Training Philosophy & Placement
Guided by USA Swimming's American Developmental Model, our training groups develop and train the swimmer focusing on four critical athlete-centered outcome: Competence, Character, Confidence and Connection.
ACE progressively trains our swimmers to be prepared for racing ALL strokes and ALL events through developmentally appropriate skills to promote great technique and prevent injuries. Training groups are based upon development level rather than specific age level.
Each swimmer’s journey is fluid and proceeds at an individual pace, with many different levels of success. Swimmers will transition through groups as deemed by the coaches when they are ready, prepared and have the necessary skill levels mastered for success in the next group.
Key factors driving group placement decisions are:
- Development & progression of stroke techniques and training benchmarks for the respective training groups.
- Coachability (swimmer follow instructions, make corrections to swim(s) upon coach direction, listen respectfully, etc.)
- Engagement / Shows consistent effort and hard work to improve when at practices and at meets.
- Arrives prepared for practices (has all the necessary training equipment with them at practice)
- Ready to enter the water on time (has cap and goggles, not engaging in procrastination tactics)
- Behavior when at practices & meets (Being respectful to the swimmers in their lane/ group; and to the facilities)
- Meets the practice group attendance recommendations
- Competes in swim meets as required by the respective training group.
- Respects fellow ACE teammates, coaches and USA Swimming officials/ volunteers.
- Team Player (Takes pride in being a member of the team, cheers on/ encourages teammates during practice & meets, wearing team uniform/outfitting, speaks positively about teammates and team as a whole)
It is the goal of the ACE coaching staff to find the most appropriate training group for each swimmer so they can best develop within the ACE program. Every athlete progresses at different paces as progression is fluid process. Physical, mental, and emotional development occurs in spurts. Excellence take time and patience.
When evaluating swimmers for consideration to move groups, each athlete should look at being placed in the middle of the next group rather than just achieving the minimum standards. The goal is to have swimmers thrive in their new group, not just survive.
