Dynamo Swim Team seeks to help swimmers realize their full potential within the sport. The various levels are designed to meet the different needs of swimmers. Coaches strive to foster self-awareness in all stages and encourage athletes to take ownership of their preparation and performance.
White (W)
This group is designed for the 10 and under swimmer who has not had previous competitive swimming experience. The focus is to present the sport in a fun and nurturing environment that will allow the swimmer to grow in confidence in the water. The basics of the different strokes will be taught using best swim practices geared toward the learner’s age, ability, and confidence. Coaches will utilize games, kickboards, and other swim strategies to encourage skill development. Novice should be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle with the understanding that the other strokes will be introduced and used once the swimmer is confident and proficient. The time requirement for this practice group is minimal and would allow the swimmer the opportunity to participate in other activities outside of swimming. Meet participation is optional. Practices – 2 a week.
Red (R)
This group is designed for swimmers between the ages of 8 and 11 who have a working knowledge of the four competitive strokes. The focus is on the development of proper technique, basic swimming competencies, and early competition. Practices will emphasize the skills needed in all four of the competitive strokes; including starts, turns, and finishes. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in swim meets where they will gain experience and confidence in the competitive swim environment. Practices – 4 a week.
Blue (BL)
This group is designed for swimmers between the ages of 8 and 12 who have accomplished all of the earlier developmental goals. Practice will emphasize perfecting all four strokes and build on the solid mechanics of kicking, starts, turns, and finishes. Swimmers will become familiar with the rules of year-round USA competitive swimming and be encouraged to set goals. Participation in meets is required. Practices – 4 a week.
Bronze Team (BR)
Year-round commitment to swimming is expected. This group is designed for swimmers ages 11 and up and with at least two years of competitive USA swimming experience. Practices are more rigorous at this level and will emphasize building endurance and improving aerobic conditioning both in the pool and through resistance dryland training. The focus will be on mastery of strokes, starts, turns, and finishes. Swimmers will begin establishing goals toward achievement of AA and AAA (State and Zone) time standards. Meet participation is mandatory as is attendance at the highest level meet for which a swimmer qualifies. Practices – 4 a week.
Silver (S)
Year-round commitment to swimming is expected. This group is designed for swimmers ages 12 through 18 who are preparing to move into the senior level of training and competition. Practices increase in intensity and duration. Stroke refinement is still a priority; in addition, this group is dedicated to interval-based swim training, development of a strong aerobic base and speed work. Dryland also increases and becomes more specific. Swimmers will establish goals towards achieving Zone, Sectional and Jr National Times. Meet participation is mandatory as is attendance at the highest level meet for which a swimmer qualifies. Practices – 5 a week.
Gold Team (G)
Year-round commitment to swimming is expected. This group is designed for swimmers ages 13 through 18 with swimming being their exclusive sport. Swimmers at this level must make a total commitment and ensure consistent attendance at all practices. Continuity of training is vital and the training becomes much more serious. The focus is on extensive aerobic training supplemented with weight training, dryland conditioning, and advanced sprint, middle and distance training techniques. Swimmers will establish goals towards achieving Sectional, Junior National and National Times. Enrollment in this group is by invitation only and is at the sole discretion of the head coach. Meet participation is mandatory as is attendance at the highest level meet for which a swimmer qualifies. Practices – 5-6 a week.
