Swordfish Practice Groups

Each practice groups’ eligibility criteria are set by the coaches. Below are the standards for each competitive practice group; however, the standards for these groups may change as the team grows.  All group changes are approved by the coaches. As swimmers move up to a new group there will be an adjustment period to allow them to acclimate to the increased workload.

Equipment provided by Swordfish: Kick board, Pull Buoy, Paddles

Equipment to be purchased by swimmer: Goggles, Center Snorkel, Fins, Practice suit, Water Bottle

Attendance required: 2/3/4 days per week depending on Squad

Blue Group

This group is the introductory group to our program. This group builds upon four competitive and legal strokes balancing skill work with interval swimming.  Swimmers will begin to connect drills with proficient whole strokes. A mixture of skill, conditioning, racing, and fun is interspersed weekly within the practice schedule.   Group Blue swimmers develop solid practice habits and race strategies for successful age group swimming. This group is ideal for a new swimmer without year round swimming experience.

Yellow Group

This group places a strong emphasis on training and developing focused, efficient strokes and race habits. Practices are offered with an integrated dryland program.  Athletes are encouraged to attend atleast 3 workouts a week to develop a consistent practice schedule and understand the relationship between attendance and meet results.  We see many swimmers in this group having the potential to represent the Swordfish Swim Team at EFSL Short Distance Championships.

Gold Group

This group is ideal for swimmers with prior competitive swimming experience who wish to achieve high levels of swimming. Gold Group athletes are expected to develop a consistent practice schedule and understand the relationship between attendance and meet results. In addition to challenging training, athletes will refine strokes, set goals for meets, and demonstrate a love for racing. The development of physical maturation along with mental and emotional readiness are important components in determining a swimmer's readiness for this group.  This group are regular participants at EFSL Long and Short Distance Championships.