Group Placement

All group placements are done at the coach’s discretion.  The coaching staff is looking out for the best interest of each individual athlete.  We are not in a hurry to push athletes into a group when they are not ready and believe in their long term development. We want athletes to thrive in their new group, not just survive!

Developmental Training Group Ages 5-9

This is a novice group with a major emphasis on basic stroke technique. To join this group, swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards of each of the 2 competitive strokes - freestyle with bilateral breathing and backstroke, along with having a working knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly (ie dolphin and breastroke kick).  Basic goals include an introduction to drills, learning correct body balance positions, correct breathing techniques, streamlining, proper shoulder/hip roll, kick development, flip turns, and workout habits. rect breathing techniques, streamlining, proper shoulder/hip roll, kick development, shallow diving, flip turns, and workout habits. Educational goals include the drill names, basic swim and safety rules, proper lane etiquette, ready position, meet procedures and warm-up, team rules regarding respect for others, equipment, and facilities, know the team name and colors, and the names of teammates and coaches. 

White Training Group Ages 8-14 

This is a novice group with a major emphasis on basic stroke technique. To join this group, swimmers must be able to swim 50 yards of each of the 4 competitive strokes (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly). White swimmers usually attend two to three practices per week. Basic goals include an introduction to drills, learning correct body balance positions, correct breathing techniques, streamlining, proper shoulder/hip roll, kick development, shallow diving, flip turns, and workout habits. Educational goals include the drill names, basic swim and safety rules, proper lane etiquette, ready position, meet procedures and warm-up, team rules regarding respect for others, equipment, and facilities, know the team name and colors, and the names of teammates and coaches. The Dryland program is limited to out of water stroke simulations, in and out of water games, and basic stretching. Sports Psychology elements are introduced relating to concentration, demonstrating between tense and relaxed muscles, listening ability, working in a group, sequential learning, confidence and respect of coach, positive attitude about meets and other “new” experiences.  

Blue Training Group Ages 9-13

After the swimmers have learned the basics of swimming competitively, it's time to continue polishing the technique. The majority of time is spent working on refining stroke mechanics. These swimmers have started to exhibit good swimming skills and will be introduced to some training skills and processes. To be a part of this group, swimmers must have attained multiple MN Silver time standards in the 12&U or 10&U age groups. Aside from the review of the skills learned in White, other important basic goals include beginning aerobic development, drill progressions, continued communication with the coach, basic race plan, and a positive attitude about “distance training”. Educational goals include stretching, team rules, basic nutrition, meet preparation, reading the clock and an introduction to time standards. Dryland includes stretching, out of water swim stroke simulation, running games, and other large motor muscle activities. Sports Psychology elements include give your best (effort over outcome), mind/body connection (introduction to mental rehearsal), pre-race routines, the concept of positive attitude, team pride, and sportsmanship.

Black  Training Group Ages 9-12

Black Age Group swimmers are state level swimmers who have mastered the basic components of age group development. To be a part of this group, swimmers must have attained MN State Championship standards in the 12&U or 10&U age groups. Black Age Group swimmers spend the majority of their time expanding on energy system training while maintaining their skill base through drill progression reinforcement. Basic goals include aerobic base expansion and an emphasis on developing a platform of training ethic which will carry them into the senior program of the club. Dryland skills include stretching, expanded dryland circuit training, running, exercise balls and cords. Sports Psychology elements include respect for staff, teammates and officials, long range and short range goals, dealing with setbacks, training ethic and attitude, introduction to visualization/mental imagery, and use of positive self talk. 

Junior Training Group Ages 13-14

Junior is Minnetonka Swim Club’s transitional level from Age Group to Senior swimming. This level is designed for athletes to develop high level swimming skills and prepare for advanced competitive training. Swimmers will also gain the knowledge of goal setting and ownership of their swimming career. There is an expectation that swimmers follow the lead coach’s swim meet plan and dryland plan for each season and represent Minnetonka Swim Club at all Championship Meets for which they qualify. Junior swimmers are ages 13 and 14. Attendance at the majority of practices is strongly encouraged. 

Senior Training Group Ages 14+

This training group is designed for high school swimmers who are experienced and proficient, qualify for the Minnesota LSC Championships, and are working towards ISCA & USA Swimming Sectional cuts. Coaching equally emphasizes conditioning and fundamentals offering the determined swimmer an excellent opportunity to improve rapidly. Six practices with dryland are offered weekly.  Athletes will compete in local Minnesota Swimming events, Minnetonka Swim Club hosted events, and a limited number of travel meets.

Senior Plus Training Group Ages 14+

This training group is designed for high school swimmers who are experienced and proficient, qualify for the Minnesota LSC Championships, USA Swimming Sectionals, and are working towards the Futures Championship level and beyond. Coaching emphasizes increased conditioning and fundamentals by offering dryland and six afternoon workouts.  Athletes will compete in local Minnesota Swimming events, Minnetonka Swim Club hosted events, and an increased number of travel meets.

Senior Elite Training Group Ages 14+ 

Senior Elite is designed for high school swimmers who have achieved at least one Speedo Sectional qualifying time. This group is for the most dedicated swimmers who are committed to swimming year-round. Senior Elite swimmers represent Minnetonka Swim Club at our travel competitions as well as model what it means to be an outstanding role model to their younger teammates. Members in this group apply the most technical training, focusing on improving their speed and strength through in-water and dryland workouts. 

Two morning practices, six afternoon swims, and dryland three times a week are offered weekly for Senior Elite athletes.

Masters