Squad Structure and Objectives

Basingstoke Bluefins Squad Structure and Objectives

The structure provides a number of progressively graded training groups catering for each swimmer's individual needs and long term development.

Each group is designed to benefit swimmers who are grouped together by various factors, including ability, competitive experience and training commitment.  The number, duration and intensity of the training sessions are geared to levels of development and maturation.

Regardless of which group a swimmer is assigned to, all squad members are expected to take a full and active part in all aspects of their squad training programme. Any short term periods (i.e a few days) of illness/injury may be catered for within a swimmers current group, however, illness or injury which lasts longer (i.e more than 1-2 weeks) will need to be discussed with the coaching staff, who may then move the swimmer to a squad more relevant/able to accommodate the swimmers current situation/ability.

FUNdamental Stage ( Development 1 (advanced) & 2 (intermediate) )

This FUNdamental stage is well structured and FUN. The emphasis is on the overall development of the swimmer’s physical capacities, fundamental movement skills and the ABC’s of athleticism

- Agility, Balance, Co-ordination and Speed

These groups place emphasis on the development of stroke technique for swimmers normally aged 7 - 11 years

Training to TRAIN Stage ( Academy )

The Training to Train stage addresses the critical periods of physical and skill development.

Swimmers will learn how to train and learn the basic skills of the sport.

This group places a major emphasis on the development of stroke technique for swimmers normally aged 8/9 - 11 years.  In addition, basic swimming endurance and basic swimming speed are developed. The programme is designed to enable each swimmer to gain experience of all swimming events.

An introduction to Mobility/Flexibility training begins at this level, e.g., the importance of stretching and the use of an educational programme emphasises the nutritional requirements for swimming while a mental skills programme will assist swimmers in their mental preparation and gain an understanding of time standards.

Attendance at all sessions is encouraged to show any substantial improvement in swimming ability.

Swimmers wishing to progress to the next level of the training programme should be showing a desire and commitment to taking part in relevant competitions as directed by the coaching staff.

Training to COMPETE Stage ( C Squad, B Squad )

During the Training to Compete stage swimmers learn to perform the learned skills under a variety of competitive conditions and are exposed to all possible competitive conditions in training.

These groups aim to provide a progressive training programme for swimmers usually aged between 10-13 years.  It should be seen as preparation of the swimmer for youth and senior swimming.  “B” & “C” Squad swimmers will be expected to compete in all strokes, distances and especially 200 m & 400 m Individual Medley events.

The dryland programme is further developed through the introduction of bodyweight exercises to develop core body strength and improve co-ordination, plyometrics, stretch cords and medicine ball exercise programmes.

The main goals of these groups are to enhance stroke technique, improve cardiovascular fitness, and address individual strengths and weaknesses. Swimmers are introduced to technical/tactical skills and life skills such as time management, the value of nutrition and fluid intake for training and competition, recovery and regeneration, and an enhanced mental skills programme. Basic exercise physiology is explained so that swimmers can understand the changes taking place during the different types of training.

The competitive aims within the Squads are to progressively qualify and compete at ASA County and Regional Championships.

Attendance at all sessions as advised by your coach is strongly encouraged. Minimum attendance requirement for C Squad is an average of 4 sessions per week, and minimum attendance for B Squad is an average of 5 sessions per week. 

For members of “B” Squad, older swimmers (aged 14+ over) will be expected to be competing at County standard or above.  Older swimmers who are not at County competition standard may be offered a place in the Club Squad programme. It should be noted that in any event, the coaching team may need to, from time to time (but with reasonable notice), adjust any squad requirements to facilitate the development and progression of the club as a whole.

CLUB SQUAD & JUNIOR CLUB SQUAD

These squads consist of swimmers normally aged between 12 - 13 years old in Junior Club, and 12+ upwards in Club Squad. They provide training and competition opportunities at various levels ranging from level 3 up to District standard.

As with all squads, standards of training such as effort, attitude and punctuality are high.  Attendance at all the sessions as advised by your coach is strongly encouraged.  A minimum attendance requirement for Club Squad is an average of 3 out of the 5 swim sessions per week.

Training to WIN Stage ( “A” Squad & Performance )

All of the swimmer’s physical, technical, tactical, mental and ancillary capacities are now being consolidated with the focus of training now shifting to the optimisation of performance.

On promotion to these squads, the swimmers will normally be aged 13/14 years and upwards, and will be showing high levels of commitment to their programme and the Club.  They will consist of motivated individuals having the dedication and desire to train and compete at the highest level.  Squad members are expected to make a commitment to being the best they can be.

Swimmers in these squads should be showing dedication to the sport through excellent effort, attitude and attendance, and attend the designated competitions assigned by the coaching staff. All arrangements including academic and personal should be made well in advance to ensure participation.

A high level of focus towards the sport is expected – the swimmers are expected to make a commitment towards the achievement of excellence. If this level of focus is not attained, the coaching staff reserves the right to re-assign the swimmer to a more appropriate training group.

Minimum attendance requirement for “A” Squad is an average of 6 sessions per week, with attendance requirements being assigned to swimmers within the Performance Group on an individual basis.

All swimmers in “A” Squad are expected to be competing at County Standard and above, with all swimmers in Performance competing at Regional level and above. In both instances this will be for any distance and stroke, but excluding 50m sprint events.

GROUP MOVEMENT GUIDELINES

Most of the movements from one group to another are based on a combination of age, performance, ability to train, attendance, attitude and technique, not age or performance alone. Movement within the Development squads is particularly fluid due to varying maturational differences and acquisition of skill competencies.

Swimmers are expected to train with the highest level for which they have qualified.  Promotions will be co-ordinated between the swimmer, parents and coaching staff at a time most beneficial to the individual.

View Squad Structure