YMCA Sharks- Training Levels
Level 5 - Overview
Typically for swimmers ages 14 and older who are committed to the sport of swimming and who train 5 times per week. Swimmers will exhibit advanced racing skills and strategies in all four strokes during any and all swim meets. These Swimmers demonstrate their discipline, focus, and leadership skills throughout their swimming career in practice and at meets. Level 5 swimmers are required to swim at as many local meets and away meets as possible.
General Requirements:
- Age 9 or older (not strict)
- Display Shark values such as hard work, discipline, friendliness, respect, sportsmanship, and the focus of process over outcome
- Has participated in competitions
Performance Ability Recommendations:
- Four legal (or very close to legal) strokes
- Prepared to swim 3,500-5000 meters per practice
Level 4 - Overview
- Typically for swimmers ages 9 and older who are committed to the sport of swimming and who train 5 times per week. Swimmers will learn and develop advanced racing skills and strategies in all four strokes. Swimmers will continue to demonstrate their discipline, focus, and leadership skills as they continue their swimming career. Level 4 swimmers are asked to swim at local meets and away meets.
General Requirements:
- Age 9 or older (not strict)
- Display Shark values such as hard work, discipline, friendliness, respect, sportsmanship, and the focus of process over outcome
- Has participated in competitions
Performance Ability Recommendations:
- Four legal (or very close to legal) strokes
- Prepared to swim 2,000-4000 meters per practice
Level 3 - Overview
The YMCA Shark swim team level 3 group is a guided program that focuses on continuing to teach athletes the sport of swimming and to pursue their goals in the sport. They are committed to learning all four competitive strokes, turns, starts, and racing skills. Technique is the primary focus.
Fun and challenging training program for young athletes with some swim team experience. The focus is on improving technique, racing skills, endurance, and training capacity. Encouraged to swim 3 practices per week.
General Requirements:
- Age 9 or older (not strict)
- Display Shark values such as hard work, discipline, friendliness, respect, sportsmanship, and the focus of process over outcome
Performance Ability Recommendations:
- Four legal (or very close to legal) strokes
- Prepared to swim 1,500-2,800 meters per practice
- Able to swim both freestyle and backstroke efficiently
- Knowledge of all 4 strokes.
- Comfortable diving from starting blocks
Level 2 - Overview
Our level 2 swimmers will continue to master interval training, while still working on goal-setting, sportsmanship, and leadership.
A continuing, beginner-novice level program for swimmers typically ages 8 and older. Swimmers will grow their knowledge of the strokes while focusing on skills and development. Level 2 swimmers are encouraged to swim at meets.
General Requirements:
- Ages 8 and up (not strict)
Performance Ability Recommendations:
- Able to swim 4-6 lengths comfortably.
- Strong freestyle and knowledge of backstroke.
Level 1 - Overview
Our level 1 swimmers will be gradually introduced to interval training, goal-setting, sportsmanship, and leadership to lay the foundation for future success both in and out of the pool.
Fun beginner-novice level program for swimmers typically ages 6 and older. Swimmers will improve basics and develop skills in four strokes and learn racing starts and turns. Level 1 swimmers are encouraged to swim at meets.
General Requirements:
- Ages 6 and up (not strict)
Performance Ability Recommendations:
- Able to swim 1 lap without stopping.
- Comfortable swimming freestyle
Advancing Through the Levels
- Training level changes are determined by the coaching staff.
Training Ability
- Ability to swim through the workout including the sets and intervals, as well as kicking sets and underwater training. The ability to train with focus and discipline.
Technique
- Stroke technique should be efficient.
Maturity
- Maturity includes responsibility, discipline, accountability, and integrity. A swimmer moving up should be a positive influence on the group.
Additional Notes on Training Level Placement
This document serves as a guide for swimmers and families.
Coaching staff will make all decisions concerning group placement.
We may place an athlete into any group if we believe it is in the best interest of that athlete's development, regardless of meeting any other move up criteria.
