Practice Group Descriptions
The Gulliver Swim Club practice groups fit the needs of swimmers of all ages and ability levels. Please keep in mind that the age ranges presented are not fixed. Many factors go into group placement. These group descriptions are provided only to give a sense of our team’s structure and the progression your child will likely follow as they move through our swimming program. Like any successful organization, there has to be structure. Coaches, at times, will make moves outside of the designed group guidelines to ensure quality coaching for the individual, group, and team. Please keep in mind that group move-ups are at the coach’s discretion. Gulliver Swim Club emphasizes long-term success with every athlete. Some athletes will progress faster than others. Be patient and learn to enjoy the process of becoming a great swimmer.
Some Factors Associated with Group Move-Ups
1. Age
2. Maturity
3. Attendance
4. Work Ethic
5. Training Ability
6. Achievement
Coaches will always use their best judgment, based on decades of combined experience, to provide your child with the optimal environment for continued healthy development as a swimmer and person.
Bronze Group (Ages 7-9): Where We Have Fun to Learn!
Swimmers in this group know how to do the freestyle and backstroke and have a general understanding of breaststroke and butterfly. Refinement and continued development of these skills are the main objectives of this group. Other activities and sports are encouraged. The basic points of emphasis are having fun, learning proper stroke techniques, and an introduction to competition. Swimmers in this group generally compete in novice-level meets Sizzlers, and Area Champs and are encouraged to attend 4 to 5 weekly practices.
Silver Group (Ages 9-10): Where We Learn to Practice!
Swimmers in this group have been introduced to competitive swimming. The stroke technique will continue to be refined with the addition of endurance and conditioning. In addition, goal setting, race strategy, and understanding of time standards are emphasized. Swimmers in this group generally compete in novice-level meets, and qualifying meets such as Area Champs and Junior Olympics. Swimmers are encouraged to attend 4 to 5 practices a week.
Gold Group (Ages 10-12): Where We Practice to Train!
Swimmers in this group have a high level of competitive swimming experience. Advanced stroke techniques and dryland exercises will be introduced. There is a stronger emphasis on strength and conditioning. In addition, more advanced goal-setting and race strategies will be introduced. Swimmers are encouraged to compete at local and state-wide swim meets and are prepared to race every event at every distance. Swimmers are also encouraged to attend 5 to 6 practices a week.
Senior Prep (Ages 12-14): Where We Train to Compete!
Swimmers in this group will transition from the age group program in preparation for senior-level swimming. Stroke refinement and aerobic endurance will continue while dryland training is increased. Swimmers are encouraged to attend 5 to 6 practices per week. In addition, we recommend swimmers attend all swim meets. Swimmers in this group generally compete in Area Champs and FGC Junior Olympics.
Senior (Ages 15 & older): Where We Compete to Achieve!
Swimmers in this group have a proven commitment and ability to train at the senior level. While not all Seniors strive to attend national-level meets, all Seniors work toward individual goals and communicate those goals with coaches.
The Senior group will refine advanced stroke techniques, increase training volume, and enter a period of event specialization while attempting to achieve LSC Championship, Junior National, National, and Olympic Trial time standards. Swimmers in this group commit to 20+ hours per week of water training while increasing dryland strength training. Swimmers are expected to attend all nine practices and all swim meets.
Masters (Ages 18 & older):
The Masters Swim Club is a year-round USA Masters Swimming Team for those 18 and older. We offer every member an opportunity to improve their swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability. We offer three training groups. The lap swim group is for those who wish to come in and swim laps on their own, a moderate group for triathletes & swimmers wishing to have light-constructed interval training/technique-based practice, and a competitive swim group that will receive more intense workouts and stroke correction. This is available for beginner swimmers to more experienced advanced swimmers. Gulliver Swim Club provides 4 workouts per week.
