SWIM GROUPS

Each swimmer is assigned to a practice group determined by the coach.  As their skills improve, swimmers may be evaluated by the coach for advancement into a higher group.  The descriptions below offer a general guideline of each group. The head coach has the final judgement on when a swimmer can advance to higher group.

 

Bronze-Prep

Entrance Requirements:

  • At least 5 years old
  • Able to swim 25 yards comfortably and safely
  • Able to back float
  • Coach evaluation
  • Deep water safe
  • Shows interest in participation with the group
  • Register with USA Swimming

Training Focus:

  • Emphasis on efficient freestyle with side breathing and backstroke
  • Practice etiquette
  • Introduction of swimple swim sets

Yardage:

  • 200-500 yards per workout

Practice Schedule

  • Monday and Thursday 3:15-4:00pm

Attendance:

  • Encouraged to attend  at least 2 practices per week
  • No minimum attendance requirement
  • At least 1 meets per year

​

 

 

Bronze

Entrance Requirements:

  • At least 5 years old
  • Able to swim 25 yards freestyle with side breathing
  • Able to swim 25 yards swimming on back
  • Coach evaluation
  • Deep water safe
  • Shows interest in participation with the group
  • Register with USA Swimming

Training Focus:

  • Continuing to learn all 4 swim strokes, starts, and turns
  • Practice etiquette
  • Understand simple swim sets
  • Introduction to simple racing strategy
  • Participate in a SKA-sponsored swim meet

Yardage:

  • 500-1000 yards per workout

Practice Schedule

  • Monday-Friday 3:15-4:00pm

Attendance:

  • Encouraged to attend  at least 3 practices per week
  • No minimum attendance requirement
  • At least 3 meets per year

​

 

 

Silver

Entrance Requirements:

  • Functional in all 4 strokes (some technical errors allowed)
  • Able to swim 100 yards freestyle
  • Able to swim 50 yards at least 2 of the following strokes (back, butterfly, breast)
  • Able to swim in a lane with other swimmers in a safe and organized manner
  • Coach evaluation
  • Register with USA Swimming

Training Focus:

  • Continuing to build on Bronze focus
  • Technique focus more >50% of workout
  • Increased conditioning/endurance in sets
  • Introduction to the pace clock
  • Participate in an off-island ABC swim meet

Yardage:

  • 1000-2000 yards per workout

Practice Schedule

  • Monday-Friday 4:00-5:00pm

Attendance:

  • Encouraged to attend  at least 4 practices per week
  • Saturday stroke clinics encouraged
  • No minimum attendance requirement
  • 4 meets per year

​

 

Blue

Entrance Requirements:

  • Legal in all 4 srokes (Fly,Back,Breast,Free) and turns
  • At least one invitational qualifying time
  • Willingness to swim longer sets in practice and develop endurance
  • Know how to use the pace clock
  • Register with USA Swimming

Training Focus:

  • Refinement of all four swim strokes,starts,and turns
  • Additional yardage and endurance
  • Develop race strategy

Yardage:

  • 1500-3000 yards per workout

Practice Schedule

  • Monday - Wednesday-Friday 4:00-5:30pm
  • Tuesday - Thursday 4:00-5:00pm
  • Saturday - 8:00-10:00am

Attendance:

  • 4 practices per week required
  • 4 meets per year

​

 

 

Gold

Entrance Requirements:

  • Legal in all 4 strokes,turns,and starts
  • State Time in at least one event and MUST attend states
  • Willingness to swim longer sets in practice and develop endurance
  • Register with USA Swimming

Training Focus:

  • Refinement of all 4 swim strokes, starts, and turns
  • Additional yardage and endurance
  • Continue to develop race strategy

Yardage:

  • 2000-3500 yards per workout

Practice Schedule

  • Mon-Fri 4:00-5:30pm
  • Sat 8:00-10:00am

Attendance:

  • 5 practices per week required
  • Coach approval needed for athletes regularly attending less than 5 practices per week (signed contract)
  • 5 meets per year

 

 

Senior

Entrance Requirements:

  • AAA Times in multiple events and MUST attend States & Speedo Sectionals
  • Participation in multiple off-island meets
  • Willingness to work at a higher level than Gold Group
  • 10 x 100 Free at 1:20 intervals
  • Register with USA Swimming

Training Focus:

  • Refinement of all 4 swim strokes, starts, and turns
  • Increased yardage and intensity (interval challenges)
  • Refinement of race strategy and multi-day meet maintenance

Yardage:

  • 4500-8000 yards per workout

Practice Schedule

  • Mon-Fri 4:00-6:00pm
  • Morning practice required Head coache approval
  • Sat 8:00-10:00am

Attendance:

  • 6 practices per week required
  • Coach approval needed for athletes regularly attending less than 6 practices per week (signed contract)
  • 6 meets per Year