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 months out of every 4 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 squad criteria, 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 on poolside a minimum of 10 minutes before pool session
- Arrive with a positive attitude!
- Be fully hydrated before training
- Complete Pre pool and post pool as directed by the coach
- 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 Buoy
- 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 7 swim sessions and 2 Land sessions 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, measured over a 2 month period. 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 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
- Having achieved 3 MDQT times in the current qualifying window
- Attend a 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 Finals, 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
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 6 swim sessions and 1 land session 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, measured over a 2 month period. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and 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
- Having achieved within 5% of 3 MDQT in the current qualifying window
- 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 environment
- 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 Regional Championships
- 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 75% of the total hours available. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and 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.
Squad Criteria
- Attend a minimum of 75% of the available hours, target is 85% of available hours
- Strive to achieve at least 4 County qualifying times not including 50s in the current qualifying window
- Attend Land Training
- Complete Pre and Post pool competently
- Support the competition planner as set out by the coaching staff
- Understand stroke counting
- Must show: Contribution, Commitment, Ability, Positive Attitude, Potential, Punctuality
- Have the ability to use the pace clocks
- Be competent on starts and turns
Targets are:
- Level 1 QTs, Midland District QTs
- County finals
- 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. The minimum attendance is 75% of the total hours available. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and 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 75% of the total available hours, target is 85% of available hours
- Aerobic development on all 4 strokes
- 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. The minimum attendance is 75% of the total hours available. Each swimmer's progress, attendance and commitment level are reviewed periodically and 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 75% of the total available hours, target is 85% of available hours
- Aerobic development on all four strokes
- 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
Achievers 2 Squad
An intermediate squad, between Stage teaching and competition swimming.
The aim is to build on the stroke techniques already learned to prepare swimmers for competitive squad swimming. Swimmers should attain a minimum attendance of 75% of the total available hours. Each swimmers progress, attendance and attitude to training will be monitored by the coaches throughout each 3 month period.
Progression to Achiever 1 will be when the coaches of both squads consider that this would be beneficial to the swimmer.
Key training elements are:
- Adaptation of basic stroke technique to legal competition standard stroke techniques on a minimum of 3 of the 4 strokes.
- Proficiency in starts, turns and finishes for all 4 strokes
- Understanding of team relay racing, with proficient racing take-overs.
- Familiarity with gala procedures at Licence level 4.
- Introduction to use of the pace clock.
- Development of aerobic performance.
Targets are:
- Entry into all suitable internal galas (CDC and Sprint events) to establish racing times for 50m, and 100m IM swims, plus experience of gala procedures.
- Willingness to enter Open galas recommended by the coaches when the swimmers age fits the gala qualification criteria.