Practice Groups Decided by Swimmer’s Age
Terrier - The Terrier group is the entry group into the program. The swimmers in this age group will consist of first and second year swimmers (ages 5 - 8) who can only swim one length of the pool. The main emphasis of this group is to learn the four competitive strokes, while having fun. (Practices will be 100% instructional in a group setting.)
Required Equipment: Youth racing goggles, and a (2-strap)suit for practice that allows for minimal drag and full range of motion.
Golden Retriever - The Golden Retriever group is the second stage of our program. The swimmers in this group will consist of swimmers who can swim 100 yards of Freestyle and have a legal time in at least three of the four strokes: 25 Fly, 25 Back, 25 Breast, & 25 Free. Most of the swimmers in this group will have at least one season of competitive swimming experience (ages 6 - 8). Swimmers in this group will work at a faster pace than the swimmers in the terrier group. This group will continue to concentrate on mastering the four competitive strokes, but they will also be given their first real exposure to training in small doses throughout the swimming season.
(Practices will be 75% instructional and 25% workout.)
Required Equipment: Youth racing goggles, a snorkel, a black swimsuit for meets, and a suit for practice that allows for minimal drag and full range of motion.
Greyhound - The Greyhound group is the third stage of our program. The swimmers in this group will consist of first and second year swimmers who are still learning the four competitive strokes but can swim a 50 without stopping (ages 9 – 12). This group continues to work on the mastery of the four competitive strokes, the turns, the starts, and racing techniques.
(Practices will be 75% instructional and 25% workout.)
Required Equipment: Youth racing goggles, a snorkel, and a suit for practice that allows for minimal drag and full range of motion.
Great Dane – The Great Dane group consists of swimmers who are newer swimmers still working on the mastery of all four competitive strokes, but who can swim a 300 Freestyle without stopping (ages 13 and older). This group is also for swimmers who are not able to make Mastiff/ Bulldog times and/or who are not ready for the intensive training workload of the Mastiff/ Bulldog groups.
(Practices will be 50% instructional and 50% workout.)
Required Equipment: Racing goggles, a suit for practice, a black team suit for meets, pull buoy, snorkel, and long fins.
Practice Groups Decided by Swimming Qualifications
Husky - The Husky group is the fourth stage of our program. The swimmers in the Husky group will be composed of swimmers who can complete a 200 IM and 500 yard freestyle in a meet or practice without stopping and can meet the minimum time requirement of (50.00) or faster in the 50 yard freestyle (ages 9 - 12). In a fun atmosphere, this group builds on: sportsmanship, working alongside teammates to reach goals, the mastery of the four competitive strokes, turns, starts, and racing techniques. Swimmers will do a quick 5-minute dryland out of water prior to practice start times.
(Practices will be 60% instructional and 40% workout.)
Required Equipment: Racing goggles, a suit for practice, a black team suit for meets, pull buoy, snorkel, and long fins.
St. Bernard – The St. Bernard group is the fifth stage of our program. The swimmers in this group will consist of swimmers who can swim a legal 100 IM under 2:00, complete a 200 IM in competition, 500 yards of freestyle non-stop at practice or a meet and have a minimum time requirement of (44.00) or faster in the 50-yard freestyle (ages 9-12). This group continues to work on the mastery of the four competitive strokes, the turns, the starts, and racing techniques. We introduce dryland training in St. Bernards, as it is a vital part of developing athleticism while reducing the chance of overuse injury.
(Practices will be 50% instructional and 50% workout.)
Required Equipment: Racing goggles, a suit for practice, a black team suit for meets, pull buoy, snorkel, and fins.
Labrador – Entry into this group requires meeting several time standards, however, swimmers are learning to create and reach goals, while helping their teammates in an atmosphere of camaraderie. Swimmers (ages 10-12) entering this group are ready for a bigger challenge. The following minimum time requirements are: 100-yard Freestyle (1:20), 100 yard IM (1:32) or 200 yard IM (3:20), and have completed a 400 IM or 500 freestyle in competition. This group will continue to work on the mastery of the four competitive strokes, turns, starts, and racing techniques.
