Bronze: This is where it begins for our younger and/or newer swimmers. Much of the time will be spent on learning the basics of the 4 competitive strokes and how to perform them legally, as well as learning proper starts, turns and finishes. Swimmers will become familiar with equipment used in swimming including a pace clock, kickboard and fins. Swimmers will be expected to compete in swim meets that are offered throughout the season. The goals of this group include:

  • Understanding the basics of and performing each of the strokes properly

  • Swimming in a variety of strokes and distances

  • Performing a start off the blocks

  • Learning to use a pace clock

  • Increasing balance and coordination

  • Introduction of dryland exercises and fundamentals

  • Knowledge of swimming terms

  • Introduction to good sportsmanship

  • Developing confidence through skill and drill development

  • Attending swim meets

  • Preparing swimmers to be ready for the next training group

  • Seeking to qualify for meets with certain time criteria such as Niagara Championship Qualifier (Silvers), Niagara Championships (Golds)

Silver: There will be more focus on training compared to the Bronze group. There will be an emphasis on maintaining good technique while practices become more training focused. Swimmers will continue to build off of the foundation that was established in the Bronze group to progress forward as swimmers. Dryland practices become more diverse with the use of different equipment (stretch bands, medicine balls, etc.) to increase strength. Some swimmers in this group might swim for their respective schools at the Modified, JV or (in rare cases) Varsity Level. Swimmers at this level will be expected to compete in swim meets that are offered throughout the season. The goals of this group include:

  • Competing in swim meets

  • More advanced dryland exercises to increase strength

  • Swimming in IMX Events

  • Staying in shape between school swim seasons

  • Preparing swimmers to be ready for the next training group

  • Look to qualify and swim in Niagara Championship Qualifier (Silvers), Niagara Championships (Golds), Eastern Zones, etc

 

Gold: In this group, the training will be even more focused. There is a continuous emphasis on maintaining good technique as practices are more difficult at this level. Dryland practices add more challenging plyometric exercises and use of the weight room. Gold Swimmers typically swim for their respective schools at JV or Varsity Level and are expected to compete in swim meets that are offered throughout the season. The goals of this group include:

  • Competing in swim meets

  • Use of weight room training to increase strength

  • Swimming in IMX Events

  • Staying in shape between school swim seasons

  • For swimmers choosing to swim at the collegiate level, prepare them for the next level

  • Look to qualify and swim in Niagara Championship Qualifier (Silvers), Niagara Championships (Golds), Eastern Zones, etc.

Swimmer and Parent Expectations

Swimmer Expectations

  • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to beginning of practice

  • Be ready to go both physically and mentally for practice

  • Bring all equipment to each practice

  • Bring a water bottle to practice

  • Be coachable and open to feedback from coaches

  • Listen to coaches: safety is important

  • Show good sportsmanship at all times

Parent Expectations

  • Communicate with coaches about your swimmer (i.e. allergies coaches need to be aware of, behaviors to be aware of, etc.)

  • Give the coaches the support to help them do their jobs better

  • Let the coaches coach

  • Encourage your swimmer

  • Show interest in your swimmer

  • Give them unconditional love