During this stage the young swimmers should learn to develop the skills of the sport. This squad will have a continued emphasis on aerobic conditioning, technical training and skill acquisition. Focus of sessions will be on the refining of skills for optimum future performance, with the training predominantly of low volume and high skill sets. Swimmers will work through a triple periodised season which run inline with counties, regionals and end of season target meets. If insufficient time is devoted to this stage then it is highly unlikely the young swimmer will reach their full potential. One of the main reasons athletes plateau during the later stages of their careers is because of an over emphasis on competition instead of optimising training during this very important stage. Swimmers will also be encouraged to develop and show key attributes of the OADF framework.

A copy of the squad flyer is here

Squad Criteria

• Must maintain a minimum of 70% attendance across the year.  Swimmers who fall behind on attendance will be directed to an alternative swimming pathway.
• Competition age 13 yrs and under.
• Must be competent across all strokes.
• All swimmers are subject to a 3-month rolling review period.
• Coaches will be looking to progress swimmers displaying strong OADF attributes.
• Swimmers must show a clear desire to compete.
• Black club hats only for training & competition.
• Expected to arrive 15 mins prior to the start of training.
• Expected to carry out mobility and stretching, before and after training/competition.
• Must only compete in competitions listed on the club’s calendar.
• Must report to the coach before and after every race.
• Expected to complete full warm-up and swim-down protocols.
• Expected to take part in every race and final entered unless notified by the Head Coach.
• Contact the coach if absent or unable to fulfill criteria.
• Appropriate reasonable adjustments will be made for para athletes.  Please contact Head Coach.