SQUAD PROGRESSION

BHSC Squad Structure

The Borough of Harrow Swimming Club (BHSC) Squad Structure has been carefully developed to provide a comprehensive pathway for all swimmers, focusing on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD). This structure allows swimmers to progress, develop, and grow within the club. However, it’s important to acknowledge that each swimmer is unique in terms of their age, physical strengths, motivation, inherent skill, competition performance, and future potential. These factors will influence the squad in which a swimmer is placed.

Each squad should be seen as a springboard for development rather than a ceiling. With the right attitude, there is no limit to what a swimmer can achieve within each squad. We encourage swimmers to make the most of the training and experience offered by our dedicated coaches.

Pathway and Squad Progression

Swimmers are encouraged to work towards meeting the entry criteria for each squad. However, squad placement is dynamic, and movements between squads are regularly reviewed by BHSC coaches during coaches’ meetings. Decisions on progression take into account several key factors, including:

• Performance: Race results and achievements in competitions.
• Training: The swimmer’s consistency, ability, and effort during training sessions.
• Commitment: Dedication to attending practices and improving performance.
• Attitude: Positive approach towards training, teammates, and coaching staff.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at training sessions.

Coach Discretion in Squad Placement

The Head Coach, in consultation with the coaching team, may authorise movements between squads that do not strictly adhere to the entry criteria. This flexibility allows for individual differences, ensuring that the swimmer’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances are considered. Due to limited space within each squad, priority is given to swimmers showing the greatest long-term potential based on their current performance, commitment, and attitude.

Each swimmer’s progression or transition between squads is treated individually, with an understanding that development is not a linear process. The squad criteria act as goals for swimmers to strive for, providing a sense of achievement when those goals are met.

Individual Progression and Transition

Sport is not an exact science, and many factors come into play when progressing athletes. The coaching team considers a wide range of elements when determining the most suitable rate of progression for each swimmer, including:

• Past & Present Performance: Competitive results, training effort, and improvement over time.
• Commitment & Attitude: A swimmer’s dedication and mindset towards training and competition.
• Training Ability: Awareness, technical proficiency, and ability to adapt to training environments.
• Physical Factors: Age, sensitive stages of growth, recovery from injury or illness, and maturity.

Swimmers may progress at different rates, and each swimmer’s strengths and weaknesses are carefully considered to ensure the best path forward.

Progression Methods

There are typically two methods of progression:

1. Straight Move to the Next Squad:
   • This approach is generally for older swimmers who have demonstrated excellent training abilities and awareness. These swimmers are ready to take on more challenging training environments without a gradual transition.
2. Transition Training:
   • Younger swimmers may transition more gradually by attending sessions in both their current squad and the next squad. This approach ensures the swimmer can adapt to the increased training demands and different environments over time, building confidence and capability as they progress.

Considerations for Progression

Several factors are taken into account when deciding on a swimmer’s progression. These considerations help the coaching team determine the most appropriate pathway for each swimmer:

• Experience: Level of experience in competitions and training environments.
• Abilities: Technical proficiency, physical strength, and race performance.
• Commitment: Consistent attendance and dedication to training and improvement.
• Attitude: Positive outlook towards challenges and respect for coaches and peers.
• Punctuality: Regular and timely attendance at training sessions.
• Training vs. Competition: Whether the swimmer excels more in training or in competitive environments.
• Injuries or Illness: Recovery rate and management of injuries or illness.
• Maturity & Age: Level of emotional and physical maturity.
• Growth & Development: Understanding the sensitive stages of physical development and how they affect training.
• Social Behaviour: Ability to work well within the squad and build positive relationships with teammates.
• Rates of Progression: Recognising that some swimmers progress faster than others due to a variety of factors.

Conclusion

At Harrow Swimming Club, we understand that every swimmer’s journey is different. The BHSC squad structure provides a clear pathway for growth, with flexibility built in to accommodate individual needs and potentials. Our goal is to help each swimmer reach their full potential by providing a training environment that is both challenging and supportive. Coaches are always on hand to assess progress and make recommendations to ensure every swimmer is on the right path.

If you would like to discuss your swimmer’s development, please feel free to schedule a meeting with your child’s coach.