WE'VE MOVED! Click here for the new site.

Fall Swim Program

September 11–November 3, 2023

>>complete registration here<<

 

The Fall Swim Program is a comprehensive 8-week stroke instruction and training program. It is designed to develop swimmers of all abilities improve the four competitive strokes and establish sound muscle memory. This is an excellent way to make improvements that will ensure a strong foundation for the next summer season. The Fall Swim Program is open to swimmers from all teams and is fully compliant with the latest County Meet Rules (participation will NOT jeopardize your eligibility for next summer). 

 

The Fall Swim Program is designed for swimmers with swim team experience in each of the 4 strokes. Our focus will be on technical improvement and conditioning. Each group will be adjusted to the ability of the members of that group and not necessarily aligned with traditional age groups. Swimmers must be able to swim unassisted for the duration of the practice time without a coach in the water (this is not for learn-to-swim or swimmers who still struggle to cross the pool). 

 

The Fall Swim Program emphasizes: 

  • Freestyle - early vertical forearm, forceful kick, body position
  • Backstroke - hip rotation, body position, positive pull pattern using core lever
  • Butterfly - high hip and elbow position, correct timing, breathing
  • Breaststroke - timing, low upper body position, high elbow pull pattern
  • Turns and Dives
  • Streamlines and Underwaters

Swimmers are placed in practice groups by age as of JUNE 15, 2024 (their age for next summer season) for the Fall Swim Program. Below are descriptions of each group. Please note that these are guidelines intended to generally describe each group and not necessarily prerequisites which must all be met. 

Group 1 (ages 8 and under, previous swim team experience required)        

  • Able to swim 25 yards without stopping
  • Able to follow instruction from an on-deck coach and not be a safety concern
  • Please note that this is not a learn to swim group and a coach will NOT be in the water.
  • Designed to prepare swimmers for 25 yard races

 Group 2 (ages 9-10)

  • Able to swim 50 yards in each of the 4 strokes (practices will utilize all strokes)
  • Able to circle swim and follow the pace clock to help proper spacing in lanes
  • Have some knowledge of basic IM turns and finishes
  • Designed to prepare swimmers for 50 yard and 100 yard races

  Group 3 (ages 11 and older)

  • Able to train in multiple laps in each stroke (50, 75, 100 yds)
  • Knowledge of all racing turns and strokes
  • Comfortable with swimming the 100 yard IM practice sets
  • Designed to prepare swimmers for 50 yard, 100 yard, and 200 yard races

Registration dates and process:

Practice days and workout times*:

 

Monday through Friday

  • 3:45 - 4:30 PM      Group 1 (8 and Under)
  • 4:30 - 5:30 PM      Group 2 (9/10)
  • 5:30 - 6:45 PM      Group 3 (11 and Up)

*No practices on Tuesday, October 31

 

Cost per swimmer, 2 options:

 

Rancho members:​

  1. Up to 3 days per week- $350
  2. Unlimited days per week- $425

Non-members:

  • Up to 3 days per week- $375
  • Unlimited days per week- $450

​Refund policy for Fall Swim Program: Last day for refunds, minus a $35 processing fee per swimmer, is Friday, September 8. Note: In the event of unexpected or unforeseen, extended periods of pool closure, the swim team committee will evaluate refunds and make up sessions at that time. 

 

Fall Swim Meets: To participate in fall meets swimmers must hold a USA Swimming Membership

USA Swimming registration:

All USA Swimming registration is handled online AND through USA Swimming (not Pacific Swimming)

Here's what you need to know in order to register for USA Swimming meets:

  • Meets typically open for registration one month in advance of the event date. The Swim Team Committee will do our best to email all fall swim participants as soon as the meet registrations open.
  • The number of swimmers/meet are limited, please register as soon as possible in order to secure your swimmer's spot.
  • Every Rancho swimmer much register under Triggerfish Aquatics (TFA), not Rancho Colorados, in order to be eligible to participate in USA Swimming meets. We have priority registration through Zone 2 TFA.

 

Age Group Meets (All ages can participate and the events are similar to the ones during our summer season meets.)

  • September 30-October 1 Orinda Aquatics SCY C/B/BB+ Meet Sheet
  • October 28-October 29 San Ramon Valley Aquatics SCY C/B/BB+ Meet Sheet Registration OPENS Monday, September 25, 2023 here

Senior Meets (The majority of the swimmers are in high school and the events are usually longer distances.)

  • September 23-September 24 Senior Open Meet Thunder Coast Aquatics Meet Sheet. Registration is OPEN and entries will be accepted through Wednesday, September 13, 2023 here.
  • October 21-October 22 Senior Open Meet Orinda Aquatics Meet Sheet. Registration is OPEN and entries will be accepted through Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at here.
  • November 3-November 5 Senior 2 P&F Meet (host: Pleasanton) Meet Sheet​​​. ​​Registration is OPEN and entries will be accepted through Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at here.

 

Questions?

Eria Mason, Registration Coordinator, [email protected]

Courtney Nielson, Swim Team Director, [email protected]