TRAINING GROUPS
Thame Swimming Club is made up of five training groups.
FUNDAMENTALS
Coach: Maya Camp
Fundamentals focus on developing the main strokes to develop a streamlined, balanced head & body position, good kick & master all turns (including IM). Many of our younger swimmers start in this group before moving on to Group 1.
GROUP 1: DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
Coaches: Megan Hard, Caroline Crosby and Alex Smith
At this stage, we introduce the concept of racing and preparing for galas. Swimmers will develop their technique, maintaining a fun balanced programme (happy swimmers work better!).
GROUP 2: COMPETITOR
Coaches: Nick Harris & Phil Holdship
We continue to encourage and develop every swimmer in the programme so that they reach the highest level that they can achieve according to their ability. Swimmers to represent the club at all galas/meets that they are selected for.
Group 2+: COMPETITOR PLUS
Coaches: Caroline Crosby & Iain Phillips
At this stage, we continue to work on developing excellent technique in all four strokes as well as starts, turns and finishing skills. A multi-stroke approach to training and competition will not only reduce the likelihood of injury but also ensure interest levels will remain high with the result that swimming should continue to be fun. We expect swimmers to be regularly entering galas at this stage.
Group 3: PERFORMANCE
Coaches: Damian Wakefield
There should be a continued emphasis on physical conditioning with the focus on maintaining high volume workloads but with increasing intensity. The number of competitions should be similar to the end of the previous stage but the emphasis should be on developing individual strengths and working on weaknesses. This is achieved through practising technical and tactical skills based around specific strokes at all distances, or specific distances across a range of strokes.
Group 4: COUNTRY & DISTRICT
Coaches: Mark Simms
We continue to encourage and develop every swimmer in the programme, so that they reach the highest level that they can achieve according to their ability. Swimmers to represent the club at all galas/meets that they are selected for.
