A2 Group

Training Times

Sunday 8-10am – Shadsworth
Monday 7-9pm – Shadsworth
Tuesday 7 – 9pm – Shadsworth
Wednesday 7.30-9pm – Shadsworth
Friday 7-9pm – Shadsworth

Land Training

Monday 6-6.45pm – Shadsworth
Friday 6-6.45pm Shadsworth

The A2 group will become our age group squad, consisting of swimmers ages 10-15 (in exceptional circumstances this may be different).  With an age group practice, the amount of meters this group will complete will increase however the training will consist of highly technical practices based around the 400m IM. The primary goal is to get the swimmers ready for moving to the A1 group or Gallica.  The most basic elements that will be included in this group are: Progressive Aerobic Development, Kicking, Long Quality Swims, Race Preparation, Sprinting, Test Sets, Stroke, Start and Turn work, Games and Relays, and Dryland Training. 

Swimmers will be expected to compete in selected level 1 and 2 competitions as well as the club gala, micro league and national league teams if selected.

In this level the swimmers will complete the following type of training:

1. Stroke and drill progressions are continued and expanded on all four strokes
2. Turns should now be done at a race standard in every training session including perfect streamlining, fast underwater dolphin kicking, quality breakout and entry.
3. IM sets should now be based around the 400m IM
4. Kick should be integrated into every session with at least half done as fly kick
5. Children should use the pace clock and understand their turnarounds without the coaches guidance
6. Complete a well balanced training program that includes varied pace swims (eg building swims, negative split swims, descending sets etc), basic swimming speed, pacing and over distance swims
7. Continue goal setting and working towards objectives
8. Be responsible for their own equipment (kit bag, kick board, finger paddles, fins, pull bouy, drinks bottle, food)
9. Be punctual to every session and competition
10. Compete in level 1+2 competitions as well as club and team galas.
11. Develop land training skills such as core training, stretches and own body weight activities
12. Understand the rules of the sport
13. Start to take part in test sets as directed by the coach
14. Regular attendance is compulsory

Squad criteria for moving into A1 group will consist of completing the following outcomes:

1. Complete a set lasting 2000m (either 20 x 100m; 10 x 200m; 5 x 400m) on a specific
timed turn around
set by the coach (e.g. 1.30min for 100m’s; 3.00min for 200m’s; 6.00min for 400m’s)
2. Swim 1500m continuously choosing one stroke
3. Perform a continuous 200m IM kick without using a kick board
4. Swim a continuous 400m IM using legal turns
5. Perform a 15m under water Butterfly kick on back or front in streamlined position

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 and/or national league teams as well as level 1, 2 and/or 3 meets.  Failure to meet these requirements will mean the swimmer will be given the opportunity to swim in our Junior or Senior Squad.