Green Group begins Tuesday, September 16th at the YMCA – Practice Schedule Here
- Typical Age Range for Group: 6-10
- Practice Frequency: 3 days a week, 75 mins per practice
- Group Description: Green Group is one of our entry levels to our Fall-Spring Competitive Team. This group focuses on learning more about all 4 strokes’ techniques and how to compete each stroke legally. Swimmers will learn about practice expectations and form foundational practice and competition habits. Green Group practices at the West Shore YMCA, in Pool A.
- Practice Level Prerequisites:
- Completion of WSY’s Pathway Programming, swimmers have advanced through our Take Your Mark, Mini-Team, Stroke Clinic, and Summer programs, or completed an evaluation that placed them in Green group.
- Must be able to competently swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke with recognizable technique (rotary breathing, proper body positioning, etc.) and minimal coaching.
- Must be able to demonstrate a legal stroke of butterfly and breaststroke.
- Swimmers should have the ability to learn in a group setting, away from parents, and be comfortable in deep water.
- Green group swimmers are expected to attend practice consistently and arrive on time. Outside of the water breaks should be limited, and swimmers should not touch the bottom during sets.
- Practice Level Goals: Throughout the season, swimmers in Green Group should reach the following practice level goals:
- Compete legally in 25/50 yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, as well as 25/50/100 yard freestyle events and the 100 IM
- Properly execute a flip turn, open turn, and dive from the block
- Regularly complete 1,500-2,000 yard practices, without touching the bottom of the pool during sets, keeping stopping (water/bathroom breaks) to a minimum, while understanding basic sets and intervals
- Regularly complete:
- 200-300 yards of freestyle without stopping, with flip turns, and proper technique
- Repeats of up to 75 yards of all strokes legally and with proper technique
- Repeats of up to 100 yards of all types of kicking with or without fins
- Develop an understanding of how we use the pace clocks, i.e. leaving on time and simple set intervals
- Swim Meet Opportunities: Green Group swimmers will compete in at least 1 swim meet a month, as well as end-of-season Championship meets.
- Equipment Needed: Short Training Fins, [order here] Kickboard (supplied at Y), Water Bottle
Yellow Group begins week of September 15th at the YMCA – Practice Schedule Here
- Typical Age Range for Group: 10-14
- Practice Frequency: 3 days a week, 75-90 mins per practice
- Group Description: Yellow Group is one of our entry levels to our year round Competitive Team. This group is designed for newer swimmers aged 10-14 who meet all of Green Group’s prerequisites, but are not yet ready for the Orange or Red Group. This group focuses on learning more about all 4 strokes’ techniques and how to compete each stroke legally. Swimmers will learn about practice expectations and form foundational practice and competition habits. Yellow Group practices at the West Shore YMCA, in Pool A.
- Practice Level Prerequisites:
- Completion of WSY’s Pathway Programming, swimmers have advanced through our Take Your Mark, Mini-Team, Stroke Clinic, and Summer programs, or completed an evaluation that placed them in the Yellow group.
- Must be able to competently swim 50 yards of freestyle and backstroke with recognizable technique (rotary breathing, proper body positioning, etc.) with minimal coaching.
- Must be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of butterfly and breaststroke.
- Swimmers should have the ability to learn in a group setting, away from parents, and be comfortable in deep water.
- Yellow group swimmers are expected to attend practice consistently and arrive on time. Outside of the water breaks should be limited, and swimmers should not touch the bottom during sets.
- Practice Level Goals: Throughout the season, swimmers in Yellow Group should reach the following practice level goals:
- Compete legally in 50 yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, as well as 50/100 yard freestyle events and the 200 IM
- Properly execute a flip turn, open turn, and dive from the block
- Regularly complete 1,500-2,500 yard practices with minimal stopping while understanding basic sets
- Regularly complete:
- 200-300 yards of freestyle without stopping, with flip turns, and proper technique
- Repeats of up to 75 yards of all strokes with proper technique
- Repeats of up to 100 yards of all types of kicking with or without fins
- Develop an understanding of how we use the pace clocks, i.e. leaving on time and simple set intervals
- Swim Meet Opportunities: Yellow Group swimmers will compete in 1-2 swim meets per month, as well as end-of-season Championship meets. All swimmers in this group will have the opportunity to join USA Swimming, swimmers who chose to join will be billed a yearly USA Swimming Registration fee, and compete at USA Swimming sanctioned competitions.
- Equipment Needed: Short Training Fins, [order here] Kickboard (supplied at Y), Water Bottle
ORANGE GROUP begins Tuesday, September 2nd at the YMCA – Practice Schedule Here
- Typical Age Range for Group: 9-13
- Practice Frequency: 4 days a week, 75-90 mins per practice
- Group Description: Orange Group is one of our age group levels in our year round Competitive Team. This group is for swimmers coming from our Green or Yellow Groups or another program’s equivalent. This group focuses on proper stroke technique, while exploring more detailed drills and improving endurance.
