New Tampa and Estancia Practice Groups
Developmental - The Developmental Group is the entry level group to our program. Organized in small groups, swimmers will work with an instructor who is in water giving hands on technical advice. Each of our instructors will work with 3-5 swimmers as they refine skill development and practice drills and techniques which will set the foundation for these newer members of our program.
Ages - 5-10 years old
Minimum Requirements - Be able to float independently on back and on belly. Swimmer is able to listen and follow instructions for the whole practice.
Practices - There is no minimum attendance for this level. Practice times vary depending on the time of the year.
Meets - Swimmers at this level are only eligible to attend mini-meets with their Coach's pre-approval.
Little Rays - The Little Rays Group is for novice level swimmers. At this level, we begin to challenge swimmers with more advanced drill progressions while introducing them to foundations of the competitive swimming world. Coaches at this level focus on giving personalized feedback to each swimmer in the class as they grow and develop the competitive swimming skills.
Ages 6-12.
Minimum Requirements - To join the Little Rays group, swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards. Swimmers should have a solid grasp of both freestyle and backstroke as well as knowledge of butterfly and breaststroke.
Practices - We encourage attending at least 2 practices a week in the Little Rays group.
Meets - Swimmers at this level MUST attend at least ONE USA Swimming Sanctioned meet per billing quarter. Mini meets are highly encouraged to be attended when offered.
Objective- Master all 4 strokes in a 50, do 100 freestyle at meets
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Mighty Rays- Swimmers in this group will continue to grow their drill progression skill set while enhancing their competitive drive for the sport of swimming. Coaches will begin to introducing racing strategies and skills while organizing practices to increase young swimmers’ stamina and endurance.
Ages 9-14.
Minimum Requirements – Swimmers should have a grasp of the four competitive strokes.
Practices - Swimmers at this level understand practice attendance is important and should strive to attend at least 3-4 practices per week.
Dryland – Mighty Rays swimmers will work on basic dryland skills and techniques. Each practice will begin with 15 minutes of active movement. Tennis shoes should be worn!
Meets - Swimmers at this level are expected to attend at least 8 swim meets per year, or every 6 weeks.
Objective- Master all 4 strokes in a 100, 200 free, 200 IM, and 500 Free at meets.
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Advanced-- This group is the most competitive level of our program for Age Group swimmers and High School swimmers striving to join the Elite group. Coaches at this level focus on fostering an environment where hard work and a strong technical focus provide swimmers with high performance results. Swimmers in this group are expected to Florida Age Group (FLAG) Championship Time Standards, Senior Championships Time Standards or be working toward these goals.
Ages 11-18.
Minimum Requirements – Advanced swimmers are expected to have a high-level understanding of stroke technique and various drill progressions.
Practices - Swimmers at this level understand practice attendance is important and should strive to attend at least 4-6 practices per week.
Dryland – Advanced swimmers will work on basic dryland skills and techniques. Each practice will begin with 15 minutes of active movement. Tennis shoes should be worn!
Meets - Monthly meet participation is expected as well as attending each seasons Championship Meet. Objective- Competitive times in all 4 strokes in 50s, 100s, and 200s, 1000 Free and 400 IM.
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Senior 2 - The Senior 2 Group is designed for older swimmers who are looking to develop their swimming skills and competitive nature. Swimmers at this level might be newer to the sport of swimming or have a less competitive attitude about their participation in the sport. Coaches design workouts to challenge athletes while also working to provide individual feedback to improve technical skill development, strength, and endurance. The Senior 2 Group generally prepares swimmers to represent their high school during the FHSAA Swim Season as well as aiding triathletes who are looking for more water time instruction.
Ages 13-18.
Minimum Requirements - Senior 2 swimmers should be able to correctly swim each of the four strokes and be able to challenge themselves to handle an instructional and challenging practice environment. Swimmers should be able to handle 1/3 of the following sets. (1) 8x100 Free on 2:00 (2) 12x50 IMO on 1:20 (3) 8x50 kick on 1:30 (each stroke with or without a board).
Practices - There is not a practice attendance minimum at this level. Practice times vary depending on the time of the year.
Meets - Swimmers at this level are not expected but are permitted to participate USA Swimming Sanctioned Meets.
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Elite – This group is the most competitive level of our program. Coaches at this level focus on fostering an environment where hard work is expected and a strong technical focus provide swimmers with high performance results. Swimmers in this group are expected to have Senior Championships, Sectionals, or National Level Time Standards or be working toward these goals. The Elite Group has the highest expectations for our program and swimmers be able to demonstrate the maturity and competitive abilities necessary to train at this level.
Entry into this group is by coach’s discretion.
Minimum Requirements – Elite swimmers are expected to have a high-level understanding of stroke technique and various drill progressions.
Practices - Swimmers at this level understand practice attendance is important and should strive to attend at least 6-9 practices per week.
Dryland – Elite swimmers will attend multiple gym and dryland sessions weekly to increase strength, range of motion, explosiveness, and overall athleticism. Each practice will begin with 15 minutes of active movement. Tennis shoes should be worn!
Meets – Meet participation in this group is based on a collaborative effort with each individual swimmer and the Head Coach based on each swimmer’s needs for the season.
Objective: All events, both short course and long course.
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Meet Progressions per group for a typical sanctioned USA Swimming meet:
Little Rays: 1 session per meet, either on Saturday or Sunday.
Mighty Rays: 2 sessions per meet, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Advanced: 2-3 sessions per meet, depending on needs and ability level. Friday Afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning. Swimmers in this group will also start going to meets that are prelim/finals based, meaning swimmers who qualify in the morning time swim at night.
Elite: Meets and events based on individual swimmer.
