Swim Groups
Swimmers will be placed in groups according to a combination of their age, ability, and experiences. There are three groups: Mini-Marlins, Junior Marlins and Senior Marlins. Below are the descriptions for
each of the groups.
Mini-Marlins
This group is for our youngest Marlins swimmers who are just learning the fundamentals of swimming. The goal is to teach the basic and necessary components of competitive swimming in a fun environment with emphasis on proper stroke technique. With the improvements of skills there will also be an increase in endurance. Swimmers will learn not only techniques and skills in the water but also learn dryland activities to enhance their swimming skills.
Swimmers should be able to complete 1-2 lengths of the pool without stopping.
These swimmers will practice three times per week: M, W, F 4:00 – 5:30. This shorter time in the pool is helpful in preventing these young swimmers from getting too cold and tired. This group is typically for swimmers between the ages of ages 5-8. Swimmers can only participate in Mini-Marlins for one summer, before moving on to Junior Marlins.
Junior Marlins
The Junior Marlins group focuses on the development of fundamentals of competitive swimming. Coaches will focus on technical skill development and building swimmers capacity.
Along with the technical component there will be more emphasis on aerobic and endurance fitness and learning important competitive skills. This group will be working hard but it is important that we do not overtrain them. This group is geared for swimmers between the ages of 8-12.
Senior Marlins
This group is a group made up of senior, more experienced swimmers. They are swimmers who have reached the level whereby their skills are more developed. The next step is to use their skill sets to develop the competitive strokes needed at their level. There will still be a focus on the technical aspects as technique is important at every level of swimming. Attention is given to all aspects of swimming development to be prepared for competition. Aerobic and endurance fitness will be a large focus for this group. This group is for swimmers 10-18.
Swimmers will be placed in groups based on the outlines above and also at the coach’s discretion.