B.R. RYALL YMCA SWIM TEAM

Each swimmer will be placed in the practice group best suited to the swimmer’s age, ability, and commitment level. 

Groups are designed to provide professional coaching and stroke technique instruction for swimmers to achieve their maximum performance.

DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMS (ages 10 and under)
White Group
Group Emphasis- Designed for beginner swimmers who have not yet mastered all 4 competitive strokes. The primary emphasis of the group will be on stroke development, drill progressions, lane etiquette, and learning to use a pace clock.

Attendance requirement- strongly suggest regular attendance, 2-3 practices weekly

Skill requirement- A basic understanding of freestyle and backstroke and the ability to swim a single lap without stopping.

Meet expectation- none

Blue Group
Group emphasis- Designed for 10 and under swimmers with a fundamental grasp of all 4 competitive strokes. The primary focus will remain on stroke development and refinement, drill progressions, lane etiquette, and pace clock usage. This group will begin to learn training techniques, swim short sets, and be issued test sets on a weekly/biweekly basis.

Attendance requirements- 50% attendance required. Regular attendance is encouraged, 3-5 practices weekly.

Skill requirement- Legal 100 IM.

Competition requirements- 3 Y meets, Y-districts.

AGE GROUP PROGRAM (ages 13 and under)
Bronze
Group Emphasis- To focus on proper stroke mechanics through drill instruction, body position, and kicking. Starts and turns are also part of the fundamental teaching. Dryland will consist of the fundamental movements needed to improve core strength, flexibility, and athleticism. Proper behaviors and procedures will be taught and expected.

Attendance Requirements- 50% attendance is required, 70% attendance is desired.

Skill Requirements- Legal 400 IM with proper technique

Competition Requirements- These athletes should compete in three YMCA meets over the year as well as YMCA Districts. We also recommend USA Swimming meets, but it should be discussed with the coach prior to signing up.

Gold
Group Emphasis- Designed for the Elite Age Group swimmers to be in an environment to accelerate their training while still in an environment with a focus on mechanic. Proper nutrition and race planning will be incorporated into the athletes program and methodology. Finally, proper time management will be expected as the large attendance requirements will prepare the athlete for the more demanding aspects in the future.

Attendance Requirements-Gold group, swimmers are expected to attend 75% of all practices in order to continue to excel. Please remember that the season plan is written around 100% attendance.

Skill Requirements- A complete understanding and ability to perform all of the drills and the Common Language that is used for instruction.

Performance Requirements- Swimmers must meet following criteria.

1) 10x100 freestyle @ 1:30 SCY/ 1:40 LCM
2) 5x200 IM @ 3:20 SCY/ 3:40/LCM
3) 8x50 kick w/board @ 1:00 SCY/ 1:10LCM
4) 3 NAG A times or better

SENIOR PROGRAM (ages 13 and over)
Senior 1
Group Emphasis- The Senior 1 group will be made up of swimmers who are fully dedicated to the sport of swimming. These swimmers will continue to work on stroke efficiency as well as improving strength and endurance. The swimmers will be competing or striving to compete at National levels whether it be YMCA, Jr. or Sr. Nationals.

Attendance- Swimmers must maintain a minimum of 80% attendance throughout the season.

Performance Requirements- Swimmers must make the two mandatory test sets as well as two of the four optional test sets in order to be in this group.

Mandatory Test Sets-

1)4x400 IM @ 6:15 SCY
2)12x100 Kick @ 1:45 SCY (all one stroke)

Optional Test Sets-

1)12x 100 Fly @ 1:35 SCY
2)12x 100 Back @ 1:30 SCY
3)12x 100 Breast @ 1:45 SCY
4) 16 x 100 Free @ 1:15 SCY

Senior 2
Group Emphasis- This group will be catered to those athletes that are still in the process of making it into the Senior 1 group, or who have obligations that would keep them from maintaining the practice requirements of Senior 1. The group would still maintain a emphasis on technique while introducing a more rigorous training style.

Attendance Recommendations- Swimmers would be asked to maintain a 70% attendance although it would not be required. These swimmers are expected to compete in championship meet at the end of the season, whether it be YMCA Districts/ State, or Illinois Regionals/Age Group Champs/Senior Champs.

National Team
The YMCA National Team is a select group of swimmers committed to reaching their full potential. Swimmers will train and perform at a national level. Training focuses on preparing for national and international competition. Specialized training is based on individual needs. Year-round training is required.

MASTERS PROGRAM (ages 19 and over)
The BR RYALL Masters group is open to all adult swimmers (fitness, triathlete, competitive, non-competitive) who are dedicated to improving their fitness through swimming. 

The group is designed to help swimmers improve fitness and/or train for specific goals, and offer active support for a healthy lifestyle through friendship, and camaraderie.

There are no required practices.

For more information about the team, practice schedules and fees, please contact Head Coach, Scott Robson at 858-0100, ext. 267 or visit the B.R. Ryall YMCA Swim Team website.