Age Group Programs: Our Age Group program is primarily geared towards elementary-aged swimmers. This group is divided into two groups, Age Group 1 (AG1) and Age Group 2 (AG2)

Age Group 1 (AG1): 

    Practice duration & frequency: 45 minutes, 4 times per week

 

Skill expectations: 

  • 8 & Under - unassisted 25 Freestyle with attempted side breathing, unassisted 25 Backstroke, ability to attend to directions, confidence in deep water

  • 9-12 - unassisted 25 Freestyle with side breathing, unassisted 25 Backstroke, attempted Breaststroke and Butterfly, attempt at racing dive

 

Equipment: goggles (recommend mirrored when outdoors), competition swim suit (jammers or briefs for boys, one piece for girls)

 

Description: Our Age Group 1 swimmers focus on long-term development, with a continued emphasis on fundamental technique in all four strokes, starts, and turns. This group introduces concepts of structured swim practices: lane etiquette, reading pace clocks, and being a good teammate. Swimmers will acquire skills through drill progressions and constant feedback, with an emphasis on timing and connection. Swimmers in this group are encouraged to compete in area swim meets and attend the State A and/or B Championship Meet.

Age Group 2 (AG2):

Practice duration & frequency: 45-90 minutes, 4-5 times per week

 

Skill expectations: 

  • 4 legal strokes, racing dive, flip turns

 

Equipment: goggles (recommend mirrored when outdoors), competition swim suit (jammers or briefs for boys, one piece for girls)

 

Description: Our Age Group 2 training sessions continue to prioritize proper stroke mechanics and developing an aerobic base. Swimmers progress from proper body position and kick, to working on timing, connection, and kinetic chains. The length and intensity of training sessions increase, with an IM focus (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle). Practices will incorporate some race pace training to teach specific race strategies, without compromising fundamental techniques.  Swimmers in the Age Group 2 group should plan to compete in several swim meets each season, including State A and/or B Championship meets.

 

Junior Group Programs: Our Junior Group program is primarily geared towards middle school-aged swimmers. This group is divided into two groups, Juniors 1 (JR1) and Juniors 2 (JR2)

Junior Group 1 (JR1): 

    Practice duration & frequency: 45-90 minutes, 5 times per week

 

Skill expectations: 

  • Unassisted 25 Freestyle with side breathing, unassisted 25 Backstroke, attempted Breaststroke and Butterfly, attempt at racing dive

 

Equipment: goggles (recommend mirrored when outdoors), competition swim suit (jammers or briefs for boys, one piece for girls), fins, swim-specific snorkel, paddles, light stretch cord

 

Description: This group is for middle school swimmers who are new to competitive swimming. Swimmers in the Junior group develop efficiency in all four competitive strokes, with a continued IM focus. Juniors will begin to develop an increased capacity for the "fifth stroke" (underwater dolphin kick). Training for the Junior group is built throughout the season at a rate that does not compromise technique, while still incorporating race pace and race-specific work. Swimmers in the Junior group should plan to compete in several swim meets each season, including State A and/or B Championship meets.

Junior Group 2 (JR2):

Practice duration & frequency: 60-90 minutes, 5 times per week

 

Skill expectations: 

  • 4 legal strokes, racing dive, flip turns

 

Equipment: goggles (recommend mirrored when outdoors), competition swim suit (jammers or briefs for boys, one piece for girls), fins, swim-specific snorkel, paddles, light stretch cord

 

Description: This group is for middle school swimmers who are serious about the sport of swimming. While participation in other sports and activities is encouraged, swimmers in this group should plan to swim as often as possible, with a minimum of three practices per week. Swimmers in the Junior group develop efficiency and speed in all four competitive strokes, with a continued IM focus. Swimmers in the Junior group should plan to compete in several swim meets each season, including State A and/or B Championship meets.

 

Senior Group Programs: Our Senior Group program is primarily geared towards high school-aged swimmers. This group is divided into two groups, Seniors 1 (SR1) and Seniors 2 (SR2)

Senior Group 1 (SR1): 

Practice duration & frequency: 60-90 minutes, 5 times per week, optional morning and Saturday practices

 

Skill expectations: 

  • 4 legal strokes, racing dive, flip turns. Depending on available lane space, there may be opportunities for first-time swimmers to join this group without having all 4 competitive strokes mastered. 

 

Equipment: goggles (recommend mirrored when outdoors), competition swim suit (jammers or briefs for boys, one piece for girls), fins, swim-specific snorkel, paddles, light stretch cord, 3 loofahs

 

Description: This group is for high school swimmers who enjoy swimming, but may be involved in other activities, including other high school sports that prevent them from attending every day. While participation in other sports and activities is encouraged, swimmers in this group should plan to swim as often as possible. Swimmers in SR1  develop efficiency and speed in all four competitive strokes, with a continued IM focus. Swimmers in the Senior group should plan to compete in several swim meets each season, including State A and/or B Championship meets.

Senior Group 2 (SR2):

Practice duration & frequency: 90-120 minutes, 5 times per week; required morning and Saturday practices. 80% attendance mandatory.

 

Skill expectations: 

  • 4 legal strokes, racing dive, flip turns, ability to make a 1:30/100 pace consistently

 

Equipment: goggles (recommend mirrored when outdoors), competition swim suit (jammers or briefs for boys, one piece for girls), fins, swim-specific snorkel, paddles, light stretch cord, 3 loofahs

 

Description: This group is for high school swimmers who are serious about competitive swimming. Athletes in this group have committed to prioritizing swimming over all other extracurricular activities. Swimmers in SR2 will have qualifying times for the South Dakota State Championship Meet, with aspirations to qualify for national-level meets such as Sectionals, Futures, and Junior Nationals; or aspirations to swim in college. Swimmers in the Senior group should plan to compete in several swim meets each season, including State A Championship meets.