Group Structure
The Orcas Program provides a system of instructional and training groups designed to move young swimmers through their swimming careers smoothly and successfully. We restructured our groups in the spring of 2011 in order to better serve all the swimmers on our team. Now our groups are peer-based and use a comprehensive approach to age and ability as we focus on improving each individual’s swimming skills and performance.
We have 4 different age divisions: Senior (13 & over), Junior (11-12), Age (9-10) and Orca (8 & under). Within each of these divisions we have 2 or 3 groups based on ability. More information about each group can be viewed below. We have a full-time coach dedicated to each group who designs and implements a comprehensive training plan in order to optimize each swimmer's growth and improvement. From novice swimmers to National qualifiers, we have a place for everyone!
Our coaches firmly believe that it is critically important for young swimmers to master proper technique in all 4 strokes as well as starts and turns. Our younger groups are largely instructional and emphasize stroke development and body position above all else. Swimmers learn that you must do strokes correctly before you can go fast. A stronger emphasis on training gradually occurs as swimmers mature physically and mentally and move into upper level groups.
Primary Coach: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Age Range: 13 and Over*
Practices per week: 8
Practice Duration: 2.5 hours plus 1.5 hours for weekday morning workouts
Requirements: Swimmers must complete an application at the beginning of each season. Applicants will be reviewed and approved by the Head Senior Coach.
Meet Expectations: Swimmers are expected to compete in at least one swim meet a month as well as attend specific meets that the Senior Coach determines as critical for each swimmer to reach his or her individual as well as team goals.
Description: All Senior groups offer a comprehensive training schedule designed to help a swimmer reach the highest levels of swimming achievement. Participation requires swimmers to be able to train at high levels of intensity. Serious stroke technique and concentration will be required of all participants. Discipline is the foundation of any training program, and ours is no exception. The purpose of the Senior Groups in the ORCA program is to provide avenues for those athletes who desire to become the best they can be. Strength building and personal stroke analysis will be offered to swimmers who need it to develop further. Senior 1 is a program offering swimmers an avenue to reach the highest of goals and achievement. Swimmers must adhere to a rigorous training schedule including strength work, stretching and double workouts on days set by the Head Senior Coach.
Primary Coach: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Age Range: 11-12*
Practices per week: 6
Practice Duration: 2.0 hours
Requirements: At least two 11-12 A times and a legal 200 IM OR the recommendation of the coaching staff
Meet Expectations: Swimmers are encouraged to compete in at least one swim meet a month.
Description: This program is offered to our most competitive 11-12 year old swimmers. Stroke mechanics and rigorous training are priorities. Swimmers must have a good background in ALL four competitive strokes and be willing to work on them. A desire to work hard and improve is essential. Swimmers are required to make as many practices as possible.
Primary Coach: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Age Range: 9-10*
Practices per week: 4 or 5
Practice Duration: 1.5 hours
Requirements: At least two 9-10 A times and a legal 100 IM OR the recommendation of the coaching staff
Meet Expectations: Swimmers are encouraged to compete in at least one swim meet a month.
Description: This program is offered to our most competitive 9-10 year old swimmers. Stroke mechanics and rigorous training are priorities. Swimmers must have a good background in ALL four competitive strokes and be willing to work on them. A desire to work hard and improve is essential. Swimmers are expected to make as many practices as possible.
Primary Coach: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Age Range: 8 & Under*
Practices per week: 3
Practice Duration: 1.25 to 1.5 hours
Requirements: At least two 8 & under B times and a legal 100 IM OR the recommendation of the coaching staff
Meet Expectations: Swimmers are encouraged to compete in at least one swim meet a month.
Description: This program is offered to our most competitive 8 and under swimmers who have developed four competent strokes and require more stroke instruction and experience. Stroke mechanics are emphasized and swimmers will be gradually introduced into training situations. Race training, sprints, starts, and turns will be fine-tuned. Games and drills are also an important focus of the group. Swimmers should make as many practices as possible.
* Some exceptions to a group's age range may be made by the coaching staff in order to ensure each swimmer is in the most appropriate group for their skill and development level. Newer swimmers may need to start in a younger or less advanced group in order to gain fundamental stroke technique. Our goal is always to get each swimmer into an age-appropriate group with their peers as soon as they have mastered the necessary skills.
Group moves are determined by the coaching staff at specific times in the year, usually September, December and April. Occasionally group moves may be made at other times during the year if the coaching staff deems it necessary for a swimmer's development.