ASPIRING GROUP

Swim School Criteria Pathway:

Development Age Guideline: 9-11 Years. Minimum Age: 8 Years; Maximum Age: 12 Years LTAD Stage: ‘Learning To Train’

Training Schedule

The aim of the Aspiring Group is to educate swimmers about the correct training pathways and to develop drills, stroke technique, starts and turns. The training environment remains fun, however the introduction of how to compete, win and lose with respect for rules and officials is emphasized with swimmers aiming to compete and achieve at a local and regional level. Swimmers will be introduced to land work exercises to help strengthen and prevent injuries. The natural progression for ambitious, talented and committed swimmers will be into squads in the Performance Pathway.

Squad Criteria

• Swimmers shall be talent identified by the Head Coach into the Aspiring Group based on  training ability, commitment, long term potential and listening skills and in accordance with managing training outcomes

• Commitment to training and competition

• Swim all four strokes over all distances in training and competition.

• Execute good technique and drills across all four strokes.

• Successfully swim a main set of 400-800m in length holding proper streamlines, stroke technique, turns and breathing patterns

• Head coach’s discretion based on recommendation by Swim School – talent identification and long-term potential

• Demonstrate good examples of HPSC core values and performance behaviours on a daily basis

Training Commitment  - All swimmers in the Aspiring Group should aim to attend all three sessions per week to improve and progress.

Competitions  - Swimmers in the Aspiring Group will be expected to attend regular Junior competitions. Those who  cannot/do not want to compete should remain in/move to the Swim School pathway

Equipment  - Kickboard, pullbuoy, fins, paddles, 2 x drinks bottles, snorkel, cap, goggles, costume, skipping rope,  band, mesh bag.

 

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WHITE SQUAD

Performance Criteria Pathway: Entry squad for Competitive Club training

Development Age Guideline: 10-11 Years. Minimum Age: 9 Years; Maximum Age: 13 Years LTAD Stage: ‘Learning to Train’

Training Schedule

 

Saturday is rest day

The aim of the White Squad is to educate swimmers about the correct training and competitive pathways, continue to develop drills, stroke technique, starts and turns. The training environment remains fun, however a greater emphasis is placed on competition, training correctly and discipline. Swimmers will be aiming to compete and achieve at local and regional level whilst aspiring to compete in their home National Championships. Swimmers who excel in this squad will progress to the Yellow Squad depending on competition performance and training commitment. Swimmers will understand that their performance will be directly related to their effort and commitment and will be expected to take more responsibility for their own training.

Squad Criteria

• Swimmers shall be talent identified by the Head Coach into the White Squad based on training  ability, commitment, long term potential and listening skills and in accordance with managing  training outcomes

• Commitment to training and competition

• Swim all four strokes over all distances in training and competition.

• Execute good technique and drills across all four strokes.

• Successfully swim a main set of 800-1200m in length holding proper streamlines, stroke technique, turns and breathing patterns

• Head coach’s discretion based on long term potential and talent identification • Demonstrate good examples of HPSC core values and performance behaviours on a daily basis

Training Commitment  - All swimmers in White Squad should aim to attend a minimum of 4-5 sessions per week to improve  and progress to the Yellow Squad.

Competitions  - Swimmers in White Squad will be expected to attend regular competitions. Dates will be given at the start of the year to ensure your calendar is kept clear. There may also be the chance to compete/train abroad.

 

Equipment - Kickboard, pullbuoy, fins, paddles, 2 x drinks bottles, snorkel, cap, goggles, costume, skipping rope,  band, mesh bag, land training mat.

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YELLOW SQUAD

Performance Criteria Pathway: Competitive Club training

Development Age Guideline: 12 – 15 Years Male and Female LTAD Stage: ‘Training To Train’

Training Schedule

 

Saturday is rest day

The aim of the Yellow Squad is to create a performance training environment to enable a correct pathway into senior swimming in line with the long-term athlete development plan but along the way ensuring maximum performance to an age group national championship level.

The swimming will need be supported by services such as strength and conditioning sessions, psychology and nutritional advice.

Squad Criteria

• Long term potential to compete at Junior or Senior international level

• Commitment to your own training and becoming a self-sufficient, independent athlete. • Full commitment to swimming competition and training

• Great attitude, commitment, communication, racing and training ability

• Ability to swim all strokes over all distances in training and competition

• Execute good technique and drills across all four strokes

• Successfully swim a main set of 1200-2400m length holding proper streamlines, stroke technique, turns and breathing patterns

• Demonstrate good examples of the HPSC core values and performance behaviours on a daily basis

 

Training Commitment - Swimmers who are aged 12/under should commit to a minimum of 5 sessions per week; those aged 13/over should commit to a minimum of 6 sessions per week. Swimmers and parents must  understand that this squad is a full commitment and should be for 48 weeks per year.

Competitions - Swimmers in the Yellow Squad will be expected to attend regular competitions. Dates will be given  at the start of the year to ensure your calendar is kept clear. There may also be the chance to  compete/train abroad.

Equipment - Kickboard, pullbuoy, fins, paddles, 2 x drinks bottles, snorkel, cap, goggles, costume, skipping rope,  band, mesh bag, land training mat, sox, foam roller

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BLUE SQUAD

Performance Criteria Pathway: Competitive Club training

Development Age Guideline: 14/ 15 + Years Male and Female   LTAD Stage: ‘Training to Train’

Training Schedule

 

Saturday is rest day

 

The aim of the Blue Squad is to create a performance training environment with individually focused  plans aiming to achieve good performances at home National Championships. This will be supported  by services such as video analysis, strength and conditioning sessions, gym, nutritional advice and  sports science if available.

Squad Criteria

• Commitment to your own training and becoming a self-sufficient, independent athlete. • Full commitment to swimming competition and training

• Great attitude, commitment, communication, racing and training ability

• Ability to swim all strokes over all distances in training and competition

• Execute good technique and drills across all four strokes

• Successfully swim a main set of 2400-3000m length holding proper streamlines, stroke technique, turns and breathing patterns

• Demonstrate good examples of the HPSC core values and performance behaviours on a daily basis

 

Training Commitment  - Swimmers in this squad must understand that this is a competitive squad and a minimum of 7 sessions per week should be attended – please understand that this is the minimum and swimmers  are advised to train as much as they can to achieve their goals. Swimmers and parents must understand that this squad is a full commitment and should be for 48 weeks per year.

Competitions - Swimmers in the Blue Squad will be expected to attend the competitions needed to become the best athlete. The focus will be to target attending Regionals, Nationals and International events.  Dates will be given at the start of the year to ensure your calendar is kept clear. There may also be  the chance to compete/train abroad.

Equipment - Kickboard, pullbuoy, fins, paddles, 2 x drinks bottles, snorkel, cap, goggles, costume, skipping rope,  band, mesh bag, land training mat, sox, foam roller