This will be reviewed periodically in consultation with the squad coaches. LSASC squad structure is designed to enable swimmers to progress throughout their swimming career, progressively increasing the skills, number of training hours and mileage. To progress from one squad to another a basic minimum requirement must be met across all squad swimmers:
- Achieve the squads minimum attendance target for at least 3 consecutive months
- Achieving the squads individual targets and demonstrating the ability to meet the squads compulsory/key training elements
- Be actively competing in the squads recommended galas
- Demonstrate a positive attitude to training and competing
If a swimmer meets the minimum requirement, squad progression is based on the coaches assessment of a swimmers ability to cope with the increased training and skill level required in the next squad. Some swimmers will be invited to train in the higher squad once a week to determine if they can reach the desired standard before a permanent move is made. All children progress at different rates and the coaches only move swimmers when they are ready and in accordance with the ASA's Long Term Athletic Development plan.
Training Essentials
- Arrive in plenty of time
- Arrive with a positive attitude!
- Be fully hydrated before training
- Have with you two pairs of trunks/costumes
- 2 pairs of goggles
- 2 swim hats (if worn)
- Drink bottles - fluid intake is important before and during training!
- Kick Board
- Pull Bouy
- Short Training Fins
As you progress through the squads more training aids will be required.
- Additional Development 3 Training aids -Snorkels
- Additional Development 2 Training aids -Finger paddles
- Additional Development 1 Training aids-Paddles.
- Additional Performance Squads Training aids – Foam rollers and Skipping Ropes
General
- Inform the squad coach if you cannot attend training and make up that session the following week.
- Arrive on poolside 10 minutes prior to the session and complete the pre pool warm up as instructed.
- During school exams discuss with your coach if you cannot make certain sessions over a period of time.
Senior Performance
The main aim of this squad is to train to compete at the highest achievable level. This requires commitment from the swimmer, parents or guardian, and the coach towards training, attendance and land based exercises. There are 6 sessions (currently) available for squad swimmers each week. Swimmers must attend a minimum of 75% of the total hours available and aim for the squad target of 85%. Swimmers must attend 65% of available AM sessions per calendar month. Attendance is vital if swimmers are to reach their individual and the squad's potential. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and every three months, if necessary, squad changes will be made by the coach in consultation with the swimmer.
All squad changes are at head coach discretion.
Squad Criteria
- Minimum age Girls 13/Boys 14
- Minimum of 75% of the total available hours, target is 85% of available hours
- Attend 65% of available AM sessions
- Attend Land sessions
- Have a Performance mindset
- Complete all sessions to the highest standard
- Complete pre and post pool competently
- Support the competition planner as set out by coaching staff
- Have a positive and forward looking attitude to training and competition.
- Be an active and positive role model within the club and training environment
- Promote the club as ambassadors
- Must show: Contribution, Commitment, Ability, Positive attitude, Potential, Punctuality.
Targets are:
- Midland District QTs, Home Nation top 24 , British National top 24.
- Weekly mileage of 30,000 Metres upward
- Maximum 12 competitions per year
- Compete to within 3% of PB
Tests are carried out on a regular basis to monitor an individual's fitness and progress.
Tests used are:
- Step (7 x 200’s)
- T20 kick
- Best Average Sets
- Pull Kick swim 100s
- 100 m challenge sets
- Individual targets
Junior Performance
The main purpose of this squad is to develop the aerobic system and skills to prepare for training in Senior Performance. There are 5 sessions (currently) available for squad swimmers each week. Swimmers must attend a minimum of 75% of the total hours available and aim for the squad target of 85%. Swimmers must attend 65% of available AM sessions per calendar month. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and every three months, if necessary, squad changes will be made by the coaching staff.
All squad changes are at Head coach discretion.
Squad Criteria:
- Minimum age Girls 11/Boys 12
- Attend a minimum of 75% of the total available hours, target is 85% of available hours
- Attend 65% of available AM sessions
- Support squad training and competition program.
- Attend Land sessions
- Have a Performance mindset
- Working towards being an active and positive role model within the club and training enviroment
- Complete all sessions to the highest standard
- Complete Pre and Post pool competently
- Support the competition planner as set out by the coaching staff
- Must show: Contribution, Commitment, Ability, Positive Attitude, Potential, Punctuality
Targets are:
- Level 1 QTs, Midland District QTs, National Age Group QTs
- Entry into district and county competitions
- Maximum of 12 competitions per year
- Sound technique on all four strokes
- Weekly target volume of 20,000-30,000 Meters
The Junior Performance squad offers a great opportunity to continue development within the sport and gives all concerned a realistic insight into a young person's career in competitive swimming.
Development 1 Squad
The main purpose of this squad is to give all swimmers a sound aerobic development on all four strokes that will continue throughout their swimming career. The minimum attendance is 65% of the total hours available and swimmers should attend an early morning session. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and every three months, if necessary, squad changes will be made by the coach in consultation with the swimmer. Swimmers in this squad may be invited to train with Junior Performance once a week when both coaches feel that the individual concerned will benefit.
Key training elements are:
- Attend a minimum of 65% of the available hours, target is 75% of available hours
- Weekly target volume 10-15 km
- Understand stroke counting
- Have the ability to use the pace clocks
- Be competent on starts and turns
Targets are:
- Level 1 QTs, Midland District QTs
- Entry into open meets and county competitions
- Maximum of 12 competitions per year
- Aerobic development on all four strokes
Evaluation on progress to determine strengths, weaknesses and efficiency on all aspects of training become apparent in these squads where the coaching staff will set individual improvement targets.
Development 2 & Development 3 Squads
The main purpose of this squad is to establish basic stroke principles as well as awareness of water safety which can be further developed as the individual progresses. 65% of the total available hours are recommended for this squad and attend an early morning session if available. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and every three months, if necessary, squad changes will be made by the coach in consultation with the swimmer. Swimmers in this squad may be invited to train with Development 1/2 squad once a week when both coaches feel that the individual concerned will benefit.
Key training elements are:
- Attend a minimum of 65% of the total available hours, target is 75% of available hours
- Weekly target volume 10 km
- Have the ability to use the pace clocks
Targets are:
- County QTs, Level 2 QTs
- Entry into open meets and county competitions
- Maximum of 12 competitions per year
- Aerobic development on all four strokes
Achievers 1 Squad
This is the our first competitive squad and the main purpose of this squad is to introduce the swimmers into squad swimming and work on basic stroke principles as well as awareness of water safety and lane etiquette. 65% of the total available hours are recommended for this squad. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and every three months, if necessary, squad changes will be made by the coach in consultation with the swimmer. Swimmers in this squad may be invited to train with Development 3 squad once a week when both coaches feel that the individual concerned will benefit.
Key training elements are:
- Attend a minimum of 65% of the total available hours, target is 75% of available hours
- Weekly target volume 6 km
- Have the ability to use the pace clocks
Targets are:
- County QTs, Level 3 QTs
- Entry into open meets and county competitions when eligible
- Maximum of 8 competitions per year
- Aerobic development on all four strokes