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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