Age Group 3
Practice objectives: The second phase of the Age Group progression builds on the first phase. Age Group 3 swimmers may already have competitive swimming experience. The emphasis for the group is stroke development and refining of skills in a positive and fun environment. Training principles are introduced and regular participation in USA Swimming meets is required.
- Eligibility requirements:
- Ability to swim all four competitive strokes.
- Swimmers age 10 and under (age 11 to 12 if new to the sport).
- About the group:
- Kicking sets (including dolphin kicking) will receive greater emphasis.
- Breathing skills and technique in all strokes are stressed (bilateral breathing, etc.).
- Starts and turns will be part of the weekly plan.
- Five 1.5-hour workouts per week (may include dryland training).
- Swimmers must adhere to the designated meets prescribed by the coaching staff and follow the plan targeting success for the swimmer and the team.
- Attend most USA meets.
- Major goals:
- Basic use of the pace clock, leaving at intervals, when to start your next swim, etc.
- Improving turns will be stressed: use of the dolphin kick, underwater pull in breaststroke, backstroke dolphin, etc.
- Develop good IM swimming. Swimmers will be taught their best times and to swim for personal improvement (PR).
- Advancement:
- In addition to the coach's discretion, swimmers may advance based upon the completion of the CIA Introduction Set, as well as participate in at least one sanctioned swim meet.
- CIA team cap at practices and meets.
- Well-fitting suit (such as jammers for boys and one-pieces for girls).
- Team logo suit for meets.
- Goggles.
- One white and one blue CIA logo shirt (worn at meets).
- Snorkels.
- Fins.
- Buoy.
- Equipment bag.
- Swim bag.
All equipment and suits can be purchased from Elsmore Swim Shop.
CIA into dues: $190/month
USA Swimming membership: $78/year
CIA registration fee: $100 season
Volunteer hours required: 12 hours per family, eight hours if the family only has a high school swimmer per season.
Family discount: Families with three or more swimmers receive a discount on their swimmer dues. The registration fee for the third swimmer and additional swimmers beyond three is reduced by 50%. This reduction applies to the swimmer(s) with the least expensive dues.