the FISH Program at Minnie Howard

Practice Location:

Minnie Howard
Alexandria, Virginia

Program Overview

Our Age Group Swim Program is designed for young swimmers ready to develop their skills in a supportive, structured environment.
Each group is tailored to the swimmer’s age and experience level, focusing on stroke technique, racing fundamentals, and developing a love for the sport.

Practice Groups:

  • Age Group 1:
    Practice once a week for 1 hour
    Ideal for beginner swimmers who are building comfort and technique in the water. 

  • Age Group 2:
    Practice twice a week for 1 hour each session
    Designed for swimmers ready to expand their skills and commit to more regular training.

  • Age Group 3:
    Practice three times a week for 1 hour each session
    Designed for swimmers ready to expand their skills, endurance, and commit to more regular training.

  • Age Group 4:  
    Practice three times a week for 1 hour each session, plus a 1.5-hour practice on Saturday mornings.
    Designed for swimmers ready to expand their skills, endurance, and commit to more regular training.

Training Focus:

Across all groups, our practices emphasize:

  • Proper stroke development in all four competitive strokes

  • Mastery of starts and turns

  • Building endurance and consistency in training

  • Learning to swim a technically sound and confident Individual Medley (IM)

Program Goals:

We aim to provide every swimmer with:

  • The ability and confidence to swim all strokes effectively and legally

  • A strong foundation in stroke technique and early racing strategies

  • A well-rounded training approach that balances skill work with aerobic development

  • A positive environment where swimmers develop self-worth, confidence, and a lifelong love for swimming

Practice Schedule:

Age Group 1:

  • Monday through Thursday from either 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm  or 7:00 to 8:00 pm

  • Or ​Saturday from 8:00 - 9:00 am

Age Group 2:

  • Monday through Thursday from either 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm  or 7:00 to 8:00 pm

  • Or ​Saturday from 8:00 - 9:00 am

Age Group 3:

  • Monday through Thursday from either 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm  or 7:00 to 8:00 pm

  • Or ​Saturday from 8:00 - 9:00 am

Age Group 4:

  • Monday through Thursday from either 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm  or 7:00 to 8:00 pm

  • And ​Saturday from 7:30 - 9:00 am