TRAINING GROUP STRUCTURE
Challenge 3
Grades: 3-4 and/or coaching staff’s discretion
Attendance Expectations: There will be a minimum expectation of 60% practice attendance on a weekly basis.
Competition Expectations: Challenge 3 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted 12 & under meets, as well as CSC hosted invitationals. Some athletes may attend local invitationals with their coach’s approval. In addition, any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM.
Technical Requirements:
- Must be capable of completing a 200 IM legally.
- Must be technically proficient in all 4 strokes.
- Must be technically proficient in long & short axis turns and be able to perform breaststroke pull-outs.
- Must meet the USA Swimming certifications standards for racing starts.
- A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.
Performance Requirements:
- Must have competed in all four (4) strokes in a meet.
- Must have competed in a 100 or 200 IM in a meet.
- Must be able to swim 10x50 free @1:00, 3x100 IM @2:15, and 8x50 Kick @1:15
- 3rd Graders must have achieved 4+ USA Swimming B Times
- 4th Graders must have achieved a USA Swimming BB Time Standard
Group Emphasis: Swimmers will continue the development of proper stroke mechanics for all strokes, as well as starts and turns. There will be an introduction to higher levels of competition. There will be the addition of dedicated dryland training sessions in addition to their daily on deck warm-up. There will continue to be a large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. Swimmers will begin to incorporate the underwater dolphin kick. Swimmers will learn to train.
Challenge 2
Grades: 5-6 and/or coaching staff’s discretion
Attendance Expectations: There will be a minimum expectation of 80% practice attendance on a weekly basis.
Competition Expectations: Challenge 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM. In addition, swimmers will be encouraged to qualify and compete in the Central Zone Championships.
Technical Requirements:
- All technical requirements will be at the coaching staff’s discretion.
Performance Requirements:
- Must be able to swim 10 x 100 freestyle @ 1:40, swim 6 x 100 IM @ 1:50, and kick 10 x 50 @ 1:00
- 5th Graders must have 4+ USA Swimming 10 and under A times
- 6th Graders must have an IN Swimming 11-12 Age Group State Qualifying time or 6+ 11-12 BB times
Group Emphasis: This group will emphasize more advanced stroke technique for all strokes, including refined starts and turns. The underwater dolphin kick will begin to be mastered. Goal setting and mental training will also be introduced. All previous instruction will be continued and advanced. Dryland will become a more integral part of training with three dedicated sessions per week. Swimmers will TRAIN TO TRAIN.
Challenge 1
Grades: 7-8 and/or coaching staff’s discretion
Attendance Expectations: There will be a minimum expectation of 90-100% practice attendance on a weekly basis.
Competition Expectations: Challenge 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM. In addition, swimmers will be encouraged to qualify and compete in the Central Zone Championships, the Speedo Champions Series, and the USA Swimming Junior Nationals.
Technical Requirements:
- All technical requirements will be at the coaching staff’s discretion.
Performance Requirements:
- Must be able to swim 15 x 100 yard freestyle @ 1:20, swim 5 x 200 yard IM @ 3:10, and kick 10 x 100 yard @ 1:50 in more than one stroke
- 7th Graders must have achieved 5+ USA Swimming AA time standards
- 8th Graders must have achieved 6+ 13-14 A times or 3+ 13-14 AA time standards
Group Emphasis: This group will begin to master technique in all four strokes. They will also begin to master the underwater dolphin kick. Swimmers will TRAIN TO TRAIN. Training methodology and heart rate work will be learned in this group. Swimmers will begin to work more with race strategy. Dryland takes on a greater importance to the athlete and will be emphasized with three dedicated sessions per week. Swimmers will be prepared for a successful transition into elite level senior swimming.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- These are guidelines that we use in structuring the Age Group and Senior swimming programs. ALL group placements are done at the coaching staff’s discretion.
- The Carmel Swim Club training group structure is designed for every athlete’s LONG TERM development.
- As a general rule of thumb, the more you attend practice, the more benefit and enjoyment the athlete will receive.
- When looking to move up, each athlete should look at being placed in the middle of the next group rather than the achieving the minimum standards. We want athletes to thrive in their new group, not just survive.
