| Our team is divided into multiple groups (see below), allowing swimmers to train at their own level alongside peers of similar age and ability. Please remember that practice groups are ultimately, and solely decided by the coaching staff, and are never automatic (e.g. turning a certain age, or attaining times). Coaches will take into account meet and practice performance, physical and social maturity, age, commitment, attendance, and overall preparedness for the next group before promoting a swimmer. | ||
| Group Name | Group Description | Age Range |
| Mighty Marlins | This is the first practice group for our year-round team. Swimmers in this group will focus on basic drill and technique work for the 4 competitive strokes. Swimmers will also focus on basic training principles, such as: using a pace clock, and proper competitive starts and turns. We expect swimmers to attend local swim meets with SMAC. The swimmers in this group will join the local summer team (e.g. Crozet Gators or Piranhas) in June and July and rejoin SMAC in late August. Requirements: Swimmers must be able to do a length, 25 meters, of both freestyle and backstroke, as well as demonstrate a knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly. |
6 - 10 |
| Age Group 1 | Our program for slightly more experienced younger swimmers. Swimmers in this group will begin to learn more advanced drills and technical skills for the 4 competitive strokes. They will also be introduced to practice skills needed to continue on with their swim futures. Practice skills include starting to read the pace clock, practice attitude, and increased aerobic training. Swimmers in AG1 can participate in long course (50 meter pool in Waynesboro) and/or join their summer league (e.g. Crozet Gators or Park Piranhas) in July and August. Requirements: Swimmers must be able to legally complete a 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 25m breaststroke, and a 25m fly. Must be able to swim a legal 100 IM. |
7 - 11 |
| Age Group 2 | Our program for our most experienced 9-12 year old swimmers. Swimmers in this group will continue to focus on advanced drill and technique work for the 4 competitive strokes, as well as a rigorous aerobic training regimen. Swimmers in AG2 are encouraged to participate in long course (50 meter pool in Waynesboro) and/or join their summer league (e.g. Crozet Gators or Park Piranhas) in June and July. Requirements: Swimmers must be able to legally complete a 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, and a 50m fly. Must be able to swim a legal 200 IM. Age Group 2 swimmers should be able to complete 8 x 100 on 2:15. Swimmers in this group should have at least 'B' times in several events. By mid-season swimmers should be comfortable swimming a 500 freestyle. 75% practice attendance is considered the minimum. |
8 - 11 |
| Age Group 3 | Our program for our top 10-13 year olds. This group of swimmers will have the goal of qualifying for Age Group Champs and earning a lane to swim in Finals. Swimmers in this group will be held to a high standard of practice discipline, attendance and attitude. Swimmers in this group will continue to focus on advanced drill and technique work for the 4 competitive strokes, as well as a rigorous aerobic training regimen. Swimmers in AG3 are encouraged to participate in long course (50 meter pool in Waynesboro) and/or join their summer league (e.g. Crozet Gators or Park Piranhas) in June and July. AG3 Requirements: 'BB' times in several events. Complete 8 x 100 on 1:45 and 8 x 100 kick on 2:20. 66% practice attendance is considered the minimum. |
10 - 13 |
| Senior Prep | Our program for top age-group swimmers who have chosen swimming as their primary sport and have made the commitment to train at the highest level. Swimmers in this group should have the qualified for 12U Age Group Champs and should have a goal of finaling at Age Group Champs. 13-14 year old swimmers should be comitted to achieving Age Group Champ qualifying times. Swimmers in this group will be held to the highest standards of practice discipline, attendance and attitude. These swimmers are expected to compete with SMAC throughout the Long Course Season. Requirements: Must recieve an invitation from the Coach. Reccomended 5-6 days per week of training, athletes participating in other sports should make as many practices as possible. 12-13 year olds must be able to complete 8x100m @1:25 freestyle, kick 8x100m @1:55. |
13-14 |
| Senior | This is our top-level practice group. Our program for our swimmers who have chosen swimming as their primary sport and have made the commitment to train at the highest level. Swimmers in this group will be held to the highest standards of practice discipline, attendance, and attitude. These swimmers are expected to compete with SMAC throughout the Long Course Season and lead the team by example. Swimmers in this group should have the goal of competing at a national and/or collegiate level. Requirements: 90% practice attendance. Must meet with the Coach to determine if you are fully committed to this group. This is also our group designed for swimmers who seek to continue to enhance their level of skill. As swimmers in this group will vary in their ability level, this group will be broken into training intervals that are swimmer-specific, best suited to their needs and goals. Coaches balance establishing a base of technique and aerobic systems catering to individual needs and goals of each athlete. Must be in 9nth grade to enter this group. |
14+ |
| HS Prep / Junior | Swimmers in this group will range from a variety of ability and commitment levels. Swimmers in this group may have the goal of swimming in high school, staying in shape for summer swim or may play multiple sports/activities and want to continue swimming. Requirements: Swimmers should be comfortable and safe in the water. Swimmers must be willing to try what the Coaching staff asks them to do. |
8th grade and above |
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