Group Descriptions
The Cincinnati Marlins have multiple practice groups to allow swimmers of all ages and abilities to progress at the most appropriate level based on age, emotional preparedness, and ability. The Cincinnati Marlins groups will develop each individual to the best of their abilities.
Platinum
Ages 6-18. Must be able to swim a lap of freestyle or backstroke without stopping. This group is designed for swimmers who have emerging competitive skills, but would benefit from more support with not only their swimming skills but group participation, following directions, social skills, maintaining focus and so on. These practices will be run as a standard practice and are all registered members of the Cincinnati Marlins and USA Swimming. The platinum group will learn all 4 strokes and attempt turns and diving into the water. This group will offer more one on one personalized instruction as needed based on skill level. These swimmers will not have 1:1 support but will have a smaller group with extra encouragement and support. The coach for this group has experience working with athletes with disabilities.
We offer 3 levels of platinum designed to meet the needs of all of our swimmers.
Introduction to Platinum - trains exclusively with the platinum coaches two times per week. They do not participate in meets and are not required to volunteer at home meets. They are required to get a USA Flex membership for insurance purposes.
Platinum Development - For swimmers who are getting their feet wet with what it means to race and be competitive, these swimmers also Practice with the platinum group exclusively, but will also attend home meets only. No volunteer requirements for this group.
Platinum Performance - For swimmers who are ready to dive into the world of competitive swimming and para swimming, these swimmers will compete at home and away meets as well as select Paralympic meets throughout the year. Swimmers will have a hybrid option, allowing swimmers to train with their age-appropriate group 2-4 times/week. Parents will have volunteer requirements that match the swimmers age-appropriate group). This group is Coaches invite only.
For more information on our Platinum offerings, please contact Coach Maggie Bushelman at mbushelman@cincy-marlins.com
Age Group Overview
The age group program is designed to introduce and refine swimmers skills. The Marlins Age group program will ensure a strong foundation that leads to long term development of proper swimming, dryland skills and an understanding of being a contributing member of a team. An emphasis is placed on proper stroke mechanics, starts, turns and racing strategies. The Marlins Age Group swimmers will take this skill set into the Senior program. Throughout the program the more practices attended the better experience your swimmer will have and the more success they will enjoy.
- All group placements are at the discretion of the coaching staff.
- The physical, social and emotional maturity of the swimmer is considered.
Bronze
For swimmers ages 8 & under. Bronze Group will focus on the mechanics of all four competitive strokes, starts, turns, streamline, and underwater kicking. These swimmers will understand that they are a part of a team. They will also learn the importance of respect for their teammates and listening to the coaches instruction. An emphasis will be placed on all swimmers completing a legal 100 IM. There will be 4 practices per week available for 60 minutes each plus dryland time.
- Swimmers must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim a 50 of freestyle, putting their face in the water and kicking their legs while reaching arms over their head. They must also be able to complete a 25 of backstroke and show knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly.
- Introduction to competitive swimming focusing on learning the strokes and having fun!
Silver
For swimmers ages 9-10 years old. Silver group will focus on the mechanics of all four strokes, starts, turns, streamline and underwater kicking. These swimmers will understand that they are part of a team. They will also learn the importance of respect for their teammates and listening to the coach’s instructions. These swimmers will be introduced to racing strategies and goal setting. More conditioning and endurance work will be emphasized on a consistent basis. There will be 5 practices offered for 85 minutes each plus dryland time. It is recommended that swimmers come to at least 3 practices per week for optimal results and skill retention.
- 9-10 year olds striving to improve all 4 strokes, endurance, and racing strategies.
- Swimmers must have three to four legal strokes, and have competitive experience from another club team, YMCA team, or summer club. Swimmers can complete a dive from the side of the pool or block and attempt a backstroke start.
- Swimmers learn to take constructive criticism, and understands the role their coach plays in getting better.
Gold
For swimmers ages 11-12. Gold group will continue to focus on advanced stroke techniques and racing strategies, as well as introduction to heart rate endurance work. These swimmers will work on goal setting, time management skills, emotional regulation, self-image and a strong commitment to the team. There will be 5 practices per week for 90 minutes, plus 3 dryland practices of 35-40 minutes.
- Competitive 11-12 year olds with a goal of attending 80% of practices per month.
- Has four legal strokes and can complete 100 yards of each stroke well enough to understand and learn drills for each. Swimmers complete racing starts from the blocks as well as backstroke starts from the bars.
- Swimmers strive to eliminate “NT’s” and want to swim every event. Expected to compete in all 4 strokes in almost every meet. Underwaters and pullouts past the flags become a habit in practice and in competition. Ability to communicate about race strategy and technique specific focus for competition and practice.
