Bolts Group  

The bolts practice group is our introduction to competitive swimming, with swimmers between the ages of 6 and 11.  This will be for our more novice swimmers who require a high degree of stroke development.  In this group, we will focus predominantly on strokes and drilling with endurance to be added appropriately.  Swimmers in this group are not expected to attend more than two days of their practice, although they are welcome to and will see greater development if they can attend more.  They are USA Registered as Flex Athletes, as they are expected to attend two USA Meets each season, they will also be expected to attend any YMCA Intramural Meets as instructed by their coaches.  This group is required to have their own team suit, goggles, water bottles, kickboards, pull bouys, mesh bag and warmup jacket.  

PRACTICE:  

 

 

 

MOVING UP A GROUP:  

 

HAY forms its practice groups based on skill level and age. Moving up to a higher level is merit-based and not based on your time in a practice group. 

Within each practice group, coaches focus on techniques, skills and intervals that are best suited for our swimmers’ development. We strive to develop the athlete in place and then move to the next training program when the athlete is ready both mentally and physically. We take a long-term approach to your athlete’s developmental path. Attendance + Effort = Success.  We will factor both attendance and practice effort into the decision, as each level requires increased commitment.

The most effective way for our coaches to know your swimmer is by watching them swim in practice and at swim meets. The best indicator of how a swimmer will perform at the next level is based on how they swim in practice each day.
 Swimmers and parents may inquire about a swimmer’s readiness for the next level at any time throughout the year, however, moves will only happen at the start of each season. Coaches will consider the following when evaluating an athlete’s readiness for moving up:

  • Athlete’s Goals
  • Lane Leadership & Practice Attitude
  • Listening and implementing coach guidance
  • Attendance at practices & meets 
  • Understanding drills & technique
  • Perception of the athlete’s ability to handle the next level of practices

Moving to a higher level can be very challenging for athletes and their parents due to the increased time at the pool and/or the increased level of exertion in the new workouts. 

To move from Bolts, you MUST be legal in all four strokes and have the ability to deal with lane management;