- Practice Level Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of Green or Yellow Group, or another program’s equivalent.
- Must be able to compete in 25/50 yards of all 4 strokes, a 100 IM and a 100 free legally.
- Must be able to regularly complete up to a 300 freestyle and repeats of 50s in all 4 strokes at practice.
- Swimmers ready for Orange Group have shown practice maturity, they show a readiness and willingness to work hard and improve while maintaining a positive and coachable attitude.
- Orange group swimmers are expected to attend practice consistently and arrive on time. Outside of the water breaks must be limited, and swimmers should not touch the bottom during sets.
- Practice Level Goals: Throughout the season, swimmers in Orange Group should reach the following practice level goals:
- Compete legally in 50/100 yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, as well as 200/500 yard freestyle events and the 200 IM
- Attain at least 1 YMCA District qualifying time
- Regularly complete 2,000-3,500 yard practices with minimal stopping, while accurately following any sets
- Ability to use the pace clocks for simple intervals throughout practice
- Regularly complete:
- Up to 400/500 yards of freestyle without stopping, with flip turns, and proper technique
- Repeats of up to 100 yards of all strokes with proper technique
- Repeats of up to 200 yards of IM and all types of kicking
- Regular swimming or drill work with group’s equipment
- Swim Meet Opportunities: Orange Group swimmers will compete in 1-2 swim meets per month, as well as end-of-season Championship meets. All swimmers in this group will be billed a yearly USA Swimming Registration fee, and compete at USA Swimming sanctioned competitions.
- Equipment Needed: Front Mounted Snorkel (these will be handed out at practice from coaches and billed to escrow account), Short Training Fins, [order here] Kickboard (supplied at Y), Water Bottle
RED GROUP – begins Tuesday, September 2nd at the YMCA Practice Schedule Here
- Typical Age Range for Group: 11-14
- Practice Frequency: 5 days a week, 90-120 mins per practice
- Group Description: Red Group is one of our age group levels in our year round Competitive Team. This group is for swimmers coming from our Yellow or Orange Groups or another program’s equivalent. This group focuses on displaying proper practice and technique habits while improving endurance. Red Group swimmers are expected to stay mentally engaged throughout more difficult practices.
- Practice Level Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of Yellow or Orange Group, or another program’s equivalent.
- Must be able to compete in 50 yards of all 4 strokes, a 200 IM and a 200 free legally.
- Must be able to regularly complete up to a 500 freestyle, repeats of 75s in all 4 strokes, and repeats of up to 200 IMs at practice.
- Swimmers ready for Red Group have shown a thorough understanding of all 4 strokes, they regularly show proper technique throughout practices. They have shown a strong commitment to their personal growth through consistent practice and meet attendance.
- Swimmers are expected to attend practice consistently, arrive on time, and limit breaks outside of the water to only when absolutely necessary.
- Practice Level Goals: Throughout the season, swimmers in Red Group should reach the following practice level goals:
- Compete legally in up to 100 and (possibly) 200 yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, as well as 500/1000 yard freestyle events and the 200/400 IM
- Regularly complete 3,000-4,500 yard practices with minimal stopping, while accurately following sets and intervals
- Able to use the pace clocks for any intervals, and getting times throughout practice
- Regularly complete:
- Up to 1000 yards of freestyle without stopping, with flip turns, and proper technique
- Repeats of up to 200 yards of stroke, IM, and kicking with proper technique
- Regular swimming or drill work with group’s equipment
- Swimmers should work towards qualifying for next highest level of competition (i.e. if in a prior season you only qualified for Districts, (YMCA District Qualifying time) your goal the following season should be to qualify for States, etc)
- Develop an understanding of how to set personal, achievable short-term and long-term goals
- Swim Meet Opportunities: Red Group swimmers will compete in 1-2 swim meets per month, as well as end-of-season Championship meets. All swimmers in this group will be billed a yearly USA Swimming Registration fee, and compete at USA Swimming sanctioned competitions.
- Equipment Needed: Paddles, Buoy, Front Mounted Snorkel (these 3 pieces of equipment will be handed out at practice by coaches and billed to escrow account), Short Training Fins, [order here] Kickboard (supplied at Y), Water Bottle
PURPLE GROUP – begins Monday, August 18th at the YMCA Practice Schedule Here
This practice will move to Messiah University beginning Tuesday, September 2nd through November 20th Practice Schedule Here
- Typical Age Range for Group: 13-16
- Practice Frequency: 6 days a week, 105-200 mins per practice
- Group Description: Purple Group trains alongside the Blue Group as part of our year-round Competitive Team. This group is for swimmers coming from our Red Group or another program’s equivalent. This group focuses on building endurance and developing the ability to push through physical and mental challenges. Swimmers in this group must show self-motivation and commitment by approaching practices with focus and purpose. They should be able to challenge themselves, stay engaged through tough sets, and take ownership of their progress. Purple Group swimmers must show a commitment to practice attendance.
