TIDALWAVE GROUP DESCRIPTIONS

 

RIPTIDES (Beginner & Advanced Development)

Ages 4 - 8

The Riptides group is designed for swimmers ages 4–8 and serves as the entry-level program for young athletes learning the fundamentals of competitive swimming. Practice is offered 5 days per week, but attendance is not mandatory. USA Swimming registration is encouraged for advanced swimmers but is not required.

Training Expectations

• Swimmers are expected to attend 3 YMCA regular season meets, YMCA State Championships, and any championship meets for which they qualify.

• If registered with USA Swimming, participation in Palmetto Championships is expected for advanced swimmers.

• Swimming is the primary focus, with an emphasis on skill development, technique, and having fun.

Beginner Riptides

• Swimmers ages 4–8 should be able to swim 15 meters of the pool using freestyle.

• Focus is on learning the four legal competitive strokes, having fun, and perfecting start and turn technique.

Advanced Riptides

• Swimmers ages 6–8 should be able to swim 1 length of the pool using freestyle (front crawl) with good form and either demonstrate rotary breathing or attempt it.

• Focus is on learning all four legal competitive strokes, refining start and turn technique, and enjoying the swimming experience.

Advancement

Swimmers in the Riptides group are expected to progress to the Minnows group as they develop technique, skill, and confidence in the water.

 

MINNOWS (Beginner & Advanced Development)

Ages 9 - 10

The Minnows group is designed for swimmers ages 9–10 and serves as the entry-level program for learning competitive swimming fundamentals. Practice is offered 5 days per week, but attendance is not mandatory. USA Swimming registration is encouraged for advanced swimmers but is not required.

Training Expectations

• Swimmers are expected to attend 3 YMCA regular season meets, YMCA State Championships, and any championship meets for which they qualify.

• If registered with USA Swimming, participation in Palmetto Championships is expected for advanced swimmers.

• Swimming is the primary focus, with an emphasis on skill development, technique, and preparation for competitive meets.

Beginner Minnows

• Swimmers should be able to swim 1 length of the pool using freestyle (front crawl) with good form and either demonstrate rotary breathing or attempt it.

• Focus is on learning the four legal competitive strokes, having fun, and perfecting start and turn technique.

• Swimmers begin to train with basic set intervals while continuing to focus mainly on technique.

Advanced Minnows

• Swimmers are able to perform all four competitive strokes.

• Swimmers can be dive certified from the starting block.

• Swimmers can complete a 50-meter freestyle in 50 seconds or less, or meet coach recommendation.

• Focus is on refining technique, developing race skills, and preparing for progression to the Dolphins group.

Advancement

Swimmers in the Minnows group are expected to strive toward advancement to the Dolphins group as they develop technique, skill, and race experience.

 

DOLPHINS (Devolpmental Group)

Age 11 - 17

The Dolphins group is designed for swimmers ages 11–17 who are progressing in the sport and have not yet achieved a championship-level time standard. Swimmers in this group should be able to perform at least two strokes legally and are beginning to train with basic set intervals while continuing to focus primarily on technique.

Training Expectations

• Practice is offered 5 times per week, with morning practices available 2 days per week.

• Swimmers are encouraged to attend regularly, but there is no required minimum attendance.

• Dryland conditioning sessions are included to develop strength, core stability, shoulder and leg strength, and overall body control and coordination.

• Swimming is the primary activity at this stage, with a focus on skill development and preparation for competitive meets.

Group Purpose & Focus

Dolphins group athletes focus on:

• Improving individual times and overall performance

• Mastering training etiquette, advanced stroke mechanics, and race strategies

• Developing goal-setting skills, proper nutrition habits, and mental preparation

• Handling increasing training workloads and building consistent, committed training habits

This group emphasizes skill development and foundational training to prepare athletes for progression to the Shark group.

Eligibility Criteria

Acceptance into the Dolphins group is based on coach evaluation and available space. Swimmers should demonstrate the ability to follow instructions, exhibit self-control, listen well during practices, and show commitment to developing as competitive swimmers.

Training Priorities

Pool training, stroke refinement, race strategy, and dryland conditioning are all essential components of the Dolphins program. Swimmers in this group will strive to achieve a BB motivational time standard for their age group in the 50 Free and 500 Free.

Focus Meets

Dolphins athletes are required to attend 3 YMCA regular season meets plus YMCA State Championships. Participation in meets is an essential part of the program and supports skill development and competitive experience.

Advancement

Swimmers in this group are expected to aim for advancement to the Shark group as they meet performance and skill milestones.

 

JR. SHARKS (Intermediate Age Group)

Ages 9-11

The Jr. Sharks group is designed for swimmers ages 9–11 and serves as a bridge to YMCA and USA Swimming state, regional, and sectional levels of competition. The minimum age for entry into this group is 9 years old. Acceptance into Jr. Sharks is based on available space at the site and coach evaluation.

Training Expectations

• Practice is offered 5 times per week.

• Swimmers are expected to maintain at least 70% attendance at scheduled water practices.

• Dryland conditioning sessions are included as part of the program to support overall strength and development.

• Swimmers must be registered with USA Swimming to participate in the group.

• Swimming is the primary activity at this stage, and meet and practice attendance is the main focus.

Group Purpose & Focus

Jr. Sharks athletes focus on:

• Developing aerobic capacity through increased volume, intensity, and kicking

• Progressive stroke technique development

• Learning race strategies

• Establishing proper nutrition habits

• Individual goal setting and mental preparation

Eligibility Criteria

Acceptance into the Jr. Sharks group is based on coach evaluation and available space. Swimmers must demonstrate a commitment to training, willingness to develop technique, and readiness to compete in YMCA and USA Swimming meets.

