The Elite Rays Swim Club takes a long-term, progressive approach to a swimmer's career. Swimmers are placed in practice groups based on their swimming skill set and their preparedness to successfully meet the expectations of each group. Once a swimmer has shown the ability, endurance, and desire to move forward with his/her training, the coach will invite him/her into the next level.
If you have a question about a swimmer's placement ask the coach.
Sting Rays Group (non- competitive swimmers)
The Sting Rays practice group is our most novice level. Swimmers should be comfortable in the water and willing to learn the fundamental skills necessary to improve their swimming. Focus is on Freestyle and Backstroke skills. Practices are held one or two times a week on specific days at each site. This program is geared toward 4-10 year old swimmers. Ensuring your child in water confidence, skill refinement or to help them master specific skills to help them progress to the next skill level.
Rays Prep Group (competitive swimmers)
The Rays group is our beginning group for novice swimmers, this program is geared towards 10 and under swimmers.. These children have shown an interest in swimming, are comfortable in the water, and are willing and able to follow the coach’s instructions. The swimmer can already complete one pool length (25 meters) of both freestyle and backstroke with reasonably good form. The technical goals of the group include learning and refining the four competitive strokes (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly), proper turns, and starts.
Practice sessions: 45 minutes to 1 hour. Attendance requirements: None
Attendance recommendations: 3 times per week average.
Other sports activities outside of swimming are both accepted and encouraged, especially those that emphasize body awareness and cardiovascular conditioning (eg: gymnastics, karate, soccer).
Rays Group (competitive swimmers)
The Rays Prep level is designed for children ages 11 and older who enjoy the sport of swimming and wish to continue to improve. Some have decided that they wish to give the sport of swimming a priority in their lives. When determined appropriate by the coach, additional training enhancements such as dryland exercises may be added to the swimmer’s training program. The swimmers are encouraged to set goals and strive to reach them. Each swimmer assumes personal responsibility for choices and actions which impact his/her training and progress.
The Rays Prep group is designed for swimmers ages 11 and up. They must be able to successfully complete 100 meters of each stroke, as well as a 200 IM and 500 Freestyle.
Practice sessions: 1:15 - 2:00 hours
Attendance requirements: The coach will recommend how many practices a child should attend, based on his or her ability and commitment level.
Attendance recommendations: 3 - 4 practices per week.
Elite Group (competitive swimmers)
The Elite level is designed for more experienced athletes who enjoy the sport of swimming and wish to continue to improve. Some have decided that they wish to give the sport of swimming a priority in their lives. When determined appropriate by the coach, additional training enhancements such as morning practices, dryland exercises, and strength training may be added to the swimmer’s training program. The swimmers are encouraged to set goals and strive to reach them. Each swimmer assumes personal responsibility for choices and actions which impact his/her training and progress.
The Elite group is our top training group. These young men and women show highly-motivated levels of dedication and commitment to the sport. Technically, they are able to successfully complete 100 meters of all four strokes, a 400 IM, and a 1000 freestyle
Practice sessions: 1:30 - 3:00 hours
Attendance requirements: The coach will recommend how many practices a child should attend, based on his or her ability and commitment level.
Attendance recommendations: 5 or more practices per week, including some morning and Saturday practices when offered.
