Training Squad

The Training Squad is not a learn-to-swim program.  It is the first step for young children to take on the road to competitive swimming and they are part of the Woodcrest Swim Team.  Parents and children should take every opportunity to participate in Pep Rallys, B-Meets, Team Building Events, and the Year End Team Banquet.  The following guidelines have been set for this group:

1. The child should be at least 5 years of age on June 15.
 

2. The child must be capable of making it one length (25 meters) across the pool without stopping.  This does not entail perfect form or even using arms and legs simultaneously, but the child must be able to swim a length of reasonable freestyle without holding on to either the wall or the lane line.
 

3. The coaches will determine who is eligible for the Training Squad and may require try outs to ensure individuals meet the necessary skill sets to participate.  The primary emphasis of the Training Squad is to learn proper swim techniques in a fun environment.  This will begin with fundamentals of a freestyle stroke (kicking using kickboards, breathing to the side, and streamlining freestyle arm movements).  As swimmers become proficient, the three other strokes (backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly) may be introduced.  Additionally, time will be spent on issues such as takeoffs, flip turns, and relay starts.
 

4. All eligible team members including Training Squad are invited and encouraged to participate in our B-Meets.  These meets are held Wednesday evenings during the season.  They offer a low stress alternative to the Saturday morning A-Meets.   Details on participation will be made available before the first scheduled meet.
 

5. The youngest novices will begin by participating in kickboard races at the beginning of each meet.   The kickboards allow these swimmers to build confidence in their abilities while getting used to the swim meet experience.  All kick boarders receive ribbons for their completed races.  The coaches will determine the events each Training Squad member will swim.                                                                                                                                                   

6. Training Squad will also be able to participate in A-Meets as long as they are comfortable in doing so and the coaching staff has made the determination that the young swimmer meets the requirements.  Please do not feel obligated to partcipate, however this is a good oportunity to get our young swimmers ready for future seasons as our up and coming White Shark Swimmers.