Basingstoke Bluefins Squad Structure 2010-2011

The following diagram shows how swimmers progress through Basingstoke Bluefins, and provides context within which individual swimmers can understand the level of commitment associated with the different paths and make conscious decisions about their own swimming development.

Swimmers can enter the club at all levels, although, in practice, the majority progress from Learn to Swim programmes operated by Bluefins, or by other operators (such as the Aquadrome, The Sports Centre or private swim schools).

Younger swimmers are encouraged to try different sports, not just swimming. In addition to stroke technique the club focuses on general fitness and flexibility that is useful in any sport. As they progress, swimmers must make a decision about the extent to which they want swimming to be the main focus of their life. This decision may have to be taken from Young Achievers onwards and typically occurs around the early teenage years.

This 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 ability, competitive experience and training commitment. The number, duration and intensity of the training sessions are geared to levels of development and maturation.

FUNdamentals Stage (Development 1 & 2)

This FUNdamentals 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 8 - 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 - 12 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 dryland training begins at this level, e.g., the importance of stretching and the use of bodyweight exercises to develop core body strength and improve co-ordination.

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.

Training to COMPETE Stage (Young Achievers, Age Group, Youth 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.

This group aims to provide a progressive training programme for swimmers normally aged 10-14 years. It should be seen as preparation of the swimmer for youth and senior swimming. Swimmers will be expected to compete in all strokes, distances and especially Individual Medley events.

The dryland programme is further developed through the introduction of plyometrics, stretch cords and medicine ball exercise programmes.

The main goals of the group 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, District and ultimately National Age Group Competitions.

Attendance at all sessions as advised by your coach is strongly encouraged. Swimmers showing high levels of ability and also commitment to the training and competition programme may, following discussions with the Coaching Staff, be offered an additional weekly session with a higher squad.

Training to WIN Stage (Performance Squad)

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 this squad, the swimmers will normally be aged 12/13 years and upwards, and will be showing the highest levels of commitment. They will consist of talented and motivated individuals having the dedication and desire to train and compete at the highest level. Squad members are expected to make a total commitment to the achievement of high performance.

It is expected that swimmers in this squad will show dedication to the sport through exemplary attendance and attitude. Swimmers are expected to make all training sessions assigned to them by the coaching staff. This includes all strength and conditioning sessions.

It is expected that all members of the squad attend the designated competitions assigned by the coaching staff. All arrangements including academic and personal, should be made well in advance to ensure participation.

The highest level of focus is expected - group members 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.

Performance squad mainly consists of swimmers preparing for, or already competing at, District and National Championship level. Due to substantial improvements over the last few years, it is anticipated that a racing performance eligibility criteria will be introduced for this group in the near future.

County Sqaud

This squad consists of swimmers normally aged 12 years and upwards, and provides training and competition opportunities at various levels ranging from level 3 & 4 up to District standard.

Five swim sessions per week are currently offered. As with all squads, standards of training such as attitude and punctuality are high.

Disability Swimming

Bluefins makes provision for swimming by those with a physical disability or learning difficulties at all levels. As far as possible, we teach disabled children alongside able-bodied children in our normal lessons programme, often having 1-on-1 attention in the water.

Disabled swimmers are encouraged, where it is appropriate, to swim alongside able-bodied swimmers in our standard training squads, but there is also a specialised squad for disabled swimmers, the Sharks. Disabled swimmers may swim in both the Sharks and a standard training squad.

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.