STORM Group Descriptions

These descriptions state the general outline followed by the STORM coaching staff. They offer families and athletes a basic understanding of the club’s structure and provide swimmers with goals to achieve. To enter the South Metro Storm Swim Club, a swimmer must be able to swim one length of the pool nonstop (freestyle with rhythmic breathing and backstroke), or have been passed up from our StormChasers Learn to Swim Program. The coaching staff determines a swimmer's initial placement and when a swimmer shall advance to the next level.

 

Tryouts/Stroke Evaluations (or individuals interested in joining the club)

  • Splash Night held in August and March, and upon request.
  • Coaches assess the swimmers and determine readiness to join the South Metro Storm Swim Club.
  • With coach’s approval, group placement is decided.

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Advancing to the Next Level

Group Advancement Workout Criteria outlines the level of training that each swimmer is expected to demonstrate on a daily basis before they move to the next level.

 

Age Group 1 (AG1)

This is the beginning level for the Storm Swim Club. It is designed to introduce young swimmers to the sport of swimming while allowing maximum opportunity to participate in other activities. Emphasis is placed on teaching the fundamentals of the four competitive strokes in a manner that makes swimming fun. Participation in inhouse (SMIHL) meets is highly encouraged. Participation in Novice meets is appropriate, but not required. One-hour practices are offered four to five days per week; and swimmers are encouraged to attend three. You may pick the nights and locations that suit you best.

  • 3 practices per week
  • 60 minute practices 

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Age Group 2 (AG2)

This level is aimed at swimmers who are able to perform the four strokes legally and who need additional practice time to increase their endurance. An increased emphasis on turns and starts is implemented to prepare them for the competitive aspects of the sport. Participation in inhouse (SMIHL) meets is highly encouraged. Participation in other activities is encouraged as well. Practices are offered four to five days per week; and swimmers are expected to swim three. Swimmers are encouraged to attend meets.

  • 3 practices per week
  • 90 minute practices
  • meet participation encouraged

 

Age Group 3 (AG3)

This is the highest level of our Age Group offerings. This group offers more advanced, young swimmers an opportunity to improve stroke and turn techniques while continuing to learn new aspects of competitive training. Some new aspects include set training and pacing. Practices are offered five to six days per week; and swimmers are expected to swim four. Participation in inhouse (SMIHL) meets is encouraged and attending USA Swimming meets is highly encouraged.

  • 4 practices per week
  • 90 minute practices
  • meet participation encouraged

 

Junior 1 (JR1)

JR1 is the first level of our Junior Group and transitions swimmers from stroke development to a more rigorous training environment. Stroke drills and fundamentals are still a focus, but the swimmers are expected to utilize a clock, know the drills that our team utilizes, and be ready for more of a challenge during workouts. Practices are offered six times a week; and swimmers are expected to swim four. Swimmers are expected to contribute to the STORM by participating in end of year meets.

  • 5 practices per week
  • 90-120 minute practices
  • meet participation expected

 

Junior 2 (JR2)

This group is aimed at swimmers who have shown desire and commitment to the competitive aspect of swimming. The primary focus of this group is to begin implementing training elements that will follow them to the Senior level. Continued stroke reinforcement accompanies these higher intensity workouts. Practices are offered six times per week and swimmers are expected to swim five per week. Swimmers are expected to contribute to the Storm by participating in end of year meets.

  • 5 or more practices per week
  • 90-150 minute practices
  • meet participation expected

 

Senior (SR)

This group is the highest level of the Storm Swim Club. Practices are offered six days per week in the fall, winter, and spring sessions, and nine times per week in the summer session. During the summer session, we utilize long course training in the mornings and short course training in the afternoons. This level is aimed at the serious athlete who is looking to increase his or her ability to perform. Practices are offered six times per week and swimmers are expected to swim five or more of them. All athletes in this group are expected to contribute to STORM by participating in end of year meets. Seasonal training plans are incorporated for the fall, winter, and spring-summer training periods.

  • 5 or more practices per week
  • 120-150 minute practices
  • meet participation expected

 

High School Prep (HSP)

​​This group is for anyone in grade 6 or higher whose intent is to stay in shape for the high school school season. Their practice is less rigorous and focused on maintaining fitness level. This program is offered during the summer and practices in the morning Monday-Thursday.  

  • 4 practices per week
  • 120 minute practices
  • meet participation optional

Masters (MST)

This group is aimed at adults who desire structured workouts with other adults. The primary focus of this group is to provide challenging practices that enable participants to push themselves to the best of their abilities to achieve their goals. Ability levels range from beginning swimmers to accomplished athletes (swimmers, runners, triathletes, etc.). Practices include stroke drills to improve stroke technique, sprint, and endurance sets. One hour practices are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the school year at Kenwood Trail Junior High.

  • high school graduate or 19+
  • 3 practices per week
  • 1 hour practices
  • may participate in Masters meets