New and first year swimmers. Age: 9 & under

This group will learn basic fundamentals of competitive swimming. All 4 strokes, starts, and streamlining will be the focus. The coaches will also teach new swimmers what is expected and appropriate at swim meets. Swimmers must be able to swim 2 lengths of freestyle and 1 length of another stroke. Swimmers are encouraged to sign up for a beginning gymnastic class. This is beneficial for developing strength and body awareness. Practice Commitment:  2 per week required; 9 per month suggested.

1-2 yrs swimming experience Age: 9 & under

This group will further develop their skills through the teaching of better awareness of basic concepts of all strokes. Swimmers will be taught beginning skills of using a pace clock and lane management. Swimmers are encouraged to sign up for a beginning gymnastic class. This is beneficial for developing strength and body awareness. Practice Commitment:  2 per week required; 9 per month suggested.

1-2 yrs swimming experience Age: 8 - 11

This group will strive to improve their proficiency in all 4 competitive strokes and work towards improving their endurance while maintaining proper stroke technique. Practice Commitment:  2 per week required; 3 per week suggested; 12 per month suggested.

Gold

2-4 yrs swimming experience Age: 9 and Over

This group will continue to improve their proficiency in all 4 competitive strokes with more emphasis on improving the swimmers ability to swim longer events in all strokes. Swimmers at this level will begin to

understand how competitive swimming is structured and set goals according to that structure. ( Qualifying times needed for entry to meets) Swimmers in this group will be encouraged to participate in not only

YMCA swimming but also USA Swimming. At this level, swimmers are beginning to make a commitment to swimming, but still encourage to be involved in other activities. Practice Commitment:  3 per week required; 14 per month suggested.

Junior

 Advanced Skills/League Qualifier Age: 10 & over

The primary focus of this group is to begin to put it together: technique, endurance, goal setting, and commitment. Swimmers in this group are beginning to focus mainly on swimming over other activities. Practice intensity will increase while mastering proper stroke technique. Swimmers will see the link between consistent practice attendance and steady improvement. Most swimmers in the Junior group

will participate in USA Swimming meets along with our commitment to YMCA Swimming. Swimmers must be able to show they belong in this group by their efforts and ability. Practice Commitment:  3 per week required; 15 per month STRONGLY suggested.

Advanced Skills/Zone Qualifier Age: 12 & over

In this group, swimmers will continue their mastery of advanced stroke technique, racing skills, and more endurance intensity to prepare them for their time in high school swimming. In addition to time at the pool,

swimmers are encourage to set goals, be more aware of proper nutrition, and manage their time away from swimming. All swimmers in this group should be swimming both YMCA and USA Swimming. Practice Commitment: Senior swimmers should be committed to four practices per week and at least 16 per  month.