YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

Youth Development Squad Overview

The Youth Development Squad is focused on refining stroke techniques, enhancing swimming fitness, and building race skills for swimmers who are working towards competitive success. The squad provides a supportive environment for swimmers aiming to achieve Middlesex County Qualifying Times, improve their race performance, and continue developing all aspects of their swimming technique.

Monthly Fee: £43.00 (paid via Direct Debit)

Youth Development Squad Criteria

• Minimum Attendance:
  Swimmers in the Youth Development Squad are required to attend a minimum of 2 pool sessions per week to ensure consistent progress in fitness and technique.
• Required Equipment:
  • Kickboard, Pull Buoy, and Fins are essential for all sessions to help swimmers focus on specific drills that build strength, improve technique, and refine stroke mechanics.
  • Swimmers must bring either two 500ml water bottles or one 1L water bottle to every session to stay properly hydrated during training.

Youth Development Squad Aims and Aspirations

The Youth Development Squad is designed to help swimmers develop the skills and fitness required to compete successfully. The key objectives of the squad are:

• Achieving Middlesex County Qualifying Times (where age applicable):
  Swimmers will work towards achieving the Middlesex County Qualifying Times (QTs), a key milestone in their competitive swimming journey.
• Improving Swimming Fitness:
  The squad focuses on improving overall fitness through structured swim sets aimed at building endurance, speed, and strength in the water.
• Developing Starts, Turns, and Underwater Phases:
  Special attention is given to enhancing starts and turns, with a focus on the underwater phase for all strokes. This ensures swimmers maximize their speed off the blocks and improve their turns in racing situations.
• Continuing to Refine Stroke Technique:
  Swimmers will continue to improve their technique across all four competitive strokes—Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly—with an emphasis on swimming efficiently and maintaining proper form.

Competitions (Minimum Requirement)

Swimmers in the Youth Development Squad are encouraged to participate in at least 4 competitions per season, which must include the Borough of Harrow Club Championships. Regular participation in competitions helps swimmers track their progress, apply their training in a race environment, and develop race strategies.

Youth Development Squad Aims

The squad’s main goals are to help swimmers develop their skills and prepare for more competitive levels of swimming. The specific aims include:

1. Enhancing Technique on All Four Competitive Strokes:
   Swimmers will focus on refining technique for Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. Proper stroke mechanics are crucial for reducing drag and improving efficiency in the water.
2. Improving Streamlining and Underwater Phases:
   Streamlining and underwater work will be a significant focus, helping swimmers maximize their speed and efficiency during starts, turns, and transitions.
3. Teaching Racing Starts and Turns:
   Swimmers will learn proper racing start techniques, as well as fast and effective turns for each stroke. These skills are essential for competitive swimming and contribute to faster overall race times.

Progression Path

Swimmers who consistently meet the performance standards, attendance requirements, and competition participation will have the opportunity to progress to more advanced squads, such as the County Development Squad. This progression is based on the swimmer’s technical improvements, fitness gains, and their ability to meet competitive qualifying standards.

Why Join the Youth Development Squad?

The Youth Development Squad is ideal for swimmers who are committed to improving their technique, fitness, and competitive skills. This squad provides a structured environment where swimmers can refine their abilities, build endurance, and work towards achieving county-level qualification times. Swimmers in this squad also enjoy the opportunity to compete regularly, track their progress, and gain valuable race 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, swimmers must bring the following equipment to each session:

• 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 combination of technique drills, endurance training, and skill development exercises during every session.

Commitment and Accountability

Swimmers in the Youth Development Squad are expected to show commitment to their training, attend regularly, and participate in competitions. By maintaining consistent attendance and meeting the squad’s performance expectations, swimmers will be well-prepared for progression and continued success in competitive swimming.