The ages stated below are just general guidelines and do not specifically determine group eligibility.
Prep Group 1 - Ages 8 and Younger
This program might be seen as an extension of summer league, with a low time commitment and high degree of instruction in the four competitive strokes and basic swimming fundamentals. Swimmers would be registered with USA Swimming and would be eligible to swim in meets based on coaches recommendation.
Prep Group 2 - Ages 9 - 11
This group also emphasizes consistency over commitment, with a predominance of instruction and skill building. These swimmers will also be registered with USA Swimming and eligible to swim in meets based on coaches recommendation.
Age Group 1 - Ages 8 and Younger
This group offers the young swimmer more of a challenge and an opportunity to “train” towards being his or her best with the addition of one more practice per week. Emphasis on stroke and skill development is still very high, but “hard work” will still be introduced in small doses and with a lot of fun. A light dry land will be incorporated. Two practices per week are encouraged. Swimmers may be invited to a third based on coaches recommendation.
Age Group 2 - Ages 9 - 11
This group will still maintain a high level of stroke instruction and attention to fundamentals (about 70% of their time), but will begin to train for the longer events (50s, 100s, and 200 yard events) that are available to them in the meet schedule. Swimmers will be encouraged to set goals and be mindful of the goals in their training. A light dry land training regimen will also be introduced at this level. A minimum of three practices per week are encouraged.
Age Group 3 - Ages 10 - 13
Age Group 3 consists of swimmers with the motivation and experience to commit to more practice time per week. This group will still have a strong emphasis on technical development, but will begin to train with more purpose and consistency. Swimmers will be challenged to set and be accountable to purposeful goals. Dry land training will be more intense. Four practices per week is recommended for this group. Participation at meets is expected.
Pre-Senior 1 - Ages 11 - 14
Pre-Senior 1 is a beginning step into training toward the longer distances of the older age groups. Workouts will still have a high degree of technical focus, but aerobic based training, speed work, and strength
improvements will all be gauged more consistently. Goal setting and psychology are essential components of this program. Dry land will be geared toward seeing marked improvements in strength and flexibility. A minimum of four practices per week maintaining a minimum of 75% practice attendance is required. Swimmers may be invited to select morning practices based on coaches recommendation. Participation at meets is expected.
Pre-Senior 2 - Ages 13 and Up
This is a challenging first step into a highly committed program for middle to high school age athletes. Workouts will be geared toward high levels of competition and a commitment to personal excellence. In addition, swimmers will be encouraged to reach beyond their individual goals and demonstrate a commitment to the team whenever possible. Dry land will be much more challenging, and goal setting much more specific. A minimum of Five practices per week maintaining a minimum of 85% practice attendance is required. Swimmers may be invited to select morning practices based on coaches recommendation. Participation in meets is mandatory.
High School Training Group - Ages 14 and Up
This program is designed for swimmers who are focused on training for the High School season. This group is designed to meet the needs of athletes coming from other sports, high school swimmers, or swimmers currently in the Blue Waves program who, based on schedule, cannot commit to the Pre-Senior 1 or 2 programs. The group practices five times a week.
Senior - Ages 14 and Up
Senior level swimmers are at the top of the developmental ladder with the Blue Wave Swim Team. Their training is very focused and purposeful, with goals being set to reach their highest individual potential. Senior swimmers will also be encouraged, at every opportunity, to be positive examples for the younger swimmers on the team. Seven practices per week with the option to do more based on the coaches recommendation, maintaining a minimum of 95% practice attendance. Participation in meets is mandatory.
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