Practice Groups

March 5th, 2010

The Barracudas are divided into a number of practice groups in order to meet the needs of our members. Each group has specific goals and training purposes, with a progression from beginners to elite athletes. Most of our groups have no expectation of commitment, so our members may come one day per week or five; however, we do stress that regular practice attendance is necessary for your child to get everything out of their training.

Some of our swimmers are here for recreational reasons. They wish to learn to swim better and improve their strokes; others are here because they have dreams of an Olympic Gold Medal. We are a competitive swim program, and we do encourage everyone to reach the highest levels of this sport, we also understand that is not everyone’s dream.

Barracuda Swimming Group Descriptions

Novice Group (NOV): This group is for our beginning swimmers and the focus is to teach the basics of each of the four competitive strokes and racing dives. Basic body positions, proper breathing, lane etiquette, and listening skills are some examples of the skills taught in this group. Also FUN and playing water games is an important part of this group.

  • Ages 5 - 18
  • Requirements: water safe; ability to swim 12 yards of one of the four competitive strokes
  • Attendance Policy: No policy, but children are encouraged to attend practices regularly in order to learn the various skills and techniques
  • Swim Meet Policy: Any swim meet may be attended with coach approval

Age Group Yellow (AGY): Our youngest group of competitive swimmers. These athletes will learn to perfect their basic stroke technique, racing dives and turns, and some basic training ideas. We will also continue building listening skills and how to work with their peers. FUN and games will remain an important aspect of this group.

  • Ages 5 - 8
  • Requirements: knowledge of all four competitive strokes; ability to swim 25 yards
  • Attendance Policy: No policy, but children are encouraged to attend practices regularly in order to learn the various skills and techniques
  • Swim Meet Policy: Home and Championship meets are expected; occasional meet attendance is encouraged

Age Group Blue (AGB): A combined group of advanced 8 year olds to our intermediate / advanced 9 and 10 year olds.

Swimmers in this group will continue to develop their skills in stroke form and technique and build their kicking power and endurance. Here they will learn basic race plans and how to read and use a pace clock. They will also learn concepts like good sportsmanship and develop a sense of self.

  • Ages 8 - 10
  • Requirements – knowledge and ability to swim all four competitive strokes
  • Attendance Policy – No policy, but children are encouraged to attend practices regularly in order to learn the various skills and techniques
  • Swim Meet Policy – Home and Championship meets are expected; regular meet attendance is encouraged

Junior Yellow Group (JRY): For our intermediate 10 – 14 year olds, we will continue to focus on stroke technique and efficiency, but also introduce aerobic endurance and some anaerobic power training. Self-confidence, basic nutrition, and developing a positive attitude will be other ideas this group will learn. Swimmer’s in this group may be preparing for our advanced groups or just swimming for recreational purposes.

  • Ages 11 - 14
  • Requirements – knowledge of all four competitive strokes; ability to swim 50 yards.
  • Attendance Policy – No policy, but children are encouraged to attend practices regularly in order to learn the various skills and techniques
  • Swim Meet Policy – Home and Championship meets are expected; occasional meet attendance is encouraged

Junior Blue Group (JRB): This is our elite group for our age group swimmers, and it’s the first group where we ask the athletes to make a commitment to swim training. The athletes in this group will learn advanced stroke technique and racing strategies. Interval training will be used to teach each swimmer how to control and pace their swims. Hard work and individual success take a more “fun” role than just games.

  • Ages 11 - 14
  • Requirements – Advanced knowledge and ability to perform all four competitive strokes; coach approval
  • Attendance Policy – A minimum of 50% attendance is expected; and more is encouraged
  • Swim Meet Policy – Home and Championship meets are expected; regular meet attendance is expected

Senior Yellow Group (SRY): Designed for our high school swimmers who do not wish to commit to competitive training. Swimmers in this group will learn to improve their stroke technique and improve their aerobic capacity. Many of the athletes in this group are high school swimmers who want to stay in “shape” in between seasons.

  • Ages 14 - 19
  • Requirements – knowledge of all four competitive strokes; ability to swim 50 yards.
  • Attendance Policy – No policy, but athletes are encouraged to attend practices regularly in order to learn the various skills and techniques
  • Swim Meet Policy – Home and Championship meets are expected; occasional meet attendance is encouraged

Senior Blue Group (SRB): The athletes in this group are training to reach the highest levels of competitive Swimming: Jr. Nationals, Sr. Nationals, and Olympic Trials. Our goal is to offer these athletes the opportunity to reach their dreams. Everything from perfecting stroke technique to racing strategies will be covered. Dry land conditioning and two mornings per week are part of this groups training regime. Self-confidence, time management, and leadership are some of the non-swimming skills that we will focus on.

  • Ages 14 - 22
  • Requirements – Advanced knowledge and ability to perform all four competitive strokes; coach approval
  • Attendance Policy – If there is practice, the swimmer should be there
  • Swim Meet Policy – Home and Championship meets are expected; regular meet attendance is expected.

Comments are closed.