Squad Information

Coolmine swimming club provides a clear squad pathway to support every swimmer as they grow in skill, confidence and experience. Each squad is designed to develop technique, fitness and race skills at an appropriate pace. Progression is based on readiness and coach recommendation to ensure swimmers enjoy the journey and continue to improve. See below for more detailed information on the squads.

Sharks Squad (Entry Level)

The Sharks Squad is the first step into club training. Swimmers focus on learning strong technique across all four strokes, while building confidence in the water.

Training: 3 × 45-minute pool sessions per week

Who is this squad for?

  • Swimmers who can comfortably swim 25m in at least two strokes

  • Confident swimming without floats and able to tread water, scull and use a good streamline

What swimmers work on:

  • Developing technique in all four strokes

  • Listening skills and learning to take coaching instruction

  • Gradual improvement in skills and stamina

 

Competitions:

  • Introduction to racing at Club Level 1 galas

Dolphins Squad

The Dolphins Squad continues to build technique while introducing structured training, pacing and basic land conditioning. Swimmers progress toward competing at club and regional Level 1 and 2 galas.

Training:

  • 3 × 60-minute pool sessions

  • 1 × land training session per week

Entry Requirements:

  • Must meet Sharks Squad standards

  • Able to complete multiple 100m Freestyle swims comfortably

  • Strong streamline, underwater fly kicks, sculling, push-offs and both tumble & open turns

What swimmers work on:

  • Good attendance and consistent effort

  • Improving technique and aerobic fitness

  • Learning how to handle gala nerves and race positively

  • Land training includes body-weight strength and flexibility work

Kit Requirements:

  • Fins and kick board

Competitions:

  • Expected to compete at the required galas for this squad

Development Squad

Development Squad swimmers train to build aerobic and anaerobic fitness while developing race skills. They target Regional and National Age Group qualifying standards.

Training:

  • 4 pool sessions (60–90 minutes each)

  • 1 land training session

  • 1 stretching / mobility session

Entry Requirements:

  • Within 5% of National Age Group qualifying times

  • Able to meet Dolphins standards

  • Comfortable completing sets such as 100s Free on 2:00, and consistent 200s Free / 100s IM sets

What swimmers work on:

  • Minimum 80% attendance

  • Advancing stroke technique and training intensity

  • Race strategies, pacing and competition preparation

  • Strength and conditioning with progressing body-weight training

Kit Requirements:

  • Fins, kick board, pull buoy, paddles

Competitions:

  • Expected to compete at the required galas for this squad

Senior Squad

This is the club’s performance squad. Senior Squad swimmers train for Regional, National Age Group, National Youth, and Senior Championships. The training focus is high-performance aerobic and anaerobic development, race execution and discipline.

Training:

  • 6 × pool sessions (1.5–2 hours each)

  • 1 land training session

  • Pre-pool stretching at every session

Entry Requirements:

  • Within 3% of Summer Nationals qualifying times

  • Able to meet all Development Squad standards

  • Comfortable completing 100s Free on 1:30 and 200s Free on 3:00 consistently

What swimmers work on:

  • Minimum 80% attendance

  • Positive attitude, commitment and coachability

  • Advanced pacing, technique under fatigue and race-specific skills

  • Continued progression in strength, flexibility and gym-based movement patterns

Kit Requirements:

  • Fins, kick board, pull buoy, paddles, snorkel

Competitions:

  • Expected to compete in key meets listed in the season plan