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The
Racing Team
Our competitive training groups
Our training
protocol outlines practice content, training frequency, and a competitive
schedule. More importantly, it sets forth how these factors will be
evaluated as they apply to each swimmer and practice group. In a club
situation the protocol also outlines how we get from one point in the
program to another.
For a swimmer to
move through the Saluki program means that as time passes the athlete
becomes better skilled, a more experienced competitor, and a true athlete
with a committed team outlook.
The key factor affecting progress is long term participation
At younger ages we
focus on skill development. Proper mechanics are not only a key component of
practice sessions they are the main criteria for movement to the next
training group at this stage.
As skills are
refined, "getting in shape" takes on more and more importance. Group
criteria include measured swims where athletes must meet minimum distances
and competitive performances become part of the evaluation tools. Learning
to compete becomes an evaluated skill.
At higher levels of
the program competition and training become the primary
focus. The casual attendance of earlier groups is replaced by planned
training over a period of months.
Click on the group
names above for a fuller description of what is included and required at each
level.
General
Progressions
The actual names
and divisions between our training groups are different but we follow this
general outline:
-
BASIC SKILL DEVELOPMENT -- Jedi
& Group 1 (12 years & under). This is our introductory level of
competitive swimming. Groups at this level focus on the fundamentals of
good technique. Movement to the next level is based on skill acquisition,
practice attendance.
-
BASIC TRAINING DEVELOPMENT --
Groups 2 & 3 (10-15 years). A transitional level from almost all teaching to
an equalization of technique and training. An increase in the frequency of
practice is important at this level. Training involves mostly aerobic
activity. Movement to the next level is based on technique, practice
attendance, meet performance and several tests of aerobic endurance and
power.
-
PROGRESSIVE TRAINING -- Group 4
(12-18 years). Frequency and intensity of practice become an important
part of our focus at this level. Practice emphasis shifts from technique
to training. Movement to the next level is based on practice attendance,
meet performance and tests of aerobic endurance and power as well as items
listed below.
-
ADVANCED TRAINING -- Group 5 (13
years and older). This level is for swimmers who show appropriate
dedication, desire, experience, and talent.
Meet
attendance
Our meet schedule is designed to
offer appropriate competitions for our various training groups. Meet
attendance is expected of all swimmers except for the Jedi.
We are committed to picking competitions that meet the needs of
our athletes. This recognizes the fact that novice
swimmers have different competitive needs than seasoned competitors.
The Saluki program
is based on the assumption that skills learned at practice sessions will
eventually be tested in competition. It's what we do! |