(Practices will be 40% instructional and 60% workout.)
Required Equipment: Racing goggles, a suit for practice, a black team suit for meets, pull buoy, snorkel, short fins, and hand paddles.
Newfoundland – Swimmers in this group are more mature and begin to learn how to lead and care for other team members participating in our Big Dog- Little Dog program. The Newfie Group is for swimmers (age 11-12, or 10 with the Senior Head Coach’s approval). The following minimum time requirements are as follows: 100-yard Freestyle (1:15), 100 yard IM (1:25.00) or 200 IM (3:00.00), and the 500 Free (7:00.00). This group will
continue to work on the mastery of the four competitive strokes, the turns, the starts, and racing techniques.
(Practices will be 40% instructional and 60% workout.)
Required Equipment: racing goggles, a suit for practice, a black team suit for meets, a pull buoy, snorkel, short fins, hand paddles, ankle band, and kickboard.
Mastiff – The Mastiff are swimmers ages 13& Older, (or 12&Up with the Senior Head Coach approval) with the following minimum time requirements (Boy/Girl) 100-yard Freestyle (1:06:00/1:08.00), 200 IM (2:40/2:45.00), and 500 Free (6:30.00) OR 400 IM (6:00.00). Swimmers in this group are looking to compete at a higher level in swimming and are responsible, respectful, and hard-working. Swimmers in the Mastiff group must make 3 practices a week, and attend all dryland practices each week. If the practice requirements are not met for two consecutive weeks, the swimmer may be moved to the Great Dane group until they make three practices and dryland for two consecutive weeks in the Great Dane group. Late practices are available to those in need of them during April/ May.
(Practices will be 10% instructional and 90% workout. Instruction will be provided on an individual basis.)
Required Equipment: Racing goggles, a suit for practice, a black team suit for meets, a pull buoy, short fins, hand paddles, kickboard, snorkel, and drag sox.
Bulldog – The Bulldogs are leaders of this team and will be held to higher standards. They are team role models who display Courage, Care, and Consistency; they will consist of swimmers ages 15 & older (along with swimmers 13&Ups with the Senior Head Coach’s approval), and the following minimum time requirements (Boy/Girl): 100-yard Freestyle (55.00/1:02.00), 200 IM (2:20.00/2:40.00), and 500 Free (5:40.00/6:10.00) OR 400 IM (5:25.00/5:40.00). Swimmers in this group wish to achieve their maximum swimming potential. Swimmers in the Bulldog group are required to come to 4 practices a week and need to participate in 1 dryland per week. If more than one practice is missed for two consecutive weeks, the swimmer will be moved to the Mastiff group until they make four practices a week, and 1 dryland, for two consecutive weeks in the Mastiff group. Late practices are available to those in need of them during April/ May.
(Practices will be 5% instructional and 95% workout. Instruction will be provided on an individual basis.)
Required Equipment: Racing goggles, a suit for practice, a black team suit for meets, a pull buoy, short fins, hand paddles, kickboard, snorkel, and drag sox.
National Team - The National Team members are held in high regard as they are the highest level on the team. This group will consist of swimmers with at least one YMCA National Qualifying Time for the upcoming season’s YMCA National Championship Meet. Swimmers in this group wish to achieve their maximum swimming potential. Swimmers on the National Team are expected to make every single practice offered- including 1 dryland practice a week. Swimmers who are going to miss a practice need to get permission from the Senior Head Coach prior to the missed practice. If a practice attendance problem arises, the swimmers may be moved to the Bulldog practice group until the Head Coach allows the swimmer to return to the National Team. Late practices are available to those in need of them during April/ May.
(Practices will be 100% workout. Instruction will be provided on an individual basis.)
Required Equipment: Racing goggles, a suit for practice, a black team suit for meets, a pull buoy, short fins, hand paddles, kickboard, snorkel, drag sox, and a personal stretch band for meet warmups.