Training Priorities

Pool training, stroke technique refinement, race strategy, and dryland conditioning are all essential components of the Jr. Sharks program. These elements prepare swimmers for advancement to the Shark group and higher levels of competitive swimming.

Focus Meets

Jr. Sharks athletes are expected to participate in:

• Capital Classic

• Age Group State Championships

• Sectionals

• YMCA State Championships

• YMCA Regionals

• Palmetto Championships

SHARKS (Advanced Age Group)

Ages 12 - 14

The Shark group is designed for swimmers age 12 and older who are ready to commit to an intense training schedule. This is our most advanced age group training level and is intended for athletes who are beginning to train on a more committed basis.

Training Expectations

• Swimmers are expected to participate in regular pool practices as scheduled, with a minimum of 75% attendance.

• Dryland training sessions are included as part of the program to support overall strength and development.

• Technique work continues to be emphasized, but training focus shifts toward endurance and race preparation for the first time in the athlete’s development.

• Swimmers must be registered with USA Swimming to compete in meets.

• Competition at swim meets is expected, and participation in USA Swimming events is also required.

Group Purpose & Focus

Shark group athletes focus on:

• Training for the 200 Individual Medley and 500 Freestyle events

• Developing endurance, strength, and race skills

• Committing to growth and development as competitive swimmers

Not all middle school-aged swimmers are included in this group; swimmers are placed into the group that best matches their ability and readiness.

Eligibility Criteria

Swimmers in the Shark group must meet at least one of the following qualifications:

• YMCA Regional qualification

• USA State qualification

• Sectional qualification

Athletes in this group are expected to aim for advancement to the Senior II group as they develop. Admission and continuation are based on ability, commitment, attendance, and coach evaluation.

Focus Meets

Swimmers in the Shark group are expected to attend:

• Capital Classic

• Age Group Championships

• YMCA State Championships

• Palmetto Championships

• YMCA Regionals

• Age Group Sectionals

• All other championship meets for which they qualify

 

SENIORS II (Advanced Devolpment)

Age 12 - 18

The Senior II group is designed for swimmers ages 12–18 who are generally performing at the South Carolina Swimming State Championship level. This group is highly committed to helping athletes transition to the senior level of the sport, emphasizing advanced technique, endurance, and competitive development.

Training Expectations

• Practice is offered up to eight times per week.

• Swimmers are expected to maintain at least 80% attendance at scheduled water practices.

• Dryland training and weight-lifting sessions are required components of the program, though they are not included in attendance calculations.

• Swimmers must be registered with USA Swimming to participate in this group.

• Full participation in all championship meets they qualify for is required.

Group Purpose & Focus

Senior II focuses on preparing swimmers for national-level performance and progression to the Senior I group. Key areas of development include:

• Stroke technique and racing strategy

• Endurance and strength

• Personal accountability and time management

• Balancing training with outside activities

Swimming is becoming a primary activity at this stage, and vacations or other commitments should be planned in balance with the practice and meet schedule. In cases of conflict, training should take a higher priority.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission and continuation in Senior II are by invitation only and are based on coach evaluation, considering:

• Proven commitment and consistent attendance

• Technical ability and work ethic

• Time management and personal responsibility

• High character and adaptability

This group focuses on addressing each athlete’s individual needs to help them excel in the sport. Technique, dryland, and strength training are integral parts of the program to support long-term development. Swimmers in this group should aim to advance to the Senior I group as they continue to develop.

Training Priorities

Pool training, technique refinement, dryland conditioning, and weight-lifting are all key components of the Senior II program.

Focus Meets

Athletes in Senior II are expected to attend:

• Capital Classic

• USA State Championships

• YMCA Regionals

• Palmetto Championships

• YMCA State Championships

• Any other championship meets for which they qualify

 

SENIORS I (High Performance)

Age 15 & Over 

The Senior I group is designed for swimmers age 15 and older who are committed to training and competing at the highest levels of competitive swimming. This group emphasizes advanced stroke technique, racing skills, and high-performance development through intensive pool workouts, structured dryland sessions, and strength training.

Training Expectations

• Swimmers must be capable of training freestyle on at least a 1:10 per 100-yard base.

• Practice is offered 8 times per week, with 2-hour sessions.

• Swimmers are expected to maintain a minimum of 85% attendance, which applies to water time only.

• Dryland training and weight-lifting sessions are required parts of the program, though they are not included in attendance calculations.

• Attendance is monitored monthly.

• Full participation in all scheduled championship meets is required.

Group Purpose & Focus

Senior I prepares athletes for national and international-level competition while also building the foundation for success in collegiate swimming.
The group focuses on:

• Leadership

• Performance goal setting

• Training commitment

• Personal accountability and responsibility

• Maximizing preparation for high-level competition

Vacations and outside activities should be planned around the team’s practice and meet schedule to uphold the integrity and expectations of this high-achieving group.

Eligibility Criteria

Senior I is intended for swimmers who are:

• 15 & over

• Generally at the YMCA National level or within 3–5% of a YMCA National Championship standard

• Comparable in ability and training level to the current group

Admission and continuation are by invitation only and are based on (but not limited to):

• Demonstrated commitment and strong attendance

• Consistent work ethic and ability level

• Time management skills

• High character and responsibility

• Willingness to adapt, grow, and uphold team standards

Training Priorities

Pool training, technique development, dryland conditioning, and weight-lifting are all essential components of the Senior I program. These elements work together to support each athlete’s long-term development and high-performance success.

Focus Meets

Athletes in Senior I target the following competitions:

• Capital Classic

• Junior Nationals

• YMCA Nationals

• Designated Summer Championship Meet

• USA Nationals

• Olympic Trials

 

Please contact the Head Coach to schedule placement

susanN@summervilleymca.org