Gamecock Aquatics Practice Group Descriptions

 

Gamecock Aquatics practice groups fit the needs of swimmers of all ages and ability levels. Please keep in mind that the age ranges presented are not fixed. There are many factors that go into group placement. These group descriptions are provided only to give a sense of our team’s structure and the progression your child is likely to follow as he/she moves through our swimming program. As with any successful organization, there must be structure. Coaches at times will make moves outside of the designed group guidelines to ensure quality coaching for the individual, group, and team.

 

Please keep in mind that group move-ups are at the coach’s discretion and consider many factors to determine if a swimmer is ready and qualified to succeed in the next level. Gamecock Aquatics emphasizes long term success with every athlete. Some athletes will progress faster than others. Be patient and learn to enjoy the process of becoming a great swimmer. Some factors associated with group move-ups are:

Move-ups will take place twice during the year:  August/September and March/April.  Move-ups are at the coaches' discretion. The December/January move-ups will be sparing, only happening in cases where the group change will not negatively impact the swimmer's progression in the season plan.

 

 

Peeps (Generally Ages 5-8)

Swimmers in this group represent the youngest members of the Gamecock Aquatics program, including those coming from lessons with no team experience.. The main emphasis of this group is to teach the fundamentals of the competitive strokes and the basic skills necessary to begin competitive swim meets. Swimmers in this group will learn how Gamecock Aquatics practices work, including circle swimming, basic pace clock skills, listening to coaches, and respecting teammates.

 

Peeps are encouraged to attend two to four 45-minute practices per week and are offered opportunities to compete in unsanctioned Rubber Duck meets. These meets are only for our novice swimmers and provide an opportunity to learn about what meets are like in a fun, low-pressure environment with only their Gamecock Aquatics coaches and teammates participating.

 

Peeps do learn to use kickboards and long-blade swim fins in practice. A mesh equipment bag is optional for the Peeps group.

 

 

Chicks (Generally Ages 6-10)

Swimmers in this group have a basic understanding of swimming skills in all four competitive strokes. Refinement and continued development of these skills are the main objective of this group. Other activities and sports are encouraged. The basic points of emphasis are having fun, learning proper stroke technique, and an introduction to competition. The Chicks group also learns to do forward and backstroke starts using the USA Swimming Racing Start Certification process.

 

Swimmers in this group are encouraged to attend three or four 60-minute practices per week and generally compete in novice level competitions and the 8 & Under Championships.

 

Chicks will use kickboards, long-blade swim fins, and swim snorkels in practice. A mesh equipment bag is recommended for this group. Swimmers should bring a full water bottle to practice.

 

 

Roosters & Hens (Generally Ages 8-11)

Swimmers in this group have had an introduction to competitive swimming. Stroke technique will continue to be refined with the addition of endurance and conditioning. In addition, goal setting, race strategy, and understanding of time standards are emphasized. Swimmers in this group generally compete in novice level competitions, age group meets, the Palmetto Championships and qualifying meets such as the SC Age Group Championships.

 

Swimmers are encouraged to attend four or five 90-minute practices per week. Two practices each week will be an extra 15 minutes in length to introduce basic dryland work (exercises done out of the water to increase strength and flexibility, designed specifically to support swimmers).

 

Roosters and Hens will use kickboards, long-blade swim fins, swim snorkels, and pull buoys in practice. A mesh equipment bag is required for this group. Swimmers must bring a full water bottle to practice. Swimmers must wear athletic shoes to practice on dryland days.

 

 

Gamecocks will use kickboards, long-blade swim fins, swim snorkels, pull buoys, and paddles in practice. A mesh equipment bag is required for this group. Swimmers must bring a full water bottle to practice. Swimmers must wear athletic shoes to practice on dryland days.