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Competitive Development Squad
Coached By
| Paul Robbins |
 |
Squad profile
- Minimum age of 8 and an appropriate level of commitment to training.
- Swimmers who wish to swim in a less pressurised environment but also have the opportunity to compete in galas.
- Swimmers must have achieved up to Level 11 of the ASA National Teaching Plan or are able to demonstrate good all round stroke technique and basic endurance in three main competitive strokes.
- The swimmers must be able to swim off of the relevant swim off times. If a swimmer is unable to do this, they will be moved into Swim School
- A swimmer must pay for 2 sessions per week (irrespective of whether they only swim once), but can attend a 3rd with an additional cost. Number of session paid for is under review.
- A higher level of swimming ability
- Improve aerobic fitness
- Compete in swimming galas at the appropriate level.
- Meeting the relevant squad Criteria at relevant ages and space available – max 30
- Movement will be handled under the squad trial process
Squad Entitlements
- Can attend up to 5 evenings per week
- Personal Development Plans (at the right age)
- Constructive feedback on performance and technique Advice on equipment
- Advice on equipment
PB Record Card
Time trials are held on a regular basis during training sessions in order for a progress record to be kept of all squad swimmers. Children are expected to record their personal best (PB) times each month in order to see, on paper, their improvements and discuss achievable goals with the squad coach.
Training Guidelines
Pre-swim prep.
- Eat 2 hours before you swim,
- Drink before you swim, (around 1 litre in the 2 hours leading up to swim),
- 1 hour before swimming try to relax,
- 15 minutes before swimming, stretch. Touch toes, shoulder rotations and arm stretches,
- Go to the toilet,
- Be ready to swim at your start time and have all equipment ready on poolside,
- Remember - don't swim if you are ill, especially if you have an open wound or a stomach upset.
During the session.
- Warm up slowly, gradually build up to faster swims,
- Stretch shoulders again,
- Only drink after each set, take short drinks,
- Toilet breaks are built into the sessions,
- Swim full lengths, end to end with correct turns and try to avoid cutting corners,
- Make sure you finish each length with the correct touch
Post swim.
- Swim down, to relax the muscles and practice stroke,
- Stretch arms, shoulders and legs,
- Have a hot shower and wash,
- Eat fruit, not sweets or crisps.
Required Equipment
- Pull Buoy
- Kickboard
- Goggles (two pairs)
- Fins (short)
- Paddles (small)
- Drink Bottle. 75ml - 1l
- Asthmatics should ensure that they have an inhaler at the poolside
- Asthmatics must have completed an ASA Medical Form
IMPORTANT NOTE: - Payment for training is expected in advance at the beginning of each month/quarter in all but the most exceptional circumstances (e.g. long term illness or injury). Please note therefore, that missed sessions will not be credited since teacher's fees and pool hire etc. must still be funded.
