2008 Swim Team Structure and Workouts

Pre-summer Workouts begin Monday, May 26th

Morning workouts begin June 23rd

Note: Schedule subject to change. See below for summer evening practice times.

2008 Swim Team Structure

What are the 'A' and 'B' teams?

To qualify for swim team, swimmers eight and under should be able to swim one length of the pool (25 yards) and swimmers nine and older should be able to swim two lengths of the pool (50 yards). The coaches will place individual swimmers on the 'A' team, 'B' team or Novice.

Many of the teams that comprise Midlakes Swim League, including ours, offer both an 'A' team and 'B' team. Swimmers at the 'A' team level are faster and typically have better stroke technique and more competitive swim experience then kids on the 'B' team. In this regard, the 'A' team is more competitive.

The 'B' team, on the other hand, offers a lower-key competitive environment in which swimmers can focus more on swim technique. Swimmers at this level have yet to achieve the level of swim competitiveness associated with the 'A' team but nevertheless have all the same heart and will towards success as do the 'A' swimmers. The 'B' team is a very important element to the overall development and strength of our swim program. Most of our 'A' team swimmers began at the 'B' level.

Midlakes has established 'B' disqualification times for all age groups and strokes that determine when a 'B' team swimmer can no longer participate at 'B' level meets. Those that swim faster than the published disqualification time for a particular stroke/event (i.e. race) can no longer swim that event at the 'B' level. Doing so helps keep "over qualified" swimmers from competing at the 'B' level. Individual placement at the 'A' team or 'B' team level is not permanent and may change during the season. Depending on their times, swimmers can compete in both 'A' and 'B' meets at the same time but for different strokes.

Both 'A' team and 'B' team swimmers participate in competitive swim meets and both conclude with a league based championship. Each of the team's meets is conducted separately at different times and locations. However, swimmers of the same age group participate in team workouts together regardless of their 'A' or 'B' team determination.

The Novice Group

Again this season our team will offer a "Novice" level workout. This is a good workout for the beginning swimmer interested mainly in stroke development and the basic elements of swim competition. Swimmers in the Novice group do not need to participate in swim meets but do practice things like racing starts and turns. Novice is a great way to enhance the strokes and endurance of a swimmer moving up from beginning level swim lessons.

Please contact an off-duty coach or a Swim Team Parent Board member for more information on 'A' and 'B' teams or Novice.

Workouts

In order to be ready for such a short season, it is very important that you get as much training as possible under your cap before the season starts. This makes it easier for you because you won’t be spending the first two weeks of morning workouts and meets getting in shape, you’ll already be in shape. We encourage you to come down at least two weeks before Time Trials on June 7th so that you will be in good condition for Time Trials and the first dual meet. We realize that a lot of you are involved in other activities in the afternoons, so come down when you can because every little bit helps. The coaches will be happy to write workouts for you to do on your own, just let us know! The spring workout times are listed below.

2008 Pre-Summer Workout Schedule:
Monday, May 26th – Friday, June 20th
4:00-5:00 p.m. Novice and 8 & under Mon.- Fri.
5:00-6:00 p.m. 10 & under and 12 & under Mon.- Fri.
6:00-7:00 p.m. 14 & under and 17 & under Mon.- Fri.

Summer Morning Workouts

Morning swim workouts begin Monday, June 23rd. The coaches use results from the "Time Trials" to determine each swimmer's placement on 'A' team or 'B' team (or "Novice" if requested) as well as their assigned workout time. See below for more information on Time Trials.

Workouts are an important part of the summer swim season. They provide the opportunity for swimmers, teammates and coaches to get to know each other. They also provide the primary means for swimmers to develop swim strokes, turns, starts and overall endurance level.

Every swimmer should attempt to attend every workout. By doing so he or she can maintain a learning level consistent with the overall team and establish the endurance level need to effectively compete and achieve their full potential. Swimmers should arrive at each workout a few minutes early and be ready to begin at their designated start times. This means suit on and cap and goggles ready to go! Girls and boys with long hair must wear swim caps during workouts.

Most workouts begin with a long easy swim so that swimmers have a chance to get "warmed up". Much of the rest of the workout is spent with more strenuous workout sets intended to help condition swimmers and improve their skills.

2008 Summer Workout Schedule:
Monday, June 23rd – Friday, July 25th
Group I 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Groups II and III: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Mon.- Fri.
Groups IV, V and Novice: 10:00 AM - 11 AM Mon.- Fri.

2008 Summer Evening Practice: For those that cannot make there moring practice times. Must talk with the coaches to join this practice.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday, Wednesday, Friday only. No practice on 7/4 and 7/11.

Workout Groups

The 2008 Workout Groups will be posted June 11th. Download the Morning Wourkout Groups here. (pdf)

Time Trials

The team will conduct "Time Trials" prior to the beginning of the summer meet season. Time Trials are a meet-like event in which all team swimmers are expected to participate. Each swimmer is timed in various competitive events for their age group. The events will follow a regular Midlakes meet schedule less the relays. Each swimmer is expected to swim all four events for his or her age group.

The results help the coaching staff determine the placement of swimmers amongst the 'A' team or 'B' teams. Coaches use the 'B' disqualification times established by the Midlakes Swim League to determine which swimmers can no longer compete in events at the 'B' level.

This year's Time Trials will be held on Saturday, June 7th, beginning at 9am. Results shall be posted on the Swim Team Bulletin Board and club website no later than 4:00 pm on Monday, June 9th.

This year's team suits will be available for purchase during Time Trials. Sylvia's Swimwear (swim shop) will be at the meet from 11 am to 1pm. This is the best time for swimmers to order their suits and the only time they can get the team discount. We have a new suit design selected for this year.