Practice groups are designed to meet your swimmer at their ability level and appropriately challenge them, with practices that are tailored to their goals and areas for development. The coaching staff will make the decision that will best benefit your swimmer.
Group descriptions
Green group
All new swimmers should expect to start in the green group. The green group focuses on developing freestyle and backstroke, working towards swimming 25 yd lengths without stopping in both strokes, and on fundamentals in the water. Many green group swimmers compete in meets by the end of the season (primarily swimming 25 yard freestyle and/or backstroke), while some choose not to. There is a wide range of ages, abilities, and comfort levels within the green group, so many swimmers will be in the green group for multiple seasons as they become more proficient in freestyle and backstroke.
Blue group
The blue group is the next fundamental step. Swimmers in the blue group are working towards becoming legal in all four strokes (including breaststroke and butterfly), and increasing endurance beyond 25 yds. Every swimmer must spend at least one summer with the blue group to build fundamental stroke technique before moving to the 9-12s practice group. Most blue group swimmers participate in meets, add 25 yard breaststroke and/or butterfly to their list of events, and may start swimming 50 yard freestyle.
9-12 practice group
Once a swimmer has spent at least one summer in the blue group and is ready to swim 50 yard events, they may join their age group in the 9-12 practice group. These practices continue to improve technique, but also focus on building an aerobic base and introducing focused workout sets. In order to benefit from these practices, it is important for swimmers to be able to legally swim all four strokes before joining the 9-12 practice group. Generally, 9-12 swimmers participate in meets. All 9 and up races are 50 yard events (no more 25 yard events) in addition to either 100 yd freestyle or 100 yd IM.
13 & up practice group
Our older swimmers in the 13 & up age group have longer practices focused on building aerobic capacity, power, strength, and sprint technique. While all of these components are included in 9-12 practices, the 13 & up group covers more yardage at a faster pace in practice. Many 13 & up swimmers swim for their high school team or a club team, but it is not at all required. Generally, 13 & ups are expected to participate in meets.
Important notes:
Most swimmers stay in their practice group all season--even if your child is improving, they may not move up to a higher practice group:
Practice groups have no effect on the age group your child competes with. Their age on June 1 determines their competitive age group for meets, not their practice group label.
- There is stratification within practice groups--they might move to a faster-paced workout within their group
- Practices get harder throughout the season! Everyone is getting better, and we're continuing to meet them at their ability level and challenge them
Practice groups have no effect on the age group your child competes with. Their age on June 1 determines their competitive age group for meets, not their practice group label.
FAQ
Q: My child has done a lot of swim lessons but is new to swim team, should they start in the green group or the blue group?
A: This will be a case-by-case decision based on your child's level of comfort and experience in the water. New swimmers should sign up for a brief evaluation with the coaching staff so that we get a chance to meet them and see them in the water. The group descriptions above have a rough outline of what each group is working on.
Q: What age groups roughly correspond to the green and blue group practices?
A: Most 6&U will fall into the green group, and most 8&U will fall into the green or blue group. Many 9 and 10 year olds may be in the blue group as well. If a child is new to swim team, they should expect to start in the green group.
Q: My child seems older than the other swimmers in their practice group, can they move up to be with their friends?
A: If your child is in the green or blue group, it is important that they stay with that group to solidify the fundamentals. Often, however, older swimmers tend to have more coordination and muscle, and are able to pick up technique relatively quickly. If they are no longer challenged by their practice group, they can move up to 9-12s mid-season.
Q: My child seems a lot younger than the other swimmers in their practice group, are they in the right place?
A: We want your child to be in the practice group with the appropriate level of challenge. We make that decision based on what we see in the pool, but you know your children best. If they are coming home defeated, excessively exhausted, or are feeling insecure, please reach out to the head coach and together we will re-evaluate what group is best for your child.
Q: I have two swimmers that are close in age, can siblings stay together?
A: Practice groups are based solely on ability. If it makes sense for siblings to be in the same group, we can absolutely accommodate that. If siblings have vastly different levels of comfort, skill, or experience in the water, it may be best to place them in separate groups. Please email the head coach to discuss further if your family has specific concerns.
A: This will be a case-by-case decision based on your child's level of comfort and experience in the water. New swimmers should sign up for a brief evaluation with the coaching staff so that we get a chance to meet them and see them in the water. The group descriptions above have a rough outline of what each group is working on.
Q: What age groups roughly correspond to the green and blue group practices?
A: Most 6&U will fall into the green group, and most 8&U will fall into the green or blue group. Many 9 and 10 year olds may be in the blue group as well. If a child is new to swim team, they should expect to start in the green group.
Q: My child seems older than the other swimmers in their practice group, can they move up to be with their friends?
A: If your child is in the green or blue group, it is important that they stay with that group to solidify the fundamentals. Often, however, older swimmers tend to have more coordination and muscle, and are able to pick up technique relatively quickly. If they are no longer challenged by their practice group, they can move up to 9-12s mid-season.
Q: My child seems a lot younger than the other swimmers in their practice group, are they in the right place?
A: We want your child to be in the practice group with the appropriate level of challenge. We make that decision based on what we see in the pool, but you know your children best. If they are coming home defeated, excessively exhausted, or are feeling insecure, please reach out to the head coach and together we will re-evaluate what group is best for your child.
Q: I have two swimmers that are close in age, can siblings stay together?
A: Practice groups are based solely on ability. If it makes sense for siblings to be in the same group, we can absolutely accommodate that. If siblings have vastly different levels of comfort, skill, or experience in the water, it may be best to place them in separate groups. Please email the head coach to discuss further if your family has specific concerns.