Swimming Squads
The Competitive Swimming section of the club is based on a Squad Structure. Swimmers are placed in an appropriate Squad, usually based on a combination of age, ability, commitment and maturity.
Our Current Squad Structure and training times are as follows:
| Day | Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
Tuesday |
7.00 - 8.00pm |
|
Wednesday |
6.10 - 7.00pm |
|
Friday |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
This is the first level of the competitive squads. The entry criterion for this squad, subject to space availability, is generally the completion of Stage 8 in the NPTS.
Age Group: generally 8 to 10 years
This squad includes the following work and expectations:
- Stroke technique on all 4 strokes
- Stroke drill progressions on all 4 strokes
- Endurance and speed training
- Turns, starts and finishes for all 4 strokes
- Participate in club time trials
- Introduction to low-level competition
The swimmer to coach ratios will not exceed 20:1
- Wetbag
- 2 pairs of goggles
- 2x swim caps (1x GBM cap for competitions)
- Kickboard
- Pullbuoy
- Fins - short fins
- 2 x Drinks bottles – 1 for water and 1 for a sportsdrink (Lucozade, Gatorade or a squash)
| Day | Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
Monday |
6.00 - 7.30pm |
|
Tuesday |
6.00 - 8.00pm |
|
Friday |
6.30 - 8.00pm |
|
Saturday |
6.55 - 7.55am |
This is the second level of the competitive squads. The entry criterion for this squad, subject to space availability, is generally:
- 200m Freestyle with tumble turns and bilateral breathing
- 200m Backstroke with tumble turns and a bent arm pulling action
- 200m Breaststroke with correct underwater pullouts
- 100m IM with turns
Age Group: generally 8 to 12 years
This squad includes the following work and expectations:
- Develop and improve stroke technique on all 4 strokes
- Perfect starts, turns and finishes on all 4 strokes.
- Increase the distance covered in training sessions to improve endurance and complete well-balanced training programs
- Turns, starts and finishes for all 4 strokes
- Participate in club time trials
- Participate in local meets
Squad members should be able to cover 2,500m and 3,000m during a 1hr and 30mins session.
The swimmer to coach ratios will not exceed 20:1
- Wetbag
- 2 pairs of goggles
- 2x swim caps (1x GBM cap for competitions)
- Kickboard
- Pullbuoy
- Fins - short fins
- 2 x Drinks bottles – 1 for water and 1 for a sportsdrink (Lucozade, Gatorade or a squash)
Day |
Times |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Monday |
6.00 - 8.00pm |
|
Tuesday |
6.00 - 8.00pm |
|
Thursday |
6.00 - 8.00pm |
|
Friday |
6.30 - 8.00pm |
|
Saturday |
6.55 - 7.55am |
This is the third level of the competitive squads. The entry criterion for this squad, subject to space availability, is generally:
- Attendance at 80% of available sessions at Silver and Upper Silver level
- Be confident of swimming 200m IM in competition
- Looking to achieve a County Qualifying Time
Age group: generally 11 years and older.
This squad includes the following work and expectations:
- More complex drill progressions
- Introduction to land training session and stretching exercises
- Attendance at one land training session
- Attendance at 85% of available sessions
- Attainment of a County Qualifying ime
The swimmer to coach ratios will not exceed 30:1
- Wetbag
- 2 pairs of goggles
- 2x swim caps (1x GBM cap for competitions)
- Dragshorts
- Kickboard
- Paddles – size small or medium (check size with coach)
- 2 x Drinks bottles – 1 for water and 1 for a sportsdrink (Lucozade, Gatorade or a squash)
- Pullbuoy
- Fins - short fins
- T-Shirt
- Vaseline to prevent chaffing from t-shirts/swimsuits (if required)
| Day | Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
Monday |
8.00 - 8.30pm* |
|
8.30 - 10.00pm |
||
Tuesday |
8.00 - 10.00pm |
|
Wednesday |
8.00 - 10.00pm |
|
Thursday |
8.00 - 10.00pm^ |
|
Friday |
8.00 - 10.00pm |
|
Sunday |
3.30 - 4.30pm* |
|
4.30 - 6.00pm |
||
* Land Training |
||
This is the top level of the competitive squads. The entry criterion for this squad, subject to space availability, is generally:
- Attendance at 85% of available sessions at Gold squad level
- A positive approach and attitude demonstrated at Gold squad level
- Minimum of 2 County Qualifying Times
- Looking to achieve Regional and National Qualifying Times
Age group: generally 11 years and older
This squad includes the following work and expectations:
- More complex drill progressions
- Progression of endurance training
- Continuation of land training program and stretching exercises
- Log book maintenance
- Totally committed athlete who loves the sport and seeks the challenge of competition
The swimmer to coach ratios will not exceed 30:1
- Wetbag
- 2 pairs of goggles plus a pair kept for competitions
- 2x swim caps plus 2x GBM caps for competitions
- Dragshorts
- Kickboard
- Pullbuoy
- Paddles – size small or medium(if unsure - check size with Gil)
- Fins – zoomer/short fins (if unsure - check with Gil)
- Snorkel - Finis Yellow (Junior) or Finis Blue Snorkel - NOT advanced one (if unsure - check with Gil)
- 2 x Drinks bottles – 1 for water and 1 for a sportsdrink (Lucozade, Gatorade or a squash)
- Stretchcord
- Skipping Rope
- Logbook (A4 size folder) for Monday night Logbook session
- Spare hairbands (for those who use them)
- Vaseline to prevent chaffing from swimsuits (if required)
| Day | Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
Monday |
8.00 - 8.30pm* |
|
8.30 - 10.00pm |
||
Tuesday |
7.00 - 10.00pm |
|
Wednesday |
8.00 - 10.00pm |
|
Thursday |
8.00 - 10.00pm |
|
Friday |
7.30 - 10.00pm |
|
Sunday |
3.30 - 4.30pm* |
|
4.30 - 6.00pm |
||
* Land Training |
||
This is the top level of the competitive squads. The entry criterion for this squad, subject to space availability, is generally:
- Attendance at 85% of available sessions at Gold squad level
- A positive approach and attitude demonstrated at Gold squad level
- Minimum of 2 County Qualifying Times
- Looking to achieve Regional and National Qualifying Times
Age group: generally 11 years and older
This squad includes the following work and expectations:
- More complex drill progressions
- Progression of endurance training
- Continuation of land training program and stretching exercises
- Log book maintenance
- Totally committed athlete who loves the sport and seeks the challenge of competition
The swimmer to coach ratios will not exceed 30:1
- Wetbag
- 2 pairs of goggles plus a pair kept for competitions
- 2x swim caps plus 2x GBM caps for competitions
- Dragshorts
- Kickboard
- Pullbuoy
- Paddles – size small or medium(if unsure - check size with Gil)
- Fins – zoomer/short fins (if unsure - check with Gil)
- Snorkel - Finis Yellow (Junior) or Finis Blue Snorkel - NOT advanced one (if unsure - check with Gil)
- 2 x Drinks bottles – 1 for water and 1 for a sportsdrink (Lucozade, Gatorade or a squash)
- Stretchcord
- Skipping Rope
- Logbook (A4 size folder) for Monday night Logbook session
- Spare hairbands (for those who use them)
- Vaseline to prevent chaffing from swimsuits (if required)
