Practice Groups
Developmental (ages 5-8)
Description: This is the introductory group in our swim program. It is designed for new or younger swimmers entering the swim team arena. To be considered for this group, swimmers must be legal in all four competitive strokes. Racing starts and turns are developed in this group. Basic cardiovascular sets are introduced. Swimmers learn teamwork, basic training etiquette, and appropriate behavior during practice.
Recommended Practices Per Week: one 45-minute mechanics practice; one to two 1-hour training practices; number of training practices is determined by age by coaching staff
Recommended Meet Attendance: 50% in-season meets required plus championship meet required (March). Swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend all WAC meets (~1 per month).
Cost: Monthly installments of $180
Age Group (ages 9-13)
Description: The focus in this group is on technique and basic interval training. Race strategies are also introduced. The continuing improvement on stroke technique, starts, and turns are highlighted in practice. More intense aerobic and anaerobic sets are introduced, as well as the use of more specific training equipment. Group goals include consistent practice and meet attendance. Swimmers in this group strive to achieve USA Swimming’s “A” times.
Recommended Practices Per Week: one 45-minute mechanics practice; two to three 1.5 hour training practices; number of training practices is determined by age by coaching staff
Recommended Meet Attendance: 50% in-season meets required plus championship meet required (March). Swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend all WAC meets (~1 per month).
Cost: Monthly installments of $205
Junior Elite* (ages 9-13)
Description: Swimmers in this group have demonstrated to the coaching staff their commitment to year-round swimming. More detailed stroke mechanics and drills are implemented and reinforced in training. Test and anaerobic sets, dryland, and training-specific aids are incorporated. Basic goal setting and individual parent/swimmer meetings are introduced. Goals for this group included qualifying for higher-level meets.
Expected Practices Per Week: One 1.5-hour (45 minutes mechanics / 45 minutes dryland practice); two to four 1.5 to 2-hour training practices; number of training practices per week is determined by age by the coaching staff.
Recommended Meet Attendance: 80% in-season meets required plus championship meet required (March). Swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend all WAC meets (~1 per month).
Cost: Monthly installments of $250
High School Prep (ages 13-18)
Description: This group is designed to be a strong supplement for those who want to maximize and add to their high school training regime. These swimmers will learn to make the most of their training opportunities, improve their stroke mechanics, and learn the appropriate race strategies for the high school events. The big advantage to this group is that it is offered for the whole year, so that high school swimmers can get extra work during their season and get reinforcement of the concepts covered in the fall as well as starting work on improving for the next season in the spring.
Recommended Practices Per Week: Three 1.5 hour practices implementing mechanics instruction, conditioning, and race strategy.
Cost: Monthly installments of $205; September/October/March/April/May (swimmers interested in continuing during high school swimming season should speak to Chris Belair directly).
Senior (ages 13-18)
Description: This group offers middle and high school swimmers the opportunity to learn and focus on advanced techniques and train at a higher level while allowing for participation in other extra curricular activities. It is designed for optimal performance at the swimmer's highest championship level. It is also designed to complement the high school swimming season. It works the entire year on improving both technique and in-water conditioning on a daily basis. Goal setting, training concepts and methods, and race strategy are all introduced and implemented.
Recommended Practices Per Week: Four 1.5-hour practices and one 2-hour practice per week offered. Coaches recommend attending a minimum of 4 practices per week.
Recommended Meet Attendance: 80% in-season meets required plus championship meet required (March). Swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend all WAC meets (~1 per month).
Cost: Monthly installments of $250
Elite* (ages 13-18)
Description: This group is designed for our most dedicated swimmers. Swimmers should demonstrate a strong commitment to the sport of swimming with an excellent work ethic, a positive attitude, and effective communication with the WAC coaching staff. Swimmers should be able to complete 2-3 hour practices without accommodations. Members of the WAC Elite group are expected to be role models for the rest of the WAC groups and give back to the program. Swimmers should display sportsmanship and respect towards fellow coaches, officials, volunteers, and competitors. All swimmers invited to participate in the Elite group should have at least three “AA” USA Swimming National Age Group Motivational Times for their respective age group, along with coaching approval. Coaches will have goal meetings at the beginning of the season, and as needed, to maintain a working coach-athlete-parent relationship and show a commitment to the professional knowledge of the coaching staff.
Expected Practice Attendance: six to eight practices (dependent upon swimmer's age by coaching staff) per week; one 2-hour mechanics/dryland practice is incorporated into practice on Wednesday. Practice attendance of at least 80% of the swimmer’s designated practices (including team dryland) are required to stay in the group.
Expected Meet Attendance: Attendance is required at all meets designated by the coaching staff during the short course and long course seasons.
Cost: Monthly installments of $290
(*) requires coaching staff approval
*** MONTHLY INSTALLMENT PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE ANNUAL FEES OR MEET ENTRY FEES ***
