PRE-COMPETITIVE

Our Pre-Competitive program bridges the gap between foundational skill development and competitive swimming. These groups are designed for athletes who have built a foundation in the water and are ready for more structured training. Practices focus on improving technique, building endurance, and developing the training habits used on our Laker Swim competitive team.

GROUP PLACEMENT

At Dragon Swim Academy, we use a thoughtful approach to place swimmers in the Pre-Competitive group that best suits their current ability, training readiness, and goals. Placement takes into account maturity (including chronological age, physiological readiness, and emotional development), stroke proficiency, endurance, and ability to participate in a structured practice environment.

While not all Pre-Competitive swimmers can swim all four strokes legally yet, each group is designed to help them progress toward that goal. Practices emphasize progressive skill development, gradually introducing competitive skills such as starts, turns, and interval-based training.

HOW PLACEMENT WORKS

To help determine the best fit for your swimmer, we encourage families to review our placement chart below. If you have any questions or would like guidance, our coaching staff is here to assist you. Our goal is to ensure each swimmer feels supported, challenged, and confident as they prepare for the next stage of their swimming journey.

 

Dragon Swim Academy Pre-Competitive Groups
Group Name Age/Grade Range Placement Requirements Swimmer-to-Instructor Ratio Attendance Commitment Goals
Diamond Ages 5 - 10 (K - 4th Grade) Swimmer can complete full laps of freestyle (with side breathing) and backstroke consistently and independently. Swimmer can flutter kick on their front and back, as well as breastroke and dolphin kick on their front for a full lap. Swimmer has knowledge of breaststroke & butterfly, and can dive into the pool safely from the block or from the side. 1:7-8 Two Thirty-Minute Practices Per Week Swimmer has proficiency & competency in all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). They are able to complete a 50 of freestyle, and 25s of each other stroke unassisted, though minimal technical issues might still be present. Swimmer has knowledge and capabilities for flip turns.
Platinum Ages 6 - 10 (1st - 4th Grade) Swimmer can effectively flutter kick on their front and back, as well as breastroke and dolphin kick on their front. Swimmer can swim at least 50 yards of legal freestyle, and 25 yards legal backstroke, breastroke, & butterfly, though minimal technical issues are allowed. Swimmer can confidently complete a flip turn, and complete a compact dive from the side. 1:8-9 Two Fourty-Five-Minute Practices Per Week Swimmer has the technical knowledge that allows them to complete legal 50s of the competive strokes backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke, and a legal 100 of freestyle. Swimmer can dive into the pool safely from the starting block, has knowledge of proper turns and transitions on the wall, and has started using intervals semi-regularly.
Stroke Development II Ages 10 - 13 (4th - 8th Grade) Swimmer can swim independently, but does not yet swim all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, & butterfly) legally. 1:9-11 Two Forty-Five-Minute Practices Per Week The goal of Stroke Development II is to build confidence & develop technique. Swimmers in Stroke Development II will strive to complete 50s of the competitive strokes backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, and a 100 of freestyle. Swimmer can dive into the pool safely from the side. Swimmer has knowledge of proper turns and transitions on the wall, and has started using intervals semi-regularly.
Stroke Development I Ages 10 - 13 (4th - 8th Grade) Swimmer can complete 50s of the competitive strokes backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, and a 100 of freestyle. Swimmer can dive into the pool safely from the side. Swimmer has knowledge of proper turns and transitions on the wall, and has started using intervals semi-regularly. 1:10-12 Two One-Hour Practices Per Week The goal of Stroke Development I is to build endurance & hone in on technique. Swimmers in Stroke Development I will strive to meet the requirements for the transition to Laker Swim at the Red 1, Red 2, or Pre-Senior II level depending on their age. Information regarding these requirements can be found on our website.
Senior Preparatory Ages 13 - 18 (9th - 12th Grade) Swimmer can swim independently, but does not yet swim all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, & butterfly) legally. 1:10-15 Four or Five Hours Total Per Week (3-4 Practices Per Week) The goal of Senior Preparatory is to build endurance & develop technique. Swimmers in Senior Preparatory will strive to meet the requirements for the transition to Senior II, our preliminary Senior group at Laker Swim. Information regarding these requirements can be found on our website.

 

 

 

Please click here to view pre-competitive practice times.