PACIFIC PIRANHA SWIM TEAM - TRAINING GROUPS
The training groups presented are made to create a quality learning environment and provide a safe, enjoyable and challenging experience for all. Please note that many intangibles are a part of being a team member and moving from one group to another. Getting along with others, listening and communication skills, desire to learn, good sportsmanship, work ethic and positive attitude are just a few expectations for swimmers. Tangible items to be looked at are stroke technique, competitive times, attendance at practice and meets and involvement in team activities. We also take into consideration the different desires for an emphasis on competitive needs and those wanting more of a recreational and social approach.
In general, groups are split into Elementary School ages, Middle School ages, and High School. Within each group is an introductory group and advanced groups.
Moving from one group to another is best done between seasons. These group standards may very well change as our team grows and progresses.
PRE-COMPETITIVE (Contact Coach for Availability)
Age Range: 6-11
This group is for those that are not yet ready for the requirements of Bronze 1. Swimmers must be water safe and have had some basic swim lessons. Side breathing for freestyle and flutter kick for both free and back will be worked on primarily. These will be 4 week sessions to hopefully get them prepped for Bronze 1. Second session upon approval of coaches.
Bronze 1
Age Range: 6-11
Schedule: 3 days per week offered (1 hour per session)
Minimum Requirements: Be able to swim a minimum of 1 length of the pool of freestyle with good rhythmic side breathing and backstroke – both with good flutter kicks. Athletes should be willing to learn stroke technique and can follow coaches' instructions. Must get along with other swimmers and allow others to learn in a safe and respectful way. Must be mature enough to be away from parents during practice.
Proper technique for free and back is a main goal as well as turns and dives from the side, leading to starts from the blocks. As the basics are perfected, introduction to breaststroke and butterfly begins. Participation in home meets is strongly encouraged and participation in local meets or a meet in which they have qualified for are an additional goal. All swimmers 7 years and younger should be in this group unless they are advanced (coach and parent discussion).
Bronze 2
Age Range: 8-12
Schedule: 4 days per week offered (1+ hour per session)
Minimum Requirements: This group may be a mix of younger swimmers that are progressing quickly and gaining proficiency in breaststroke and butterfly as well as novice older swimmers. Swimmers in this group should have solid freestyle, with proper side breathing head position as well as good backstroke technique and both should have strong flutter kicks. This group will be working on additional strokes and IM. This group should have good diving technique and working on legal turns for all strokes.
Silver 1
Age Range: 11-14
Schedule: 4 days per week offered (1+ hour per session)
Minimum Requirements: This is our introductory middle school group. This group is focused on stroke refinement for free and back as well as an emphasis on legal breaststroke and butterfly strokes. Obtaining all legal turns and starts from the blocks. While the emphasis for this group is stroke technique, training basics are introduced here. Ability to use the pace clock and to take heart rates is important. Participation in meets is encouraged but not required. Ability to follow instructions and work well with others is essential.
Silver 2
Age Range: 11-14
Schedule: 4 days per week offered (1.5+ hours per session)
Minimum Requirements: Swimmers in this group should have all the abilities of Silver 1. They should also be able to complete 3 x 200 IM with minimal rest and quality stroke technique. Emphasis on training increases while maintaining proper technique. Advanced techniques are introduced and implemented. Ability to get practice times, follow sets and take heart rates are a must. For example, given a set of 8 x 100 Free, on a specific, difficult interval time – swimmers are expected to be able to get all their times and heart rates (not memorize, report 😊). Practice attendance is expected to be 60% or better. Attendance at home, local and some travel meets is highly encouraged. Need a recommendation from current coach.
Gold
Age Range: 11-14
Schedule: 5 days per week offered (1.5+ hours per session)
Minimum Requirements: Need a recommendation from current coach. Must meet all requirements of Silver 2. This group is geared toward the more competitive oriented swimmers. Advanced training, race strategy and specialty work. Mobility and dryland work is more advanced in this group. Attendance requirement is 80%. Attendance at team meets and championships qualified for is expected. Should have PNS Silver times and working toward Gold times.
Senior 1
Age Range: 14+
Schedule: 5 days per week offered (1.5+ hours per session)
Minimum Requirements: This is our introductory High School group. This may be a mix of newer high school age swimmers that need stroke refinement and those interested in fitness. Some here may be on the team a short time in order to prepare for High School swimming. This group will work on rounding out all four strokes, perfecting starts, turns and finishes and work on pacing, etc. Swimmers need to be able to follow the clock and do sets as in Silver 2.
Senior 2
Age Range: 14+
Schedule: 5 days per week (1.5+ hours per session)
Minimum Requirements: Need a recommendation from current coach. Ability to train at a high volume and intensity with a variety of endurance and sprint sets. Knowledge of all PPST technique expectations, drills, training demands and energy systems, nutrition, flexibility, strength, etc. Introduction to Psychological Skills Training and mental preparation for races. Dryland/Strength training attendance when offered is highly encouraged.
Attendance expectation is 60% of practices offered.
Those in this group should be expected to be role models for younger swimmers on the team. Taking part in local meets and all team activities, including fundraisers, community service and team building is part of giving back to the team.
Senior 3
Age Range: 14+
Schedule: 5-6 days per week (1.5+ hours per session – mornings and dryland expected)
Minimum Requirements: Need a recommendation from current coach.
PNS Silver times are a minimum while the expectation should be on making Gold times. Attendance at all team meets and highest-level championships achieved is expected. Practice attendance of 80% is required. Advanced work on race & film reviews
Must meet all Senior 2 requirements and be willing to train at the highest level in order to achieve Zone, Futures or Senior National time standards.
