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Squad Information
We provide a progressive squad structure which caters for a range of abilities and ages. Each squad has a set entry criteria based on attendance, ability and attitude. Information about each of the squads is detailed below.
Athletes in this Squad will compete in County, Regional and National Level competitions as well as various open meets throughout the year. The aim of this squad is to provide a training environment which will enable athletes to achieve their full potential. Training at this level requires a high level of commitment from the swimmer, parents/guardian and the coach. Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of 5 sessions per week and must have a positive attitude and be prepared to undertake frequent and intense training sessions. Swimmers will undertake a weekly volume of 40-45km per week. The major training emphasis will be the development of aerobic capacity/power through aerobic, anaerobic threshold and overload endurance sets. Swimmers will also begin to undertake an increased amount of anaerobic training through the use lactate production and lactate tolerance, but only when they reach the appropriate stage of their development. Refinement of technique now becomes the main skill focus. Upon joining this squad, swimmers will continue to develop technique in all 4 strokes, but may begin specialise as they progress. Land training is a vital part of the swimmers overall athletic development. Sessions will emphasise general strength and core strength development through the use of calisthenics, medicine balls and swiss balls. Swimmers may be introduced to strength training incorporating free weight exercises at the appropriate stage of development. An education programme will be delivered which will introduce swimmers to sports psychology, nutrition, physiology and lifestyle. Swimmers will also undertake ongoing monitoring through the use of test sets and anthropometrical and weight measurements. B Squad – LTAD: Train to Train
Athletes in this squad will compete up to county standard and in various graded and open meets. Aerobic capacity and skill development will be the major training emphasis for swimmers in this squad. The aim of the squad is to ensure that the athletes have sound technique in all 4 strokes and can perform effective starts, turns, finishes and underwater kicking. Athletes will also develop a highly developed endurance capacity before moving into the A Squad. Sessions will also introduce more advanced training methods such as stroke counting and heart rate monitoring. Land Training Sessions will emphasise core strength and flexibility. Athletes will be introduced to strength training through the use of calisthenics and medicine ball exercises. Development Squad – LTAD: Learn to Train
Athletes in this squad will compete up to county standard and in various graded and open meets. Training will emphasise skill development in all 4 strokes along with correct starts and turns. Swimmers will also undertake an increased amount of aerobic training through the use of overdistance swims, fartlek training and anaerobic threshold interval training. Swimmers will undertake a large proportion of their overall volume as leg kick (25-30%). Dolphin Squad – LTAD: Learn to Train
In this squad, swimmers are gradually introduced to competitive swimming. They will learn basic skills which will include use of the pace clock, lane etiquette and competitive swimming rules. Competitions will include time trials, club galas, junior league competitions and graded meets. The main focus of the squad is skill and technique development, with some basic endurance training. The development of a strong leg kicks is also emphasised. Pre-Dolphin Squad – LTAD: SwimSkills
This is the first step onto the squad structure. This squad provides novice swimmers with the opportunity to attend additional sessions. The sessions are very much technique and skill based. This squad is the transition from swimming lessons to the competitive swimming environment. Talented Swimmers will be identified from the teaching groups by one of our coaches and invited to attend squad sessions. Teaching Groups – LTAD: SwimSkills Masters + Junior Fitness Squad
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