Session 1 – Lanes 3, 4 & 5

This squad is the first stage of the DSC competitive coaching programme. The training undertaken consolidates all previously learned skills, continuing the development of technique and swimming skills to a higher level. There should be an increased amount of swimming endurance work, including swims at threshold level. This is designed to enable each swimmer to gain experience of a wide range of swimming events.

Swimmers in this squad are aiming for County age group qualifying times.

Admission Procedure

Successful promotion from Stroke Clinic 1, following assessment by Stroke Development Squad Coach

Or;

Trial Swimmers Entry - at the discretion of the Head Coach

• A willingness and commitment to develop their swimming to a more competitive level
• Willing to listen, learn and follow instructions
• Efficient and legal in the Four competitive strokes
• Competency to swim a legal 100m Individual medley
• The  ability to swim over increasing distances in a controlled and relaxed manner,
• To have passed the Competitive Start award

Swimmers within this squad will normally be aged 8 - 12 years old.

• To further develop stroke technique and competitive swimming skills
• To increase the amount of swimming endurance (aerobic) work undertaken whilst maintaining good stroke mechanics
• Use of sculling techniques to aid swimmers 'feel' for the water and to facilitate further skill acquisition
• To introduce swimmers to the wider range of competitive swimming opportunities
• Introduce interval training, swimming and kicking
• Working with a pace clock for starting, resting and timing
• Awareness of perceived effort: steady pace, acceleration, fast finish
• Introduction to basic stretching routines
• Understand the importance of warm up and swim down
• To compete regularly in splash nights or other swimming galas or open meets.
• Gain County age group qualifying times
• To meet criteria to gain promotion into the Transition Squad

Commitment

Recommended - Attend a minimum of two/three weekly training sessions

To purchase additional equipment for training – Floats

To be ready for swimming 5 minutes before the session begins.

To be available to represent the club in Galas if selected

Enter Open Meets promoted by the Club if qualified
 

 PROMOTION TO Transition Squad – See Admission Procedure for Transition Squad