Swim Groups

MVAQ Group Descriptions

MVAQ takes a progressive approach to developing swimmers physically, mentally and emotionally. Swimmers are placed into groups according to their level of experience, ability, and training commitment. The emphasis in the early levels is on developing technical skills and a love for the sport. As swimmers progress through the groups, more demanding physical and psychological challenges are introduced, and an increased degree of commitment is required. Each swimmer is different and will progress at his or her own rate.

Guidelines for moving up for noncompetitve groups

Swim School Level 1

TOTS 1/TOTS 2

Beginning swimmers age 3-6 (TOTS 1), (TOTS 2)

o Swimmers should be comfortable placing face underwater

(blowing bubbles, fully submerged, etc)

o Float independently on stomach and back

o Kick *streamline* on stomach and back 5 yards

o Freestyle- Alternating arms 5 yards (pass flags)

o Introduce backstroke arms

Swim School 2

B1 & B2

Advanced Beginner swimmers 5-9(B1) &10-older (B2)

o Streamline kick independently on stomach and back 12.5 yards (halfway across pool)

o Introduce alternate breathing

o Freestyle: Be able to swim independently for 12.5 yards, attempt alternate breathing

o Backstroke: Swim independently for 12.5 yards with hips in line with shoulders

o Introduce kicking with a kickboard

Manta Rays

o Streamline kick independently on stomach and back 25 yards (across pool)

o Introduce alternate breathing

o Freestyle: Be able to swim independently for 25 yards, attempt alternate breathing

o Backstroke: Swim independently for 25 yards with hips in line with shoulders

o Can kick with a kickboard 100 yards

Adult Classes

For adults with little or no swimming experience.

We also offer stroke work classes for Adults that would like to refine their strokes.

Criteria for Competitive Groups

Copper

Includes beginning swimmers starting at 5 years of age who are able to swim 25 yards freestyle and backstroke with good form. Swimmer must have a positive attitude and want to be part of MVAQ. Emphasis is placed on learning the four competitive strokes.

Streamline kick on stomach and back for 25 yards
Kick comfortably with kickboard (100 yards)
Freestyle 25 yards with mastered alternate breathing
Backstroke 25 yards with good form
Introduce breaststroke: Competent kick, begin stroke work with arms & timing
Introduce butterfly: Competent kick, begin stroke work with arms & timing
Do your best to make every practice.
Swim in at least 1 meet a month (1 or 2 days)

Bronze

Includes beginning swimmers starting at 5 years of age who are able to swim 50 yards freestyle and backstroke with good form. Swimmer must have a positive attitude and want to be part of MVAQ. Emphasis is placed on learning the four competitive strokes.

Freestyle: 50 yards with mastered alternate breathing
Backstroke: 50 yards, swimmers should be aware of finishing within flags(stroke count to the wall)
Competent freestyle and backstroke flip turns
Be able to kick & swim 100 yards without stopping
Breaststroke: Master timing and “Pull, Breathe, Kick, Glide” stroke system
Butterfly: competent kick & competent arms
Do your best to make every practice.
Swim in at least 1 meet per month (1 or 2 days)

Silver

SLV

Includes beginning swimmers about 6-10 years of age, who are getting C times. Some 11-14 year-old new swimmers may be in the group as well so they can work on their strokes. Emphasis is placed on improving the four competitive strokes.

Be able to swim freestyle and backstroke with good form.
Be able to swim breaststroke and butterfly with good form.
Know how to use the pace clock.
Be able to dive into the pool (able to do a start in a meet).
Be able to swim and kick 300 yards without stopping.
Come to as many workouts as possible
Swim in at least one meet per month (one or two days).
Must want to swim in the group and have a positive attitude.

Gold

Includes middle ability swimmers around 9-14 years of age (and maybe advanced 6-8 year-olds). Emphasis on the four competitive strokes continues, with the addition of work on starts and turns, and interval training with a pace clock. Swimmers will mix stroke work with conditioning at a 50/50 ratio.

Be able to swim and kick 500 yards without stopping.
Be able to swim all four strokes.
Be able to do a start from the blocks.
Know how to use the pace clock.
Have at least 2 Red times (age 7-8 or 9-10).
Have at least 2 White 11-12 times if you are 11-14 years old.
Commit to coming to at least 3 workouts that are offered per week
Swim in at least one meet per month (one or two days).
Must want to swim in the group and have a positive attitude

Platinum

High School (3 workouts a week)

PLT & HS

This group consists of 2 types of swimmers: 1. Swimmers between 11-18 years of age whose goals are to swim in the Junior Olympics, Q-meet, Junior/Senior Nationals, and High School championships. 2. High School swimmers that are unable to commit to being in the Platinum group & only train 3 days a week. Emphasis is placed on stroke technique, and a major commitment to training (5,000-7,000 yards per workout). With an intensity that allows them the best chance for success at the higher levels of swimming. Platinum/High School swimmers participate in both dryland and swim workouts.

Be able to do all four strokes.
Be able to swim 1000 yards in under 15 minutes.
Have 2 Blue 10-Under times if you are 10 and under.
Have 2 Red and 1 Blue 11-12 times if you are 11-12 years old.
Have 1 Red 13-14 time if you are 13 years old and up.
Know how to use the pace clock.
Be able to kick 10 x 45 on a 1-minute base.
Swim in at least one meet per month.
Have a desire to train hard and to do what it takes to be the best you can be.
Must want to be in the group and have a positive attitude.

Have a positive attitude at all times and listen to coaches.

(All group changes are at coaches’ discretion)