- Swimmer is learning to recognize the efforts of others,
Blue
For swimmers ages 13-14 years old, in Junior High or freshmen in high school. Blue group will continue to focus on advanced stroke techniques and racing strategies, as well as endurance work in preparation for Senior level swimming. These swimmers will also work on goal setting, time management skills, and a strong commitment to the team’s success. There will be 6 practices per week for 105 minutes, and three dryland practices for 45 minutes.
- Can confidently train all four competitive strokes in practice and seeks improvement in these areas. Has completely eliminated “NT’s” and is competent in racing all four strokes.
- Understands the importance of dryland training as it relates to athleticism and progression in the water.
- Basic understanding of nutrition and the role that it plays in high performance.
- Takes ownership of their attendance as a direct impact on the group and the team.
- Athletes have established seasonal, yearly, and long-term goals in the sport.
Senior Program Overview
The Senior program offers varying levels of training options to accommodate all swimmers ages 14 & over Our senior level programs will produce outstanding swimmers and leaders that will be prepared to compete at a state and national level. These swimmers will train at an elite level with a commitment to a supportive team environment in reaching their personal and team goals. Commitment, good time management skills, and a willingness to pursue the highest level of swimming will be required of these swimmers. As always, consistent practice attendance is necessary to progress through the senior program.
Multi-Sport or swimmers that only want to train for middle/high school can take advantage of the Copper group for seasonal training. Must be 13 and over to join.
All group placements are at the discretion of the coaching staff.
The physical, social and emotional maturity of the swimmer is considered.
Copper
Junior High and High School swimmers (13 & over). The Copper group swimmers must have some prior club, summer club or junior high/high school swimming experience. They will have a desire to train with more intensity than swimmers who only participate with their high school and summer club teams in order to gain a competitive edge. There will be 3 practices per week for 60-75 minutes and dynamic warm up 15 minutes.
This group will focus on three key seasons of swimming:
- High school pre-season (September-October)
- High school in-season (November-February)
- Summer club pre-season. (April-May)
Senior
Dedicated High School swimmers (15 & over). The Senior group swimmers will continue a higher level of training and dryland work required to move into National Prep and National. This group will continue to focus on proper mechanics in all levels of swimming. These swimmers will have clearly defined goals and time management skills. They will have a willingness to work hard to achieve their goals as a positive, supportive teammate. There will be 6-8 practices per week for 120 minutes and dryland practices of 45-60 minutes.
- Competitive 15-18 year olds who compete in all recommended meets.
- Proficient knowledge of all four competitive strokes with a strong desire to improve skills in each. Willingness to train all four strokes.
- Athletes identify as swimmers and make the choice to be a part of a team and contribute to the goals of the team.
National Prep
(Coach's Invitation Only)
Dedicated High School swimmers (15 & over). The National Prep swimmers will continue a higher level of training and dryland work. This group will develop advanced racing skills in order to prepare for swimming in the National group and beyond. These swimmers will have clearly defined goals and time management skills. They will have a willingness to work hard to achieve their goals as a positive, supportive teammate. There will be 6-8 practices per week for 120 minutes, plus dryland practices of 45-60 minutes.
- Coach Invite only
- Advanced knowledge of all four competitive strokes with a strong desire to train and race in all strokes and events.
- Thrives on healthy competition and the opportunity to challenge themselves and continuously improve.
- Two practices a week will be with the National Group.
- Athletes have shown advanced skill and effort in dryland training.
- Small Group Setting (~15 athletes)
National Team
(Coach’s Invitation Only)
The National team is the elite group in the Senior program. This group is by coach's invitation only. The national group will strive for success on a national level. This group will have a highly advanced comprehensive training program and grow the Marlins’ great history of excellence at the highest level. These swimmers must have clearly defined goals, time management skills, a willingness and desire to work hard to achieve their goals as a positive, supportive teammate. Positive leaders and swimmers committed to practice everyday with a desire to continue to swim at the collegiate level will comprise the National Team. There will be 6-9 practices per week for 120-150 minutes plus 3-5 dryland practices of 45-70 minutes.
- Athletes in this group are expected to exemplify Marlins culture and values, setting the standard for the rest of the program.
- Expectation is 100% practice attendance, including dryland sessions. Exceptions at coach’s discretion.
- Attends all Marlins home meets and the highest level national meet at the end of each season.
- Advanced knowledge of all four competitive strokes with a strong desire to train and race in all strokes and events.
- Thrives on healthy competition and the opportunity to challenge themselves and continuously improve.
- Small group setting (15-25 athletes, 2-4 coaches)
Have Questions?
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