black Group Lead Coach: Danny Erlenmeyer Black group swimmers are typically 8-10-year-old swimmers (3rd and 4th grade) who continue to refine their strokes and competitive skills. Making swim meet attendance essential is crucial, as it allows them to build bonds with teammates and develop swim friends. Dry land is vital to creating a well-rounded athlete!
Silver Group Lead Coach: Daphne Elliott The Silver group is for 5th and 6th-grade athletes who are working to strengthen their skills to be ready to move into the Gold group or State Prep Group. Technique is primary, and an increase in volume and intensity will be introduced. This group will not require morning workouts. The focus will be on competition at the area and state level. Athletes are required to participate in swim meets consistently.
Gold Lead Coach: Patricia Helgren Gold Group swimmers are generally 10 to 12 years old (5th and 6th grade) and focus on advanced refinement of strokes and skills. At this point, swimming is becoming one of your main activities, and attending swim meets is essential. Being with teammates and friends is important. Dry-land has become an important part of being a healthy athlete. Athletes who move into this group after 4th grade typically have 10 & under FLAGs qualifying times and have or are working towards achieving 11-12 times.
State Prep Lead Coach: Daphne Elliott Our State Prep group is generally for 7th and 8th-grade athletes who are working on achieving 13-14 FLAGs qualifying times. Athletes might have other activities they enjoy doing, but still attend practice and swim meets consistently. Athletes who move into this group after 6th grade will typically be working to achieve FLAGs qualifying times, work on attending practice more consistently, and/or need more time to continue to develop their skills.
National Prep Lead Coach: John Bruenning The National Prep group will be comprised of athletes who are typically 7th or 8th grade, have achieved 13-14 FLAGs qualifying times, and have a practice attendance of 90% or better. Athletes who move into this group after 6th grade will typically have achieved 11-12 FLAGs qualifying times and have a practice attendance of 85% or better.
Senior Speed: High School - State Level Lead Coach: Andy Antonetz The Senior Speed group is for high school swimmers who want to stay in shape year-round. Technique is primary, and an increase in volume and intensity will be introduced. This group will not require morning workouts, but if interested, athletes are encouraged to talk to the Lead Senior Coach about attending Senior morning practices. The focus will be on competition at the area and state level with no meet requirement. Athletes are encouraged to attend all practices, but there is no practice requirement. Athletes moving into this group after 8th grade will typically be working on achieving 13-14 FLAGs or Florida Senior Championship qualifying times.
Senior: High School - Regional / National Level “National Development” Lead Coach: Patricia Helgren The Senior Group is comprised of athletes who are typically in high school, have achieved Florida Senior Championship qualifying times, and have a practice attendance of 85% or better. This group prepares athletes for the state and regional levels of competition. Morning practices will be offered twice a week. Technique, intensity, and an increase in volume should be expected in this group. Athletes in this group are expected to attend practice and swim meets consistently. Pushing yourself and being uncomfortable is FUN! Athletes who move into this group after 8th grade will typically have achieved 13-14 FLAGs qualifying times and have a practice attendance of 85% or better.
National: “National” Lead Coach: Brent Arckey The National Group is for high school swimmers generally at the Summer Sectional level or higher. This is a high-achieving, training group where swimming is a mainstay in their life. Vacations are taken within the confines of the meet schedule. Attending meets and practice is crucial, expected, and monitored. The goal is to prepare athletes for national and international levels of competition. Admittance to this group will be based on, but not limited to, attendance, ability, and willingness to change. Morning practices are offered three times a week. This group focuses on each athlete's needs to excel in the sport. Dry-land is an integral part of the program to help the athlete reach their potential. Pushing yourself and being uncomfortable is FUN! Sharks Group Progression
There are many ways to progress through the sport of swimming. Because many factors go into growth, development, and maturation, we must accommodate these various levels of athletes in different groups. Groups become more specific throughout the program. Correct group and size are essential to ensuring quality coaching for the individual, group, and team. At some point, each level will be introduced to the next in some way. As in any organization, there has to be some order and structure. These groups are designed to be a guideline. Coaches, at times, will make moves outside these definitions due to situations at the swimmer, group, and team levels. Becoming a great swimmer is a marathon; be patient!
For more info about groups and group progression please direct inquiries to your swimmers current group coach.
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