Class Categories

1. Mini-Minnow & Beginner Groups

These classes aim to introduce basic water skills and build confidence in the
water.
Standard Ages: Mini-Minnows 4-6 years or Beginners 7-12 years (if the child is
under 4 years we will advise on private classes 1:1 sessions)
Minimum Requirements:
● No or limited prior swimming experience.
● Good listening skills

 

2. Foundation Groups

These classes aim to introduce basic stroke mechanics, breathing techniques and
coordination of front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke.
Age: 5-8
Minimum Requirements:
● 2 types of kicking, paddling arms (front & back), and be comfortable floating
in deeper water
● 85% Attendance

 

3. Development Groups

These classes aim to refine and correct strokes, as well as develop speed,
stamina and endurance for those desiring to join competitions. They will also be
entered into development-focused competitions but not
advanced/qualification-based competitions.
Age: 6-9
Minimum Requirements:
● 2-3 recognized swimming strokes, paddling arms (front & back), and be
comfortable floating in deeper water
● 85% Attendance

4. Development Squad

This is an entry level squad for all swimmers who wish to race with Water Skills, and who
fulfil the entry criteria below. Swimmers will be assessed regularly to enable them to
transition into the performance Squad.
Age: 8-12
Training Target: 90% monthly attendance of sessions available (3-4 per week)
Minimum Requirements:
● Complete a set of 4 x 100m freestyle and maintain reasonable technique. As well as,
demonstrate proficiency in all four strokes - butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and
freestyle.
● Enter / swim in club designated competitions as requested by the Coaching
team. Represent the team at amateur/beginner levels of competition. Follow
team goals and rules.
● Work and train together as a team.
● Have a general understanding of how to use a pace clock. Have a good
understanding of streamlining.
● Be able to hold technique on freestyle for 4 x 100s on a 3 minute 30 sec cycle.
● Be able to maintain reasonable technique for up to 100m in backstroke and
breaststroke. Able to demonstrate the butterfly kick and arms.
● Be able to carry out freestyle tumble turns and have an understanding of
backstroke tumble turns.
● Be able to carry out a racing dive.

 

5. Performance Squad

This is an advanced level squad for all swimmers who wish to race with Water Skills, and
who fulfil the entry criteria below. Swimmers will be provided personal adaptations in each
training session to support their stroke-specific development and enhance performance in
those events.
Age: 9 and over
Training Target: 90% monthly attendance of sessions available (4 sessions per week)
Minimum Requirements:
● Complete a set of 6 x 100m freestyle on a 2 minute 40 second cycle and maintain
reasonable technique. As well as, demonstrate proficiency in all four strokes - butterfly,
backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.
● Enter / swim in club designated competitions as requested by the Coaching
team. Represent the team at all levels of competition. Follow team ethos and
rules.
● Work and train together as a team.
● Have a good understanding of how to use a pace clock. Have a good
understanding of streamlining.
● Be able to maintain reasonable technique for up to 200m in backstroke and
breaststroke. Be able to swim butterfly for 50m.
● Be able to complete freestyle and backstroke tumble turns, as well as breaststroke pull
downs.
● Must be competing at a minimum of five competitions within a season.
● Must have official times in at least two strokes over 50m in distance (Ie, 100m freestyle/
100m backstroke)
● Must have a training snorkel at all sessions for drill/skill work.
● Should be able to perform IM (Individual Medley) in its order
● Should be able to answer 2 general rules about any 2 strokes.