13 & Older Competitive Groups

For competitive swimmers aged 13 and over, our training programs are tailored to accommodate the physiological and psychological changes during puberty and growth spurts. 

 

During this critical phase, swimmers undergo significant physical changes that can impact performance. Coaches, when needed, will modify training loads to prevent injury and ensure proper technique development. At this stage swimmers will be introduced to a Strength and Conditioning Program to support the increased demands on performance. The competition will serve as training motivation and provide goals and benchmarks for swimmers to strive for and measure their progress against. Regular competition helps to refine race strategies and mental toughness. Goal setting provides direction and focus, visualization techniques improve technique and race strategy, stress management helps handle the pressures of competition, and coping mechanisms help deal with emotions and failures. 12 year old swimmers may be considered to join this group on a case-by-case.

 

Swimmers participating in our Senior-level groups are guided to cultivate a set of advanced characteristics that extend beyond competitive success. These traits are carefully designed to equip our athletes with the skills necessary for assuming leadership positions within the team, fostering a culture of mutual support and growth. Our program emphasizes the importance of continuous personal development, instilling a dedication to excellence that our swimmers carry with them both in and out of the pool.

 
Click HERE for our current practice schedule.
 
Any swimmer interested in joining one of TYDE's Competitive groups must start with a TYDE Placement Evaluation.  You can learn more about our upcoming placements HERE.

 
Senior Competitive 1
 
Senior Competitive 1 aims to introduce and improve swimming skills, focusing on correct stroke techniques. It motivates 13 & Older swimmers to enjoy swimming while developing their competitive skills. For beginners, the program establishes a foundation, nurturing a love for swimming and preparing them for more advanced training. While meet participation isn't mandatory, it's highly recommended. Attending at least three of the four weekly practices is advised for full benefit.
 
The minimum requirement to join this group:
Practice (meet all the points):
  • Knowing how to swim 50 of each stroke and 200 free without stopping.
  • Knowing how to work with the pace clock.
  • 8 X 50s free @ 1:20 [Stroke count <20] with correct stroke mechanics, including breathing timing
  • Able to kick 4 x 75 @1:30
  • 4 x 50 IM order @1:30 

 

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Senior Competitive 2
 
Senior Competitive 2 is designed for 13 & Older swimmers who are on the cusp of committing to the sport of swimming. These young athletes have shown promise and a strong interest in competitive swimming. They are in the process of refining their techniques and building the endurance necessary to elevate their competition levels. The focus in this group is on mastering the fundamentals of training, setting initial performance goals, and fostering a love for the sport that will fuel their progression to the more advanced practice group. Members are encouraged to take the first steps in personal goal-setting and to begin understanding the discipline required for success in swimming.
 
Group Criteria (The minimum requirement  for consideration to join this group):
Practice :
  • Must be able to swim a set like 10 X 100 free 1:40 SCY  with a stroke count between 15-17 per 25 yards
  • Able to swim 12 X 50s IM order by 4 x 50 (no free) @1:00 (BR 1:10)  Maintaining a correct stroke technique and proper underwater length (pass the flags)
  • Make the interval for Kick set 4x100 @2:20 +6 x 50 @ 1:00 
  • 6 x 100 IM @2:00 proper technique, including turn and underwater, throughout the set is required.
Competition: 
  • Have successfully competed 100 Yards in each of the 4 strokes; 200 IM; 200 Free
  • 3 “B” motivational times standard for their age*  
  • Have competed in at least 3 Y meets in the past 12 months
  • May obtain an invitation from the Director of Competitive after the Site coach’s recommendation.
*Time can be obtained during the high school season. All times achieved during the high school season must be signed off by the HS head coach as proof of time achieved.

Swimmers in the Senior Competitive 2 group are expected to meet the following standards set by their coaches: 
Practice and Competition Development: 
  • Attend 3 out of the 6 weekly practices.
  • Attend a championship meet (TYDE Winter Invite, GYSSA, or USRY)
  • Attend 3 YMCA Meets during the current season
 
 
Senior Competitive 3
 
Senior Competitive 3 is dedicated to swimmers who are determined to succeed in the sport of swimming. The members of this group are experienced athletes who strive to enhance their skills and prepare for the demands of the top tier. Within this group, individuals take ownership of their personal development, are driven by their goals, and are motivated to succeed. 
 
