Age Group Program

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, 

Senior Program

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: 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: 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)

Seasonal Programs (NKU ONLY)

Copper: High School Pre/ Post Season: An opportunity for High School swimmers, summer club swimmers, or multi-sport athletes for pre-season and post season conditioning.

• For swimmers unable to commit to the expectations of the other senior groups or looking to prepare for the high school or summer club season
• Pre- Season run Sept.- Oct. and Post-Season from April- May
• Train at a high school swimming level with an emphasis on conditioning and proper technique
• 4 practices for 90 minutes offered weekly
• No swim meets or family volunteering required