Training Groups

On the Stingrays Swim Team there is a spot for every level of swimmer from the beginner to the National Level swimmer. Each training program is designed to complement each other and provide a swimmer with a goal oriented progression. Initial group placement is determined by a swimmer’s age, ability, personal goals, and attendance. Coaches’ discretion will also be taken into consideration for placement.

Little Stingrays

This group’s objective is to learn the basics of competitive swimming, all while having fun.  Emphasis is placed on correct stroke mechanics and proper competitive starts and turns. These swimmers will participate in a limited number of swim meets throughout the season. 

Prerequisites: 

  • Ages 8 and Under as of December 1, 2024
  • Must be able to swim 25 meters of backstroke and freestyle
  • Ability to handle 3 hours of training per week plus 30 min of Dryland training

Junior 1

This group’s objective is to develop and understand swim meets, the YMCA core values, and being a good teammate. Emphasis is placed on proper stroke mechanics, competitive techniques, good training habits, and becoming legal in all 4 strokes. 

Prerequisites: 

  • Ages 9-12 as of December 1, 2024
  • Ability to handle 4 hours of training a week plus 30 minutes of dryland
  • Legal in 50 Free and 50 back, approaching consistent in 50 Breast and 50 Fly
  • Practice yardage is around 1,000 meters per practice
  • Practices are a reinforcement of proper stroke technique 

Junior 2

This group’s objective is to develop an understanding of the connection between swim practice dedication and swim meet results Swimmer’s in this group are working towards gaining confidence in their swimming. Emphasis is placed on proper stroke mechanics, competitive techniques, aerobic conditioning, and physical fitness. 

Prerequisites:

  • Ages 9-12 as of December 1, 2024
  • Ability to handle 5 hours of training a week plus 30 minutes of dryland
  • Can complete 50M of all 4 strokes legally
  • Comfortable with flip turns and open turns
  • Can dive off the starting block and appropriately streamline
  • Practice yardage is around 1,500M per practice
  • Practices are designed with an emphasis on stroke mechanics while building distance and endurance

Pre- Seniors

This group’s objective is to introduce swimmers to the senior level while deepening their understanding of connection between practice and meet results. These swimmers are working on building confidence in their race execution. 

Prerequisites:

  • Ages 9-13 as of December 1, 2024
  • Ability to handle 8 hours of training a week plus two- 30 minute dryland sessions
  • Understands intervals and reading the pace clock
  • Developing leadership skills while increasing self motivation
  • Practices are geared toward IM based endurance training and stroke developments
  • Practice yardage is 2,500-3,000M per practice 

Senior 1B

This group’s objective is to challenge swimmers while being innovative and fun. This group works on developing each swimmer’s competitive techniques, endurance, and race pace intensities. 

Prerequisites:

  • Ages 13-18 as of December 1, 2024
  • Have achieve YMCA silver cuts or desires to achieve them 
  • Commitment to 80% of practices
  • Ability to handle 10 hours of practice per week plus two- 30 minute dryland sessions
  • Strongly encouraged to participate year round
  • Working to establish leadership skills
  • Practice yardage is 4,000-5,000m per practice 

Senior 1A

This group’s objective is to challenge swimmers while being innovative and fun. This group works on developing each swimmer’s competitive techniques, endurance, and race pace intensities. These swimmers are ready for more advanced training opportunities and a more demanding practice schedule. 

Prerequisites:

  • Ages 13-18 as of December 1, 2024
  • Have chosen swimming as their primary sport
  • Have achieved YMCA Silver/State/National Cuts
  • Expected to be team leaders and role models
  • Commitment to 85% of practices (including dryland)
  • Expected to participate at all major swim meets including travel meets (participate in finals if qualify)
  • Ability to handle feedback
  • Ability to handle 13.5 hours of practice per week plus two- 30 minute dryland sessions
  • More focus on speed vs technique 
  • Practice yardage is 5,000-6,000m per practice