Competitive D Group

Training Times:

Tuesday 7-8pm – Daisyfield
Friday 7-8pm – Shadsworth

Land Training

Friday 6-6.45pm Shadsworth

Competitive D is the first of the new coaching groups established during the re-launch.  This group replaces the old improvers 10 group.  It will become the stepping stone from teaching into coaching but will still loosely follow the NPTS stage 8 criteria.  In this level the swimmers will complete the following type of training:

1. Stroke technique on all four competitive strokes using coach controlled single lap sets
2. Stroke drill progressions using all four competitive strokes, initially using fins to perform coach controlled sets and single lap work
3. Endurance and speed training to prepare them for the next level
4. Speed (no more than a few 15m and 25m swims – usually include starts, turns, finishes)
5. Introduction to IM swimming (50/100m)
6. Turns for all four competitive strokes and IM
7. Starts for all four competitive strokes
8. Relay Takeovers
9. Correct finishes on all four strokes
10. Sculling and games – teaching the difference between wrist up/down/flat type sculling
11. Using a pace clock
12. Training environment and lane discipline
13. Should compete in club gala
14. Introduction to very low level competition
15. Punctual for all sessions and galas
16. Introduction to basic stretching
17. Training equipment to include: kickboard, fins (short blade) and drinks bottle
18. Development of kick on all four strokes (butterfly kick with fins)
19. It is important to realise that this squad will be very technique and skills based to prepare them for the later squads.

Squad criteria to move up into C group will consist of the following outcomes.:

1. Complete a set lasting 400m (e.g 16 x 25m) on a specific turn around time set by the
coach (E.g 1.00min for each 25m)
2. Swim 400m continuously using one stroke
3. Kick 25m Backstroke with/without using a board
4. Kick 25m Breaststroke with/without using a board
5. Kick 25m Butterfly with/without using a board
6. Kick 25m Front Crawl with/without using a board
7. Perform a Backstroke turn from 10m in to 15m out
8. Perform a Breaststroke turn from 10m in to 15m out
9. Perform a Butterfly turn from 10m in to 15m out
10. Perform a Front Crawl turn from 10m in to 15m out

It is important to remember however that completing these outcomes alone is not enough to allow a swimmer to move up.  The swimmer must attend regular sessions along with being punctual and having a positive work ethic and ability.  The swimmer must also be competing in the club gala and/or at selected micro league teams.  Failure to meet these requirements will mean the swimmer will be given the opportunity to swim in our Junior Squad.