DART GROUP STRUCTURE

AGE GROUP PROGRAM (13/U)

DEVELOPMENTAL GROUPS

DD1 (Davis), Bronze (Natomas): Monday through Friday practices; 50 minutes each session

These are our youngest Darts. This group is working to master all four competitive strokes. The emphasis is on teaching the FUNdamentals by means of drills and games that make swimming fun. Swimmers should be five to eight years of age and able to swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke comfortably. Swimmers can advance to AG 1 or DD 2. There are no mandatory practice requirements and USA swim meets are encouraged but not required. Low-key, fun intrasquad meets are offered through the year.  Falldart and Springdart swimmers join this group. 

DD 2 (Davis), SILVER (Natomas): Monday – Friday practices; 50 minutes each session.  

DD 2/Silver are designed for beginning and intermediate training with a focus on learning skills in a fun environment. DD 3 is for swimmers who swim year-round and are experienced swimmers. Swimmers will learn all four competitive strokes, starts and turns. Swimmers must be able to swim 50 yards of freestyle and backstroke comfortably. There are no mandatory practice requirements; swimmers are encouraged to attend 3 times/week. USA Swim meets are encouraged but not required. Low-key, fun intrasquad meets are offered throughout the year.  Falldart and Springdart swimmers join DD 2 and Silver, and are invited to DD3 when ready. 

DD 3 (Davis), GOLD (Natomas): Monday - Friday practices, 1.25 hours each session

This group is designed for swimmers ages in 7-9th grades who are either novice, intermediate and experienced swimmers.  There are no mandatory practice or meet requirements.  The group will focus on stroke technique with a heavier emphasis on endurance and overall fitness.   Swimmers will be asked to set a goal of 3 workouts per week.  Swim meets are encouraged but optional. 

COMPETITIVE GROUPS

AGE GROUP 1: Monday-Friday practices; 1 hour each session

This group is designed for our top 9/U swimmers who possess all four competitive strokes and the ability to swim 100 Individual Medley.  They will begin to work on gaining endurance and racing skills.   Swimmers in this group are expected to attend three practices weekly and meets regularly. Swimmers can advance to AG 2 or DD2/3 or Silver.

AGE GROUP 2:  Monday-Saturday practices with dryland; sessions are 1.5 - 2 hours in length

This group will be focused on an introduction to a higher level of training with a major focus on stroke technique and race development.  This group will be designed for our top 9, 10 and 11 year old swimmers.  Swimmers will be asked to attend a minimum of three workouts a week with a goal of 4 to 5 workouts, and are expected to attend swim meets regularly. Swimmers can advance to AG 3 or Gold.  

AGE GROUP 3: Monday-Saturday practices with dryland; sessions are 1.5 - 2.5 hours in length

This group will be focused on an introduction to a higher level of training with a major focus on stroke technique and race development. This group is for our top 11-12 year old swimmers. Swimmers will be asked to attend a minimum of four workouts a week with a goal of 5 to 6 workouts, and are expected to attend meets regularly.  11 & 12 swimmers must have 3 BB time standards to be eligible for this group. Swimmers can advance to SR 1 or Gold groups. 

 SENIOR PROGRAM