CLUB SQUAD

Club Squad Overview

The Club Squad is designed for swimmers who are looking to maintain and improve their swimming fitness and technique in a structured but less intense environment. This squad focuses on refining stroke technique, improving fitness, and developing skills such as starts and turns. Swimmers in this squad have the opportunity to participate in competitions, but the primary focus is on enjoying the sport and progressing at their own pace.

Monthly Fee: £43.00 (paid via Direct Debit)

Club Squad Criteria

• Minimum Attendance:
  Swimmers in the Club Squad are required to attend at least 2 pool sessions per week to ensure consistent progress in their technique and fitness.
• Required Equipment:
  • Kickboard, Pull Buoy, and Fins are essential for all training sessions, as they aid in the development of stroke technique, strength, and endurance.
  • Swimmers must bring either two 500ml water bottles or one 1L water bottle to each session to maintain proper hydration throughout training.

Club Squad Aims and Aspirations

The Club Squad is designed to provide a well-rounded swimming experience, focusing on improving technical skills and overall fitness in a supportive environment. The key aims of the squad include:

• Developing Swimming Fitness:
  Training is aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and overall swimming ability. Swimmers will participate in structured sets to build stamina and speed over time.
• Progressing Starts & Turns with Underwater Phases:
  Swimmers will focus on enhancing their starts and turns, incorporating proper underwater technique for each stroke. This is a vital component in improving race performance and overall efficiency in the water.
• Refining Stroke Technique Across All Four Competitive Strokes:
  Swimmers will continue to develop their technique for all four competitive strokes—Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly—ensuring they swim with efficiency and correct form.

Competitions (Minimum Requirement)

While the primary focus of the Club Squad is fitness and technique, swimmers are encouraged to compete in at least 4 competitions per season, with one mandatory competition being the Borough of Harrow Club Championships. Competitions provide an opportunity for swimmers to apply their training in a fun and supportive setting, track their progress, and challenge themselves.

Progression Path

Swimmers who consistently demonstrate the desired level of skill and meet the squad’s performance standards will have the opportunity to progress to the Youth Development Squad. This progression is based on achieving key technical milestones, improving race performance, and showing commitment to their training.

Why Join the Club Squad?

The Club Squad is perfect for swimmers who are passionate about swimming and want to improve their skills in a less competitive yet structured environment. The squad provides a balanced approach to fitness and technique, helping swimmers maintain a healthy lifestyle while also providing opportunities to participate in competitions. Whether you’re looking to progress to a more competitive squad or just enjoy swimming, the Club Squad offers a supportive and enjoyable training experience.

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

To be fully prepared for training sessions, swimmers must bring the following equipment:

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

Swimmers should be ready for a mix of technique drills, fitness sets, and skill development sessions.

Commitment and Accountability

Swimmers in the Club Squad are expected to show commitment to their training and demonstrate consistent attendance. Competitions are an important part of the swimmer’s journey, offering a chance to apply their training in a supportive environment. Swimmers who meet the squad’s performance expectations will be well-prepared to progress to the next level or continue enjoying swimming at their current pace.