Wyandotte Wildcats Swim Club

The coaching staff makes decisions on group placement based on a season-long process of watching swimmers practice daily and meet habits for returners. These are guidelines that help the coaching staff place athletes in the appropriate practice groups and are not absolute. The head coach and coaching staff have final say on all group assignments regardless of written guidelines. All group assignments are subject to change by the coaching staff at any time throughout the duration of the swim season.

These are entrance requirements and should be looked at as such. Each group will be trained to improve in all aspects of their swimming and to aim beyond the next group’s requirements creating a progressive long term approach.    

Beginner group:

This practice group focuses on building a strong foundation of skills and techniques in a fun environment while preparing swimmers for meets by developing the necessary skills for competition. To move to the Intermediate group, the head coach and coaching staff will make the final decision. 

Entrance Criteria:

• Demonstrate ability to swim 2 x 25 Freestyle without stopping (touching the bottom or needing assistance)

• Attempts to put face in the water while swimming Freestyle  

Practice Goals:

• Have a preliminary understanding of Breaststroke and Breaststroke Kick and Butterfly and Butterfly kick

• Drill and kick all the way to the wall

• Demonstrate streamlines off every wall 

• Introduction of Competitive starts 

Season Goals:

• Ability to compete in all four strokes

• Continuing to build strong technique will continue to be the focus in this group.  Racing starts and turns will also be taught.

• Attend at least two meets to meet the requirement for Championship meet entry

Other Group Expectations

• Follow all pool rules (no running, etc.)

• Be ready to swim at the start time of practice. 

• Put equipment away neatly 

• Appropriate locker room behavior

• Show good sportsmanship and respect to all coaches, team members, team parents, officials, opposing teams and self.

Intermediate group:​​

This practice group emphasizes the importance of technique based training to ensure Encouraging stroke efficiency through an introduction to advanced training skills with positive encouragement they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming journey. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport. To move to the Intermediate group, the head coach and coaching staff will make the final decision. 

Entrance Criteria

• Must be able to swim under 1 minute for a 50 freestyle 

• Demonstrate ability to swim at least 1 x 50 of each stroke (Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke, or Freestyle)

• Ability to dive from side of pool or starting block 

• Demonstrate an in water somersault

Practice Goals:

• Legal turns for all four strokes off each wall

• Streamline off every wall (Freestyle, Backstroke, and Butterfly) 

• Independently following the pace clock—basic intervals (ex. 1:00, 1:15, 1:30) 

• Line up properly after each drill, swim, set, etc.

• Drill and Kick all the way to the wall

• Dive off the side or from the starting block

Season Goals 

• Attend as many practices a week as possible 

• Demonstrate maturity and a positive growth mindset

• Compete in events with a legal stroke and kick

• Attend at least two meets to meet the requirement for Championship meet entry

Other Group Expectations

• Follow all pool rules (no running, etc.)

• Be ready to swim at the start time of practice. 

• Put equipment away neatly 

• Appropriate locker room behavior

• Show good sportsmanship and respect to all coaches, team members, team parents, officials, opposing teams and self.

Advanced:

This group will focus on perfecting stroke technique with an equal emphasis on endurance training, mastery of more advanced drills, and the ability to maintain proper stroke technique over longer distances. Athletes will train at higher intensity and higher volume, and to nurture consistent practice habits, attitudes and values that will help them excel later on. To move to the Advanced Gold group, the Head Coach and Assistant Coaches will make the final decision. 

Entrance Criteria:

• Typically, swimmers in this group are at least 10 years old, but maturity and ability level supersedes age for placement in this group

• Must be able to swim 40 seconds or faster in the 50 freestyle 

• Compete in events in any of the four strokes with proper technique and form

• Must be able to swim 100 yards of each individual stroke without stopping

Practice Goals:

• For regular improvement, swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend all practices offered per week

• Swim all four strokes with legal form, including legal starts, turns and finishes

• Streamline off every wall (Freestyle, Backstroke, and Butterfly) 

• Independently following the pace clock—basic intervals (ex. 1:00, 1:15, 1:30) 

• Demonstrate a good attitude, maturity level, attentiveness, and willingness to take on greater challenges

Season Goals:

• Retain instruction and take ownership for their performances in both training and competition

• Practice and compete all four strokes with legal form, including legal starts, turns and finishes

• Compete confidently and legally in a 50/100/200 Freestyle, 50/100 Backstroke, 50/100 Breaststroke, 50/100 Butterfly, and 100/200 IM in a swim meet

• Attend at least two meets to meet the requirement for Championship meet entry

Other Group Expectations:

• Follow all pool rules (no running, etc.)

• Be ready to swim at the start time of practice. 

• Put equipment away neatly 

• Appropriate locker room behavior

• Show good sportsmanship and respect to all coaches, team members, team parents, officials, opposing teams and self.

​

Advanced Gold

This is a competitive training group designed to prepare swimmers for higher level swimming.  This group will focus on advanced stroke development, individual goal setting, and physical, mental and emotional preparation for the higher levels of competition. Swimmers are encouraged to prioritize training, nutrition and recovery. 

Entrance Criteria:

• Demonstrate all four strokes with legal form, including legal starts, turns and finishes

• Swim 4 x 100 Free Swim holding 2:00 or better @ 2:10 interval​

• Kick 4 x 50 Freestyle @1:30 or better @ 1:45 interval

• Ability to handle increasing training workloads

Practice Goals:

• For regular improvement, swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend all practices offered per week

• Swim all four strokes with legal form, including legal starts, turns and finishes

• Streamline off every wall (Freestyle, Backstroke, and Butterfly) 

• Independently following the pace clock—basic intervals (ex. 1:00, 1:15, 1:30) 

• Listen to and apply feedback from coaches

• Communicate openly with coaches regarding training, issues, or concerns

Season Goals:

• Set individual goals that are measurable

• Make continuous effort to improve in all areas of technical, training and racing skills

• Willingness to train and compete in all strokes and distances at the highest level possible

• Increase strength, stamina, endurance and fitness level

• Improve leadership skills 

Other Group Expectations:

• Follow all pool rules (no running, etc.)

• Be ready to swim at the start time of practice. 

• Put equipment away neatly 

• Appropriate locker room behavior

• Show good sportsmanship and respect to all coaches, team members, team parents, officials, opposing teams and self.