For swimmers ages 10 and under. 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. Silver is for 10 and unders 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 understand the role their coach plays in getting better.

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. Gold is for competitive 11-12 year olds with a goal of attending 80% of practices per month. Swimmers have four legal strokes and can complete 100 yards of each stroke well enough to understand and learn drills for each, and complete racing starts from the blocks as well as backstroke starts from the bars. Swimmers strive to eliminate NTs and want to swim every event; they are 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, with the ability to communicate about race strategy and technique specific focus for competition and practice. The swimmer is learning to recognize the efforts of others.

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. Blue swimmers can confidently train all four competitive strokes in practice and seek improvement in these areas, have completely eliminated NTs and are competent in racing all four strokes. They understand the importance of dryland training as it relates to athleticism and progression in the water, have a basic understanding of nutrition and the role that it plays in high performance, take ownership of their attendance as a direct impact on the group and the team, and have established seasonal, yearly, and long-term goals in the sport.

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. Senior is for competitive 15-18 year olds who compete in all recommended meets, with proficient knowledge of all four competitive strokes, a strong desire to improve skills in each and a 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.

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. The expectation is 100% practice attendance, including dryland sessions, with exceptions at coach’s discretion. National swimmers attend all Marlins home meets and the highest level national meet at the end of each season, have advanced knowledge of all four competitive strokes with a strong desire to train and race in all strokes and events, and thrive on healthy competition and the opportunity to challenge themselves and continuously improve. Small group setting (15-25 athletes, 2-4 coaches).

For swimmers ages 10 & 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 3 practices per week available for 60 minutes each plus dryland time. Swimmers must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim a 25 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. An introduction to competitive swimming focusing on learning the strokes and having fun!

For swimmers 12 and under that are new to the sport. This program meets once weekly for 1 hour. It is a great introduction to competitive swimming for a swimmer that is just starting out. Participants MUST be able to survival swim in order to participate.