Competitive Groups 12 & Under
This group training program aims to introduce and enhance year-round swimming skills. Emphasis is always given to correct stroke mechanics and as swimmers' stroke abilities progress, they are presented with more challenging training sets. Swimmers are motivated to take pleasure in their swimming and to gradually shift their focus towards the competitive aspect of the sport.
Note: Please be aware that at this stage skill development during practice sessions is prioritized over competitive performance. Practice is the foundation where we develop skills and shape the athlete’s formation. Consequently, even if swimmers fulfill all the requirements for competition but fail to meet the practice requirements, they will not be advanced to the next level.
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.
Junior Competitive 1 (age reference: 8-10 years old. Age may vary based on each swimmer's development)
Junior Competitive 1 swimmers will refine their stroke mechanics and begin to understand the basic principles of training. This involves swimming smaller sets with all four strokes while learning to use a pace clock for interval training. The program will culminate with the correct execution of the Individual Medley (IM).
With consistent attendance of 80% or more, most participants can expect to advance to the next practice group, known as Junior Competitive 2, within 6-12 months. However, it's important to note that some athletes may require additional time to master the skills.
Group Criteria (Minimum requirement to join this group) :
Stroke requirement:
Backstroke: Swim 50 yards continuously with a flip turn. Start each wall with 1-3 fly kicks underwater.
Freestyle: Swim 50 yards continuously with a flip turn. Start each wall with 1-3 fly kicks underwater.
Breaststroke: Swim 50 yards with proper timing for breathing, pulling, and kicking and legal breaststroke open turn and ensuring the timing of the underwater pullout is correct.
Butterfly: Swim 25 yards of Breaststroke with proper timing for breathing, pulling, and kicking.
Dive: Shallow Dive from the block. Able to control the depth of the dive.
Underwater: 25 yards Butterfly kick (first 10-15 yards underwater streamline fly kick)
Set:
- 4x50 free @1:30 With flip turns 1-2 underwater Butterfly kicks.
- 1x100 IM With cross-over back to breast turn
- 1x100 free kick faster than 3:00 minute
Meet:
- Have participated in one TYDE prep mock meet or summer league meet.
Attendance and Competition
:
Participants in this group are not required to attend a minimum number of practice sessions. However, to maintain and improve the skills they have learned, it is recommended that members attend at least two practice sessions every week. While joining competitions is not mandatory, it is necessary for those who want to advance to the next level. The skills acquired through competition are important for the learning process, helping members transition to more advanced competitive groups.
Learn more about our Junior Competitive Pricing HERE
Junior Competitive 2 (age reference: 9-11 years old. Age may vary based on each swimmer's development)
Junior Competitive 2 is designed to help swimmers learn the essential techniques of training. This group level places a strong emphasis on correct stroke mechanics and aims to provide swimmers with the skills they need to execute sets and drills properly, thereby improving their performance in competition. While competing is not the primary focus of this group, it is an important part of athlete development, and all swimmers are encouraged to participate in swim meets. In addition to improving their swimming skills, swimmers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable life skills such as goal setting, leadership, and sportsmanship.
To make the most of the program, swimmers are recommended to attend at least 3 out of the 5 practices offered per week.
Group Criteria (The minimum requirement for consideration to join this group)
Practice:
- Knowing how to work with the pace clock;
- 12 X 50s free @ 1:20 [Stroke count <20] with correct stroke mechanics, including breathing timing.
- 8 x 50 Kick @1:10
- 6 x 50 @1:20 stroke choice (No Freestyle). Maintaining a correct stroke technique and proper underwater length (pass the flags)
- 3 x 100 Individual Medley (IM) with proper stroke transitions, legal turns, and finishes.
Competition:
- Have competed in at least 2 Y or USA swimming meets in the current or previous season.
- Achieved 3 “B” motivational time standards within their age group
- Successfully competed in all 4 strokes in the 50-yard length and 100 IM.
- May obtain an invitation from the primary coach of Junior competitive 2.
Swimmers in the Junior Competitive 2 group are expected to meet certain standards set by their coaches. These expectations include:
Practice and Competition Development:
- Attend 3 out of the 5 weekly practices.
- Attend a championship meet (TYDE Winter Invite, GYSSA, or USRY)
- Attend 3 YMCA Meets during the current season
Character development:
- Punctuality: Arriving on time for workouts and events.
- Attitude: Displaying a positive and coachable demeanor.
- Training: Committing to training to the best of one’s ability.
- Learning: Being open to learning and improving swimming techniques.
- Nutrition: Maintaining proper nutrition to support energy needs for workouts.
- Focus: Minimizing outside distractions to concentrate on swimming efficiently.
- Mental Readiness: Being mentally prepared to face challenges during training and competitions
Junior Competitive 3 (age reference: 10-12 years old. Age may vary based on each swimmer's development)
Junior Competitive 3 is our advanced training program for 12 & Under swimmers, and is designed to help them elevate their competitive edge. The program is tailored for swimmers who have had a minimum of 3-5 years of consistent swimming training and are now ready to take their skills to the next level. While competition is an important part of the program, our primary goal is to ensure that swimmers have fun while they learn and grow. We use competition as a benchmark to determine the level of practice intensity and to allow swimmers to test their skills under pressure, evaluate their progress, and set new performance goals. Our focus is on providing structured training that helps swimmers sharpen their advanced stroke techniques, enhance their endurance and speed, and develop a competitive spirit.
The minimum requirement for consideration to join this group:
Practice:
- 10 X 100s free @ 1:40 Stroke count 17-19, with 3 fly kicks after each wall.
- 12 x 50 Kick @1:00
- 10 x 50 @1:10 stroke choice (No Freestyle). Maintaining a correct stroke technique and proper underwater length (pass the flags)
- 6 x 100 Individual Medley (IM) @2:00 with proper stroke transitions, legal turns, and finishes.
Competition
:
- Have attended a minimum of 4 Y meets in the current or previous season
- Qualified for 4 individual events for USRY for their Age Group
- Have successfully completed 100 Yards in each of the 4 strokes; 200 IM; 200 Free
- Achieved 5 “BB” motivational time standard or have Achieved 2 “A” times within their age group
- May obtain an invitation from the primary coach of Junior competitive 3.
Swimmers in the Junior Competitive 3 group are expected to meet certain standards set by their coaches. These expectations include:
Practice and Competition Development:
- Attend a minimum of 4 out of the 6 weekly practices.
- Attend a championship meet (Capital Classic, TYDE Winter Invite, or USRY)
- Attend 5 Meets during the current season. 3 must be YMCA meets.
Character development:
- Punctuality: Arriving on time for workouts and events.
- Attitude: Displaying a positive and coachable demeanor.
- Training: Committing to training to the best of one’s ability.
- Learning: Being open to learning and improving swimming techniques.
- Nutrition: Maintaining proper nutrition to support energy needs for workouts.
- Focus: Minimizing outside distractions to concentrate on swimming efficiently.
- Mental Readiness: Being mentally prepared to face challenges during training and competitions
