Senior Competitive Swim Team

Swimmers who cannot attend their scheduled practice, must make arrangements to swim with the group below theirs.  For instance a senior 3 athlete would have to attend senior 2.

Senior 1:  The Senior 1 group is a transitional training group which introduces the age group swimmer to Senior-level swimming.  Swimmers on this team range in age from 13 – 16.  Also those athletes who elect to do the “Teen Lane” program are members of this team.  Teaching and training the importance of being strong in all four of the competitive strokes is the central focus for the training in Senior 1.  Swimmers are taught and constantly reminded that the more proficient you are in the 4 stroke disciplines, the stronger you become physically, and the more valuable you are to any team you are a member of.  Introduction to the FAST dryland program begins on Senior 1 with very close supervision by the coaching staff to ensure proper technique and safety.  Some athletes choose to compete in as many meets as possible, while others just swim for fitness as a member of Senior 1.  Other goals for those in this group include: (1) Continue becoming more fluid in the water (no splashy strokes), (2) improve distance per stroke, (3) develop skills on goal setting, (4) improve proficiency in streamlining, starts and turns, (5) improve proficiency in underwater fly kicking, (6) learn about different types of race strategies.  5 workouts per week are offered to the Senior 1 swimmers for 1 hour and 45 minutes.  A minimum attendance of 3 full workouts per week is expected, while attending as many practices as possible is always encouraged for maximum improvement/development.

Senior 2:  The Senior 2 group is one of the largest groups of the FAST club program.  This team is comprised essentially of three types of swimmers.  (1) Dedicated club swimmers who are making the transition from S1 to S3, (2) swimmers who’s chief importance is to prepare and compete at a successful high school level, (3) and/or for those 14-18 year-old athletes who are involved in a multitude of activities (ie. forensics club, track, foreign language club, etc…).  Six workouts per week (mon. – sat.) are offered for this team for a two hour time period.  A minimum attendance of four full workouts per week is expected, while attending as many practices as possible is strongly encouraged.  Perfection of all four strokes remains a continuous work in progress for athletes on this team.  Exposure to different types of training, with a strong foundation in aerobic conditioning and high fitness levels take place on a daily basis for the swimmers on Senior 2.  Additionally, drylands are a large part of the workout structure and take place at least 3 workouts per week.   The goals mentioned above in the S1 description are further maintained and enhanced on Senior 2.  The training attitudes should be more productive and supportive as the athlete grows and matures within the sport of swimming.

Senior 3:  The Senior 3 group is the pinnacle of the training groups offered.  The athletes who comprise this group are 100% committed in terms of attendance on a 12 month/yr. basis, swim meet participation, and dedication to improvement at the highest club level that one is willing to aspire to. Next to their education, swimming is the primary activity for those in this group.   Senior 3 is not a high school maintenance training option.  While high school swimming is considered an important part of the athletes on this club program, the swimmers’ goals focus primarily on reaching the highest level of competition that club swimming has to offer.  The swimmers on this team have a USA Sectional cut time in at least one event.  There are some occasions where an athlete may not have a Sectional time but demonstrates strong abilities in training, commitment and attitude.  In this situation a possible exception may be made. Ultimately the coaching staff has the final say in the Senior 3 appointment.  Those members of this group have a willingness to perform every event (every distance) prescribed by the coaching staff.   The meet progression in this group is as follows:  (USA Sectionals – Junior Nationals – Senior Nationals – Olympic Trials and beyond….).  If an athlete is unable to make a scheduled workout then arrangements are made through the coaching staff to make it up.  The coaching staff retains the discretion of accepting absences which do not count against the attendance figure.   Workouts are offered Monday through Saturday for 2 to 3 hours depending on the time of the season.  Additionally, a.m. workouts are offered at certain times of the year at the invitation/recommendation of the senior coaching staff.  A progressive dryland program is also a major part of the training regimen of Senior 3. The swimmers of this training group conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to actions needed to promote and support the goals of the team.  Senior 3 athletes will do everything within their ability to reach their own personal potential in swimming.