Group Criteria (The minimum requirement  for consideration to join this group):
Practice:
  • Must be able to swim a set like 16 X 100 free 1:30 SCY holding (best 100+ 14-16” with an STRK count less than 15 per 25 
  • Able to swim 2 rounds of 8 X 50s stroke choice (fly/back/breast)@1:10 holding a steady equal or faster than  (100 BT/2)+5-6 seconds
  • Kick set 8 x 100 @1:50 and 50s @:55
  • 4 x 200 IM @3:10 Proper technique, including turn and underwater, throughout the set is required
Competition:
  • 4 USRY qualification time standard for their Age group
  • achieved  5 “BB” times or 1 “A” time in their Age Group (Touchpad High School meets will be considered)
  • Have competed in 100 Yards in each of the 4 strokes; 200 IM; 200 and 500 Free
  • May obtain an invitation from the Director of Competitive after the Site coach’s recommendation.
Swimmers in the Senior Competitive 3 group are expected to meet the following standards set by their coaches: 
Practice and Competition Development: 
  • Attend 4 out of the 6 weekly practices.
  • Attend one championship meet per season (Capital Classic, TYDE Winter Invite, USRY (SCY and LCM)
  • Attend 5 Meets (3 must be YMCA) during the current season

 

 
Senior Performance (Group not offered during 2024-2025 Season)
 
Senior Performance is a pathway for dedicated practice athletes to reach the pinnacle of top-tier competition. Members of this group are required to attend 6 swim practices and two to three dryland sessions weekly, ensuring a harmonious balance between rigorous training and adequate recovery. Swimmers who have a strong foundation in competitive swimming and have achieved a qualification time of Capital Classic and Y National are welcome to join. This group is designed to help swimmers elevate their performance, with a focus on refining techniques, building endurance, and developing the mental toughness required for competitive success. Our goal is to create a culture of ambition and resilience, inspiring our members to aim for national recognition and beyond.
 
Group Criteria (The minimum requirement to join this group):
Practice:
  • Must be able to swim a set like 16 X 100 free 1:30 SCY, holding a pace equal to (best 100 + 14-16") with a stroke count of less than 15 per 25. 
  • Able to swim 2 rounds of 8 X 50s stroke choice (fly/back/breast)@1:10 (holding 100 BT/2+5-6 seconds) 
  • Kick set 8 x 100 @1:50 and 50s @55
  • 4 x 200 IM @3:10 Proper technique, including turn and underwater, throughout the set is required.
Competition : 
  • Have competed in 200 Yards in each of the 4 strokes, including 200/400 IM and 500 Free.
  • Have achieved 4 “A” times in their Age Group (Touchpad High School meets count)
  • Have achieved 4 Capital Classic cuts + 1 YMCA National qualifying time
  • May obtain an invitation from the Director of Competitive after the Site coach’s recommendation.
 
 
Senior Elite (Group not offered during the 2024-2025 Season)
 
Senior Elite athletes push boundaries and are committed to excellence. Members are required to attend eight swim practices and three to four dryland sessions per week.
Swimmers must be at least 15 years old, free from injury, and meet the following requirements to be considered for joining this group:
 
Practice:
Must be able to swim (SCY):
  • 100(s) Free set intervals @1:15 and or 100(s) Backstroke set interval @1:20 and or 100(s) Breaststroke or Fly set minimum interval @1:40
  • Kick set 100(s)@1:40 and 50(s) @45
Competition:
  • Have 4 AA time standards for the 15-year-old category
  • IMX scores a minimum of 3000 points
  • Achieved 1 Future Championship Cut
  • “Athletes of Interest” can be invited to participate in practice with the group.
To join this group, the athlete must meet all the requirements and have the Head Coach’s approval. Attendance is mandatory; if attendance is not met, the swimmers will be relocated to the Senior performance group. Exceptions will be evaluated case by case.