The Cache Valley Marlins uses a “progressive” age group program designed to develop the child physically, mentally and emotionally in a systematic fashion. A well-defined, long-term approach of gradually increasing degrees of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels during a swimmer’s physiological prime. The emphasis in the early stages of participation must be placed on developing technical skills and a love for the sport. In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge must be introduced to the training program. In this respect, “too much too soon” is more often the cause of failure to achieve maximum potential in senior swimming than in the reverse situation.

In addition to emphasizing long-term rather than short-term results, it is also important that we establish training groups of swimmers who are compatible in respect to abilities, commitment levels and goals. Unfortunately, this is not always the most convenient approach to take, but it is always the most productive.

At each level, the goals and objectives are specific and directed toward meeting the needs of the swimmer. The long term goal of total excellence is always in mind. As each child is different, he/she will progress at his/her own rate. The coaching staff recognizes this fact by making team assignments based on a swimmer’s physical, mental, and emotional level of development.

Platinum

The senior team consists of swimmers that exhibit a high level of swimming and workout ability. These swimmers are expected to be mature, motivated, dedicated, responsible, and dependable. As our more advanced swimmers increase their commitment to swimming, we insist that they maintain good academic standing. 

Platinum Team swimmers are well-versed in technique and strategy. They are also a full-fledged training group. Generally, they have a skill level commensurate with State Championship time standards on up to Sectional Level swimming. Most of the swimmers in the Platinum group are between the ages of 14-18 years old. Workouts for the Platinum Team are offered 5-6 days a week and usually last two hours each day.

Platinum is designed as a stepping stone into National level swimming. The Platinum team is made up of swimmers striving to get out-of-state meet cuts, including Far Westerns, Zones, Sectionals, Jr. Nationals.  Swimmers are required to maintain 90% attendance based on 6 practices/week. Swimmers in Platinum are committed to improving their level of ability and fitness. 

Gold Team

These swimmers have started to exhibit good swimming skills. They spend their time equally between stroke technique and training skills and processes. Gold Team swimmers are offered practices five days a week where workouts are one and a half hours per day.

Gold is designed as a stepping stone into senior swimming. Working to do the faster distances and send-offs. Works all the sets. Competition is expected at this level. State level Championship competition. Swimmers are required to maintain 85% attendance based on practice 5 times/week.

Silver Team

Becoming efficient at breaststroke, butterfly, and IM.  Working on front and back starts, turns and finishes, becoming fit by doing 40-60 minute aerobic sets 3-4 times a week.  Learning how to read the pace clock.  Participation in competitive swim meets is strongly encouraged at least once a month.  Practice attendance: 4-5 times/week

 Bronze Team

The majority of time is spent working on refining stroke mechanics. These swimmers have started to exhibit good swimming skills and will be introduced to some training skills and processes. Bronze Team swimmers swim for 1.5 hours 2/week.

Can swim 25 yd. freestyle w/rotary breathing and backstroke, know breaststroke and butterfly (with fins), flips turns and front dives.  May attend one meet per month, check with coach concerning events.  Practice attendance: 2 practices/week. 

Minnow Team

Minnow Team is an entry level developmental group for children interested in beginning competitive swimming. We continue to develop all 4 strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly) and provide opportunities to compete in swim meets to help them prepare to advance to higher groups on the team. Swimmers in this group must know all 4 competitive strokes with legal breastroke kicking and arms, as well as mechanics of butterfly. Swim 2 days/week for 1 hour.