Practice Groups - Short and Long Course Seasons

.PRE-TEAM

Offered only during the Short Course season, the Pre-Team is for swimmers 5 to 10 years of age not yet ready to commit to full competition but who want to begin learning the competitive strokes and have a team-like experience.

Ages: 5 to 10 year olds

Ability Requirements: To join the Pre-Team, swimmers must at a minimum:
● Be comfortable in the water.
● Be able to float on their stomach with their face in the water.
● Be able to float on their back with their ears in the water.
● Swim unaided on their stomach or back for at least 12 ½ yards.

Practices: Practices are typically offered twice per week. For best results, we recommend that swimmers attend both weekly practice sessions.

Competitions (Meets): Pre-Team members can participate in a maximum of 2 meets during the Short Course season but are not required to participate.

There is no fundraising requirement for this group. 

COMPETITION GROUP/10 And Under

Our 10 & Under; is for swimmers 10 years of age and younger ready to commit to competition, whether novice or experienced.

Ages: 10 years old and younger

Ability Requirements: To join the 10 & U, swimmers must at a minimum:
● Be comfortable in the water.
● Be able to float on their stomach with their face in the water.
● Be able to float on their back with their ears in the water.
● Swim unaided on their stomach for at least 25 yards.
● Swim unaided on their back for at least 25 yards.

Practices: Practices are typically offered four to five times per week. For best results, we recommend that swimmers attend an average of at least three practice sessions per week.

Competitions (Meets): We strongly encourage our 10 & under swimmers to participate in meets, particularly meets we host and all championship meets for which they qualify. Performance at meets is one way in which we measure our swimmers’ individual progress as well as our team’s progress.

COMPETITION GROUP/11-12 Year

Our 11- Olds12 group is for swimmers 11-12 years of age ready to commit to competition, whether novice or experienced.

Ages: 11-12 years old

Ability Requirements: To join the 11-12 group, swimmers must at a minimum:
● Be comfortable in the water.
● Be able to float on their stomach with their face in the water.
● Be able to float on their back with their ears in the water.
● Swim unaided on their stomach for at least 25 yards.
● Swim unaided on their back for at least 25 yards.

Practices: Practices are typically offered four to six times per week. For best results, we recommend that swimmers in this group attend all four weekly practice sessions.

Competitions (Meets): We strongly encourage our 11 & under swimmers to participate in meets, particularly meets we host along with all championship meets for which they qualify. Performance at meets is one way in which we measure our swimmers’ individual progress as well as our team’s progress.

COMPETITION GROUP/13-14 

Our 13-14 group is for swimmers 13-14 years of age not in high school who are ready to commit to competition, whether novice or experienced.

Ages: 13-14 years old (not in high school)

Ability Requirements: To join the 13-14 group, swimmers must at a minimum:
● Be comfortable in the water.
● Be able to float on their stomach with their face in the water.
● Be able to float on their back with their ears in the water.
● Swim unaided on their stomach for at least 25 yards.
● Swim unaided on their back for at least 25 yards.

Practices: During the Short Course season, practices are typically offered six times per week. For best results, we recommend that swimmers in this group attend an average of at least five practice sessions per week. During the Long Course season, practices are typically offered five times per week. For best results, we recommend swimmers attend all five weekly practice sessions.

Competitions (Meets): We strongly encourage our 13-14 swimmers to participate in meets, particularly meets we host along with all championship meets for which they qualify. Performance at meets is one way in which we measure our swimmers’ individual progress as well as our team’s progress.

COMP GROUP/15 and Over 

Our 15 & over group is for swimmers 15 years of age and older (including swimmers age 14 currently in high school) who are ready to commit to competition, whether novice or experienced.

Ages: 15 years old and older (includes 14 year olds currently in high school)

Ability Requirements: To join the 15 and Over group, swimmers must at a minimum:
● Be comfortable in the water.
● Be able to float on their stomach with their face in the water.
● Be able to float on their back with their ears in the water.
● Swim unaided on their stomach for at least 25 yards.
● Swim unaided on their back for at least 25 yards.

Practices: During the Short Course season, practices are typically offered six times per week. For best results, we recommend that swimmers in this group attend an average of at least five practice sessions per week. During the Long Course season, practices are typically offered five to seven times per week. For best results, we recommend swimmers in this group attend all practice sessions offered.

Competitions (Meets): We strongly encourage our 15 & over swimmers to participate in meets, particularly meets we host along with all championship meets for which they qualify. Performance at meets is one way in which we measure our swimmers’ individual progress as well as our team’s progress.

VELOCITY DEVELOPMENTAL SWIM PROGRAM (VDSP)

Velocity new developmental swim program will focus on building and nurturing fundamental skills, techniques, and fitness necessary for swimming as well as confidence, and passion for the sport.
 

Who can Participate in VDSP?
Our developmental swim program is designed for swimmers aged 6 to 18:

• Children 6+: who are interested in developing their swimming abilities in a structured and supportive environment.
• Teens or high school swimmers who may have some swimming experience but want to improve their skills and fitness levels.
• Recreational Swimmers who enjoy swimming as a leisure activity and want to enhance their technique, fitness and confidence in the  water.
• Future Competitive Swimmers, who may eventually transition into competitive swimming and are looking to build a strong foundation of skills and fitness before joining a competitive team.

What to Expect from Velocity Developmental Swim Program(VDSP):
1. Basic Swimming Skills and Stroke Development: all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly).
2. Endurance Training: Gradually increasing the duration and intensity of swimming workouts to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
3. Introduction to Racing Skills: Teaching swimmers basic racing skills such as starts, turns, and finishes, which are essential for competitive swimming.
4. Goal Setting: Encouraging swimmers to set and work towards individual goals, whether they are related to improving technique, achieving personal best times, or advancing to higher levels of competition.
5. Feedback and Correction: Providing swimmers with feedback on their technique and performance and guiding them in making corrections and improvements.
6. Fun and Enjoyment: Ensuring that swimmers have a positive and enjoyable experience in the program, fostering a love for the sport of swimming that can inspire long-term participation and commitment.

Overall, VDSP aims to provide swimmers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to enjoy swimming as a lifelong activity and potentially transition into competitive swimming if  they desire.

Practice: Practices will be held 3 times per week.

Meets: Participation in Velocity home or travel meets is optional.
 

Practice and Meet Expectations