YOUTH SQUAD

Youth Squad Overview

The Youth Squad is designed for swimmers who want to continue developing their swimming skills and fitness with a flexible training schedule. This squad emphasizes stroke refinement, race skills, and general swimming fitness, while providing the opportunity to compete in a supportive environment. Swimmers in this squad will work on improving all four competitive strokes, starts, turns, and underwater techniques.

Monthly Instalment: £45.00 (paid via Direct Debit)

Youth Squad Criteria

• Attendance:
  While there is no minimum attendance requirement, swimmers are encouraged to attend 3 pool sessions per week to maximize their progress in fitness, technique, and race performance.
• Required Equipment:
  • Kickboard, Pull Buoy, Fins, and Hand Paddles are essential for all training sessions to facilitate focused drills that improve stroke technique and strength.
  • Swimmers must also bring either two 500ml water bottles or one 1L water bottle to each session to stay hydrated during training.

Youth Squad Aims and Aspirations

The Youth Squad aims to provide a well-rounded swimming experience, focusing on skill development and fitness, while encouraging swimmers to compete and progress towards higher levels of competition. Key objectives include:

• Achieving Middlesex County Qualifying Times (where age applicable):
  Swimmers will work towards achieving Middlesex County Qualifying Times (QTs), which mark significant progress in their competitive journey.
• Developing Swimming Fitness:
  The squad focuses on building endurance, strength, and overall swimming fitness through structured training sessions designed to improve speed and stamina.
• Improving Starts, Turns, and Underwater Phases:
  Swimmers will continue to develop their starts, turns, and underwater skills, which are crucial for competitive racing. Mastering these elements will help swimmers gain an edge in races.
• Refining Stroke Technique for All Four Competitive Strokes:
  Swimmers will work on improving technique for Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. Emphasis is placed on swimming efficiently with proper form.

Competitions

Swimmers in the Youth Squad are encouraged to compete in at least 3 competitions per season. Regular competition participation helps swimmers apply their training, track their progress, and gain experience in a race environment. Competitions are a key part of the swimmer’s development and progression.

Youth Squad Aims

The Youth Squad provides structured training designed to help swimmers develop their skills and fitness while enjoying the sport. The specific aims of the squad include:

1. Developing Technique in All Four Competitive Strokes:
   Swimmers will focus on improving technique for Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. Proper technique helps reduce drag and improve efficiency in the water.
2. Improving Streamlining and Underwater Phases:
   Training will emphasize streamlining and underwater phases for all strokes, ensuring swimmers maximize their speed and efficiency in starts and turns.
3. Teaching Racing Starts and Turns:
   Swimmers will learn proper racing starts and turns for each stroke, helping them develop the skills necessary for competitive success.

Progression Path

Swimmers who meet the performance standards of the Youth Squad will have the opportunity to progress to more advanced squads such as the Performance Squad. Progression is based on the swimmer’s technical improvements, fitness levels, and ability to meet competitive qualifying standards.

Why Join the Youth Squad?

The Youth Squad is ideal for swimmers who are passionate about improving their technique, fitness, and race skills, while enjoying the flexibility of a less intense training schedule. This squad provides an opportunity for swimmers to refine their skills, compete, and develop their abilities in a supportive and structured environment.

Training Schedule

For detailed training times and sessions, please refer to the Squad Timetable available on the club’s website: Squad Timetable.

What to Bring to Each Session

Swimmers are expected to bring the following equipment to each session:

• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Fins
• Hand Paddles
• Two 500ml water bottles or one 1L water bottle
• Club kit for poolside (including a club swim hat and t-shirt)

Swimmers should be prepared for a mix of technique drills, endurance training, and skill development during each session.

Commitment and Accountability

While there is no strict attendance requirement, swimmers in the Youth Squad are encouraged to attend regularly and participate in competitions. Regular training and race participation are important for maintaining progress and ensuring swimmers meet the goals of the squad. By maintaining consistent attendance and participating in competitions, swimmers will be well-prepared for continued progression in their swimming journey.