NOVICE

Named because novice are new to the sport and leaving the safety of swimming lessons to start a new journey.

Age Recommendation

4 - 11

Competitor Level:

Transition from swimming lessons to competitive swimming

Training Focus: 

This program prepares swimmers to transition from swimming lessons to competitive swimming in a fun and supportive environment. Swimmers will learn pool etiquette such as circle swimming, basic drills to develop a strong Freestyle, Backstroke and kick development. Swimmers will explore the water and become comfortable using competition goggles, performing sit dives and somersaults.   Good listening skills are expected to follow instructions and learn what is expected at a swim practice.   

Requirements: 

• Swimmer must have some prior swimming experience such as swimming lessons
• Swimmers must listen to their coach at all times and be respectful to the coach and other swimmers.
• Coach may not be in water, so swimmers must be able to support themselves at all times.
• This group is designed as a transition from swim lessons to swim team, and is non-competitive
• 1 practice per week

HATCHLINGS

(Named because hatching alligators have sharp teeth and strong jaws but are protected by their mother for up to two years.)

Age Recommendation

6-10 (5 with coach & parent approval)

Competitor Level:

Beginner/Early Intermediate

Training Focus: 

This program introduces the fundamentals of competitive swimming in a fun and supportive environment. Swimmers will develop all four strokes while learning essential skills such as starts, turns, racing procedures, and pool etiquette. Emphasis is placed on backstroke and freestyle techniques, proper use of equipment, understanding basic swim sets, and fostering good sportsmanship. Participants are expected to listen attentively and maintain focus throughout practice to maximize their learning experience.

Requirements: 

• Swim without nose plugs or snorkel mask (goggles that cover the nose) 
• Swim a 25 Freestyle with head in the water without stopping in under 1:00
• Swim a 25 backstroke with proper body positioning without stopping in under 1:10
• Be able to do a somersault in the water
• Be able to do a sit dive
• Arrive at practice on time and prepared, listens well to instructions, can take turns, 
• Attend 2-3 practices per week
• Attend 1 meet per season

POD

(named because young alligators stay in with their pod until their hunting skills are more developed and they grow in size)

Age Recommendation

8-11 (7 with coach & parent approval)

Competitor Level

Intermediate/Early Advanced

Training Focus: 

This program builds a strong foundation in competitive swimming within a fun and supportive environment. Swimmers will refine all four strokes while developing skills such as efficient starts, flip turns, open turns, and racing strategies. Additional focus will be placed on pace clock management, interval training, stroke transitions, and underwater technique. Emphasis is given to building endurance, proper use of training equipment, understanding more complex swim sets, and fostering discipline and sportsmanship. Participants are expected to listen attentively, stay engaged, and demonstrate focus throughout practice to enhance their performance and progression.

Requirements: 

• Swim a 50 freestyle without stopping, in under :55 seconds using side breathing
• Swim a 50 backstroke without stopping, in under 1:00 seconds
• Swim a 25 Butterfly without stopping
• Swim a 25 Breaststroke without stopping
• Be able to do a flip turn off the wall
• Be able to do a proper competitive start off the block
• Know fundamental butterfly stroke & kick (does not have to be together)
• Know fundamental breaststroke (full stroke)
• USA Swimming Membership high recommended
• Dryland 2 times per week
• 2-3 practices per week
• 2+ meets per season (meet participation is essential to development)

LEGENDS

(Named to be a play on the gators who become legends by eating people or by being huge and terrifying Floridians, etc.)

Age Recommendation

13+ (12 with coach & parent approval)

Competitor Level: 

Elite swimmers

Training Focus: 

This program is designed for high-performance athletes committed to excelling in competitive swimming. Swimmers will master all four strokes through intense aerobic and anaerobic training, advanced interval and pace work, and targeted dryland conditioning to maximize speed, endurance, and power. Swimmers will focus on discipline, mental fortitude, and race execution to push beyond their limits. Ownership of practice habits, goal-driven training, and leadership development are essential expectations. Swimmers should demonstrate commitment, resilience, and a champion mindset.

Requirements:

• Swimmers must complete this test set with proper technique:
• 10 X 100 freestyle @ 1:55
• 5 X 200 freestyle @ 3:45
• 1 X 400 IM @ 8:00
• 3 X 200 IM @ 4:00
• 4 X 100 flutter kick @ 2:00
• USA Swimming Membership
• Strength Training 4 times per week
• 4+ Practices per week
• 4+ Meets per season (meet participation is essential to development)
• (50m Freestyle under 44.40, 50m Backstroke under 49.95)