Swimming

Mini Dolphins

(age 7-11)

What you need to know: Our Mini Dolphins will train towards 50m freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, as well as 25m butterfly races – learning the basic starts and turns alongside stroke technique. We suggest that keen swimmers aim to attend a minimum of two sessions a week. Each calendar month has a different stroke focus, with a challenge session towards the end in which we recognise the hard work of swimmers with achievement certificates. All swimmers are encouraged to try club competitions (Pointscore and Blue vs Yellow) at the earliest opportunity, and most will regularly take part in these. Some swimmers in Mini Dolphins will continue to take part in swimming lessons alongside our sessions, as well as doing other sports through the week.

Equipment to bring: Goggles and Water Bottle

Junior Dolphins

(age 9-12)

What you need to know: Our Junior Dolphins will train towards 100IM, and 100m freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, as well as 50m butterfly races – learning and perfecting starts and turns as well as stroke technique. We suggest keen swimmers in this group aim to attend a minimum of three sessions a week. Each calendar month has a different stroke focus, with a challenge session towards the end in which we recognise the hard work of swimmers with achievement certificates. Most swimmers will regularly take part in club competitions (Pointscore and Blue vs Yellow) and some will have begun taking part in open galas. Swimmers in Junior Dolphins will not usually continue taking part in swimming lessons, but are encouraged to maintain other sporting interests alongside training with the club.

Equipment to bring: Goggles, Water Bottle, Fins (optional, not extra long)

Senior Dolphins

(age 12-16)

What you need to know:  Swimmers in Senior Dolphins learn the basic starts and turns alongside stroke technique of all strokes whilst maintaining and improving fitness. All swimmers are encouraged to try club competitions (Pointscore/Blue vs Yellow) at the earliest opportunity, and most will regularly take part in these. Each calendar month has a different stroke focus, with a challenge session towards the end in which we recognise the hard work of swimmers with achievement certificates.

Some swimmers in Senior Dolphins will continue to take part in swimming lessons alongside our sessions, as well as doing other sports through the week.

Equipment to bring: Water bottle, Goggles

Intermediate 2

(age 11-14)

What you need to know: Most swimmers will be taking part in club competitions and open galas, and the highest achievers will be aiming for County and Regional times. We suggest the keen, competitive swimmers in this group aim to attend a minimum of four sessions each week, with five-six recommended for those with aspirations of higher-level competitions (Counties/Regionals). Events we will be training towards are 200m IM, 400m free and 100-200m of all strokes. Each calendar month has a different stroke focus, with the drills progressing as the month goes on. Swimmers at the higher end of this age bracket may be able to begin helping at poolside, coaching our younger swimmers. Intermediate 2 swimmers are encouraged to also maintain other sporting interests, though they may begin to focus more on one, especially when aged 13/14.

Equipment to bring: Water bottle, Goggles, Fins (not extra long), Kickboard, Pullbuoy, Finger paddles or small hand paddles

Snr Intermediates

(age 13-16)

What you need to know: Swimmers in Senior Intermediate work on refining technique and skills in all strokes as well as improving swim-fitness. The training sessions provide a moderate length of session to prepare swimmers for Performance group and their personal goals. Swimmers may wish to take part in club competitions to supplement their training. Each calendar month has a different stroke focus. This group can also maintain and develop swim technique with a view to undertaking lifeguard training once eligible (at age 16). 

Equipment to bring: Water Bottle, Goggles (Optional pull buoy, fins, kick board, hand paddles)

Performance

(age 13+)

What you need to know: Swimmers in this group will be aiming to maintain fitness and enjoyment as well as to train towards sprint races if desired. There are up to four sessions a week on offer, in which training will be focused on each individual’s favourite strokes and distances, as well as their goals. We encourage our Performance group swimmers to swim 2-4 times a week. Swimmers in this group may be able to begin helping out on poolside when desired, coaching our younger swimmers, learning to timekeep or officiate, or training as a lifeguard. The club will support swimmers through these pathways to help maintain their interest in the sport. Swimmers may be focusing on a variety of sports alongside swimming.

Equipment to bring: Equipment list – Water bottle, Goggles, Fins (not extra long), Kickboard, Pullbuoy

Competition

(age 13+)

What you need to know: All swimmers will be taking part in – or helping at – club competitions and open galas, and the highest achievers will be aiming for County, Regional and National qualifying. We suggest that swimmers in this group aim to attend a minimum of four sessions a week, with 6-7 sessions the target for those hoping to achieve County, Regional and National qualifying. Swimmers in this group will start to specialise more on their number one strokes but should race a variety of events and strokes at training competitions, especially early in the season (Sep-Dec). Each week has a different stroke/skill focus in which we aim to make progress as the week goes on. Swimmers should expect to maintain training intensity around competitions, and that intensity will be varied for the target competitions at the end of each training cycle depending on the individual’s goals. Swimmers in this group may be able to begin helping out on poolside when desired, coaching our younger swimmers, learning to timekeep/officiate, or training as a lifeguard. The club will support swimmers through these pathways to help maintain their interest in the sport. Swimmers will usually be focusing on 1-2 sports.

Equipment to bring: Water bottles, Goggles, Fins (not extra long), Kickboard, Pullbuoy, Finger paddles or small hand paddles, snorkel, pullband, (Optional) Personal heart rate monitor – Polar OH1+