- Practice Level Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of Red Group, or another program’s equivalent.
- Must be able to compete in 50/100 yards of all 4 strokes, a 200/400 IM and a 500 free legally.
- Must be able to regularly complete up to a 1000 freestyle, repeats of 100s in all 4 strokes, and repeats of up to 200 IMs at practice.
- Swimmers ready for the Purple Group have demonstrated the ability to independently navigate sets, intervals, and drills with minimal guidance. They show a strong commitment to their personal growth through consistent practice and meet attendance.
- Swimmers are expected to attend practice consistently, arrive on time, and limit breaks outside of the water to only when absolutely necessary.
- Practice Level Goals & Expectations: Throughout the season, swimmers in Purple Group should reach the following practice level goals:
- Compete legally in up to 200 yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, as well as 1000/1650 yard freestyle events and the 400 IM
- Regularly complete 4,000-5,500 yard practices with minimal stopping, while accurately following sets and intervals
- Able to make full use of the pace clocks, using them for intervals, pace work, and/or build and descend work.
- Regularly complete:
- Up to 1650 yards of freestyle without stopping, with flipturns, and proper technique
- Repeats of up to 200 yards of stroke, IM, and kicking with proper technique
- Regular swimming or drill work with group’s equipment
- Swimmers should work towards qualifying for next highest level of competition on both WSY and/or High School teams (i.e. if in a prior season you only qualified for Districts, your goal the following season should be to qualify for States, etc)
- Swimmers should understand how to set both short-term and long-term goals and be able to identify the steps and habits needed to achieve or surpass them.
- Swim Meet Opportunities: Purple Group swimmers will compete in 1-2 swim meets per month, as well as end-of-season Championship meets. All swimmers in this group will be billed a yearly USA Swimming Registration fee, and compete at USA Swimming sanctioned competitions. Swimmers from this group may also be competing at their high school meets, and/or Winter or Summer YMCA Nationals upon qualification.
- Equipment Needed: Paddles, Buoy, Front Mounted Snorkel (these 3 pieces of equipment will be handed out at practice by coaches and billed to escrow account), Short Training Fins, [order here], Kickboard (supplied at Y), Water Bottle
BLUE GROUP – begins Monday, August 18th at the YMCA Practice Schedule Here
This practice will move to Messiah University beginning Tuesday, September 2nd through November 20th Practice Schedule Here
- Typical Age Range for Group: 14-18
- Practice Frequency: 6 days a week, 105-200 mins per practice
- Group Description: Blue Group trains alongside the Purple Group as part of our year-round Competitive Team. This group is for swimmers coming from our Purple Group or another program’s equivalent. While the Blue and Purple groups are very similar, the Blue Group is designed for swimmers who consistently uphold higher expectations for training effort, discipline, and attendance. Further emphasis is placed on intense training, mental preparation, and advanced race strategy.
- Practice Level Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of Purple Group, or another program’s equivalent.
- Must be able to compete in 200 yards of all 4 strokes, a 400 IM and a 1000/1650 free legally.
- Must be able to regularly complete up to a 1650 freestyle, repeats of 100/200s in all 4 strokes, and repeats of up to 200/400 IMs at practice.
- Swimmers are expected to attend practice consistently, arrive on time, and limit breaks outside of the water to only when absolutely necessary.
- Practice Level Goals & Expectations: Throughout the season, swimmers in Blue Group should reach the following practice level goals:
- Compete legally in up to 200 yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, as well as 1000/1650 yard freestyle events and the 400 IM
- Regularly complete 4,500-6,000 yard practices with minimal stopping, while accurately following sets and intervals
- Able to make full use of the pace clocks, using them for intervals, pace work, and/or build and descend work.
- Regularly complete:
- Up to 1650 yards of freestyle without stopping, with flipturns, and proper technique
- Repeats of up to 200 yards of stroke, IM, and kicking with proper technique
- Regular swimming or drill work with group’s equipment
- Swimmers should work towards qualifying for next highest level of competition on both WSY and/or High School teams (i.e. if in a prior season you only qualified for Districts, your goal the following season should be to qualify for States, etc)
- Swimmers should understand how to set both short-term and long-term goals and be able to identify the steps and habits needed to achieve or surpass them.
- Swimming in a club or school team in college should be a goal of all swimmers in Blue group, assistance with the recruiting process is offered to all group members.
- Swim Meet Opportunities: Blue Group swimmers will compete in 1-2 swim meets per month, as well as end-of-season Championship meets. All swimmers in this group will be billed a yearly USA Swimming Registration fee, and compete at USA Swimming sanctioned competitions. Swimmers from this group may also be competing at their high school meets, and/or Winter or Summer YMCA Nationals upon qualification.
- Equipment Needed: Paddles, Buoy, Front Mounted Snorkel (these 3 pieces of equipment will be handed out at practice by coaches and billed to escrow account), Short Training Fins, [order here] Kickboard (supplied at Y), Water Bottle
