Salida Cyclone Practice Groups
Below is a breakdown of the Cyclones team groups. Please note these teams are “fluid” and that coaches have discretion to move swimmers onto different teams throughout the season. The Salida Cyclones Swim Team practice groups offer swimmers of all levels and abilities an environment where each swimmer may participate at a level appropriate for their age and ability. All swimmers will learn and improve a life-long competitive skill, build confidence and self-esteem, and develop friendships within a team atmosphere. Proper stroke technique is emphasized at all levels in an enjoyable and positive learning environment.
Salida Cyclones Swim Team practice group guidelines have been developed by our coaches to maximize the growth and development of swim techniques for our swimmers of all levels. Swimmers of similar age and abilities will be grouped together to reach the goals set for each level. The assignment of swimmers to a group shall be the decision of the coaching staff. Swimmers may be promoted to the next group upon fulfillment of the previous group’s goals or a coaches discretion.
Sharks
Overview: Advanced swimmers (junior and senior high school with select advanced 11-12 year olds). This group typically has at least 4-8 years of Cyclones’ experience. These swimmers swim all 4 strokes at high competitive levels and can handle up to 2 ½ miles of training in 2 hrs.
Eligibility: Swimmers in this group should meet time standards set by the coaches for specific test sets that will be completed on a monthly basis. Ex: 20x100’s freestyle on 1:25 Goal: To continue to improve technique in all four strokes, as well as the 200 IM. Focus: Swimmers will continue to improve technique in all four strokes, as well as the 200 IM.
Barracudas
Overview: Advanced age group swimmers (mostly 12+ year olds with some advanced 11-year-olds mixed in) with 5-6 years of experience who are “competitive” in all 4 strokes, but need more speed. Capable of up to 2+ miles of training in 2 hours.
Eligibility: Swimmers in this group should meet time standards set by the coaches for specific test sets that will be completed on a monthly basis. Ex: 10x50’s on 1:00 Goal: To compete in swim meets and qualify for our League Championship meet and the Summer State meet. Focus: Swimmers will focus on improving technique of all four strokes, as well as the 200 IM. Greater emphasis on aerobic swimming will take place.
Dolphins
Overview: From the Seal group, athletes move into this group. Athletes in this group are usually at least 10 years old and have completed the Dolphin Group move-up skills list. This group is exposed to training for the first time while trying to prepare for longer distance events such as the 200 Freestyle and 200 Individual Medley. Competing at swim meets is highly encouraged at a rate of about once per month. Advanced age group swimmers (mostly 11-12 year olds with some advanced 9-10 and newer 13 year olds mixed in) with 3-4 years of experience who are “proficient” in all 4 strokes, but need “nuanced” stroke work and conditioning. Capable of up to 2 miles of training in 2 hours.
Eligibility: Coaches discretion.
Seals
Overview: Developing/intermediate 8-11 year olds with 1-3 years of experience. This group can swim all 4 strokes and can do flip turns at a beginner/intermediate stage. Most of these swimmers need skill development in butterfly/breastroke and are capable of swimming up to 1 ½ miles of training in 2 hours. Stroke techniques/skills are heavily emphasized in this group.
Eligibility: Coaches discretion.
Otters
Overview: From the Tadpole group, athletes move into this group. Athletes in this group focus mainly on perfecting their strokes and building endurance with each to swim longer distances. Beginner/developing 7-10 year olds with 0-2 years experience. This group can swim 50 meters of backstroke and freestyle without stopping and with proper breathing technique. Stroke techniques/skills are heavily emphasized in this group. Flip turns are introduced and butterfly/breast skills taught. This group is capable of swimming ¾ - 1 mile of training in 2 hrs.
Eligibility: Swimmers must be able to swim a 25 freestyle and backstroke. Goal: To swim 25 yards of each stroke to USA Swimming standards. Focus : All four strokes will continue to be developed plus the 100 IM.
Tadpoles
Overview: This is our entry level group. An athlete only needs to have basic knowledge of front and back stroke to enter this group. Athletes focus mainly on learning four competitive strokes, learning start and turn technique and having fun. Beginner 5-8 year old swimmers. New swimmers with 0-1 year experience who must be able to complete 25 meters of freestyle (with rotary breathing) and backstroke unaided to be on the team OR have completed level 3 swim lessons. During the first year, there will be heavy emphasis on freestyle and backstroke kicking, breathing, and stroke technique. As the summer progresses, beginning breastroke/butterfly skills will be taught. Training of our tadpole group will be separated from the other groups during the Spring so that we can “heavily” concentrate on this beginner group.
Eligibility: Swimmers must be able to swim a 25 freestyle and backstroke. Goal: To swim 25 yards of each stroke to USA Swimming standards. Focus: Butterfly and breaststroke will be introduced.
