The Mini FISH Program at Spring Hill

 

Mini FISH Program

Coaches: Scott Cleal & Kim Schmidt
Practice Locations:

  • Spring Hill RECenter, McLean, VA

  • The Madeira School, McLean, VA

Overview

The Mini FISH group is designed specifically for eight-year-old and younger swimmers ready to build strong swimming fundamentals in a fun, encouraging environment. We have coaches in the water to ensure proper stroke development.   Entry into this group is by coach invitation only (tryout)  and is based on a swimmer’s readiness to learn and progress in a structured practice setting. When the swimmer is ready, competition invitations will be extended.  Swimmers are required to compete in the Mini Championship at the end of the season.

Swimmers in this group attend two to three practices per week, depending on coach placement:

  • Mini FISH 2: Practice twice a week

  • Mini FISH 3: Practice three times a week (with coach approval)

All practices are one hour long and focus on technique development across all four competitive strokes.

Development Philosophy

The success of the Mini FISH group is not measured by race times, but by a swimmer’s ability to perform all strokes with proper technique and swim a confident and legal 100 Individual Medley (IM). Our training objectives are to:

  • Encourage correct technique through consistent positive reinforcement

  • Ensure each swimmer has a positive and rewarding learning experience

  • Develop a sense of self-worth and accomplishment, laying the foundation for swimming as a lifelong sport

Developmental Goals

Mini FISH swimmers work toward achieving these fundamental goals:

  • Swim a 100 IM legally, regardless of time

  • Perform legal turns for each stroke

  • Kick 4 x 25 yards on: 45 

  • Push off in streamline and dolphin kick to the flags

  • Understand the basic use of the pace clock

Practice Schedule

Mini FISH 2

Select one weekday and one Saturday practice at Spring Hill RECenter:

Weekday Options:

  • Wednesday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM

  • Friday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM

  • Friday: 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Saturday Options:

  • Saturday: 6:00 – 7:00 PM

  • Saturday: 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Mini FISH 3

In addition to two Mini FISH 2 practices, swimmers attend one additional practice at The Madeira School:

Sunday Options:

  • Sunday: 10:00 – 11:00 AM

  • Sunday: 11:00 – 12:00 Noon