FAIRWOOD BARRACUDAS GROUP DESCRIPTIONS

Bitty Barracudas (Ages 5-7)

The Fairwood Bitty Barracudas is a small, developmental group designed for young competitive swimmers who have some swimming experience but need additional coaching to swim independently.

Requirements:

  • Must be comfortable in the water.
  • Must attend at least three out of five home meets (no away meets).
  • Commitment to daily practice with set times.
  • Summer season (June–July) commitment.

Program Focus:

  • Introduction to swimming fundamentals, including freestyle and backstroke.
  • Learning side breathing techniques.
  • Improving underwater skills and kicking speed using kickboards.
  • Progression towards independent swimming with the goal of moving up to the Barracudas team.

Additional Notes:

  • Swimmers uncomfortable in the water, without prior experience, or unable to meet attendance requirements should enroll in Private Lessons instead.
  • Swimmers demonstrating exceptional progress may be invited to 8 & Unders for a trial period in a more competitive environment. Placement in 8 & Unders is at the coaches’ discretion and is not guaranteed.
  • Younger swimmers who do not yet qualify for the Bitty Barracudas may consider private lessons.

 

8 & Unders (Ages 6-8)

This is the entry-level competitive swim group for full Fairwood Barracuda team members. Swimmers in this group must participate in both home and away meets.

Requirements:

  • Must be able to swim two to four 25-yard lengths (25 = one length of the pool) with little to no breaks and without swimming aids (No Floaties, Kickboards, or other Aids).
  • Must comply with all team policies and attendance requirements.
  • Daily structured practice with strict attendance expectations.
  • Full summer commitment (May–July).

Program Focus:

  • Development of freestyle and backstroke technique.
  • Breaststroke and Butterfly fundamentals.
  • Continued work on endurance and race preparation.
  • Strengthening swimming fundamentals in a competitive environment.

Additional Notes:

  • Swimmers who struggle to meet expectations may be placed in Bitty Barracudas to refine essential skills before rejoining 8 & Unders.
  • For details on team requirements, please see the team website for more information.
  • Younger swimmers not yet ready for 8 & Unders should consider Bitty Barracudas or private lessons.

 

9 & Over (Ages 9+) Grouped by 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 & 15 & Over

The 9 and older groups of the Fairwood Barracudas are for swimmers ready to take their competitive training to the next level. Designed for more experienced swimmers, this group focuses on race strategy, endurance, and stroke development.

Requirements:

  • Must meet all Barracuda team policies and attendance expectations.
  • Must be able to swim at least 150-yard (six lengths of the pool).
  • Commitment to full summer season (May–July).

Program Focus:

  • Refinement of all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly).
  • Advanced training on starts, turns, and finishes.
  • Endurance-building workouts to improve race performance.
  • Individualized coaching for stroke correction and technique enhancement.

Additional Notes:

  • Swimmers struggling to meet expectations may be reassigned to 8 & Unders or a different program based on coach recommendations.

 

Cool Cudas (Ages 7-18)

Cool Cudas is our adaptive swim program, designed to make swimming accessible to all athletes. This program provides a personalized coaching experience and a supportive team environment.

Requirements:

  • Parent/guardian must be present and prepared to assist in the water if requested by coaches.
  • Commitment to summer season (June–July) with structured practice times.
  • Participation in home meets is optional, based on the swimmer’s comfort level.

Program Focus:

  • Personalized instruction to fit individual swimmer needs.
  • Skills may include: using kickboards, learning to float, improving kicking techniques, swimming various lengths, and introducing strokes.
  • Private practice lanes for a low-stimulation learning environment.
  • Early race participation in home meets, with flexibility for families to leave early if necessary.

Additional Notes:

  • Parents/guardians are encouraged to participate to help swimmers feel comfortable in the water.
  • This program is unique to our team, please reach out for more information!
  • Younger swimmers not yet ready for Cool Cudas should consider private lessons.

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