This document is the group descriptions for all levels of swimming offered at the Countryside YMCA. It will describe:
- Total Costs (includes)*
- Registration Fee
- Team Training Fee
- USA Swimming Membership (when applicable)
- Dryland Fees (when applicable)
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
- Individual Groups
- Description
- Age Range
- Average Group Size
- Offered Number of Practices and/or Suggested Number (or Required Number)
- Length of practices
- Offered Number of Dryland Practices and/or Suggested Number (or Required Number)
- Number of Regular Season Competitions
- Required Championship Meet
- Equipment Needs
Determining Age of Swimmer
Age of Swimmer is determined by the first day of the Championship season. This will allow swimmers to train for the events/distances they will be competing at Championships. Head Coach, Head Age Group Coach and Lead Coaches do reserve the right to keep a swimmer in a lower age group until they are ready for the next level. This could happen during the first year a swimmer is on the team.
AGE-UP Dates for 2023-2024 will be: March 8th, 2024 and July 5th, 2024 (age on 1st day of YMCA "Championships")
Junior Program
(10&under Program)
Junior 1 (6-8yr) – Total Cost: $973*
This is an introductory practice group for swimmers age 6-8 years old. The emphasis in this group is on developing fundamentals of the four strokes through drills and games in a fun atmosphere. The coaches teach and interact with the swimmers in and out of the water. The swimmers in this group also learn the basics of competitive swimming with the overall goal for swimmers to love the sport.
Age Range: 6-8 Avg. Group Size Per Practice: 25-30
- Swim practices offered a week: 3
- Dryland practices offered a week: 1
- Practices suggested/required: 2
- Swim practice length: 60 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 35 min.
- Regular season competitions: 1-2 competitions a month
- Championship meet: SWOYSL - A or AA Championships
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0 (Optional)
- Swimville USA Kickboard (Optional)
- 46L Mesh Equipment Bag (Optional
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
Junior Program
(10&under Program)
Junior 2 (9-10yr) – Total Cost: $1,034*
This group is for swimmers aged 9-10 years old that are developing skills to advance higher levels of training. Swimmers in this group are newer to the sport or need to work on developing better technique before moving on to other groups. This group places an emphasis on stroke mechanics as well as establishing good practice habits. Interval training will also be introduced at this level along with many teachings of competitive swimming.
Dryland exercises meant to help develop fine motor skills will consist of stretching and basic body weight exercises.
Age Range: 9-10 Avg. Group Size Per Practice: 20-25
- Swim practices offered a week: 4
- Dryland practices offered a week: 2
- Water Practices suggested/required: 2-3
- Swim Practice length: 60-90 min.
- Dynamic (Stretch) length: 15 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 30 min.
- Regular Season Competitions: 1-2 competitions a month
- Championship Meet: SWOYSL A or AA Championships
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0
- Swimville USA Kickboard
- TYR Ultralite Snorkel 2.0
- TYR Youth Classic Pull Floa
- 75L Mesh Equipment Bag
- TYR Ergo Swim clip
*Fees do not include Meet Fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment (Sr2 & Sr3) or any additional ad-on charges.
Junior Program
(10&under Program)
Junior 3 (9-10yr) – Total Cost: $1,034*
This group is for swimmers aged 9-10 years old that have shown the ability to handle a more complex training plan. This group places an emphasis on stroke mechanics as well as establishing good practice habits just like Junior 2 but will do it at a much faster pace. Interval training is used daily at this level along with many teachings of competitive swimming.
Dryland exercises meant to help develop fine motor skills will consist of stretching and basic body weight exercises.
Age Range: 9-10 Avg. Group Size Per Practice:15-20
- Swim practices offered a week: 4
- Dryland practices offered a week: 2
- Water Practices suggested/required: 2-3
- Swim Practice length: 60-90 min.
- Dynamic (Stretch) length: 15 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 35 min.
- Regular Season Competitions: 1-2 competitions a month
- Championship Meet: SWOYSL A or AA Championships
- Optional Meets: Zones or ISCA if qualified
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0
- Swimville USA Kickboard
- TYR Ultralite Snorkel 2.0
- TYR Youth Classic Pull Float
- TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddles
- 75L Mesh Equipment Bag
- TYR Ergo Swim clip
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
Age Group Program
(11-14 Program)
Age Group 1 (11-12yr) – Total Cost: $1,175*
This group is for swimmers aged 11-12 years old. This group places an emphasis on stroke mechanics as well as establishing good practice habits. Interval training will be used at this level along with the ability to train Mid-Distance IM. Ability to pay attention for 75 mins or longer is required. Dryland exercises will continue to develop large and fine motor skills.
Dryland exercises meant to help develop fine motor skills will consist of stretching and basic body weight exercises.
Age Range: 11-12 Avg. Group Size Per Practice: 25
- Swim practices offered a week: 4
- Dryland practices offered a week: 2
- Water Practices suggested/required: 2-3
- Swim Practice length: 75-90 min.
- Dynamic (Stretch) length: 15 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 30 min.
- Regular Season Competitions: 1-2 competitions a month
- Championship Meet: SWOYSL A or AA Championships
- Optional Meets: Zones or ISCA if qualified
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0
- Swimville USA Kickboard
- TYR Ultralite Snorkel 2.0
- TYR Classic Pull Float
- TYR Ergo Swim clip
- TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddles
- 75L Mesh Equipment Bag
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
Age Group Program
(11-14 Program)
Age Group 2 (11-12yr) – Total Cost: $1,321*
This group is for swimmers aged 11-12 years old that have shown the ability to handle a more complex training plan. This group places an emphasis on stroke mechanics as well as establishing good practice habits just like Junior 2 & 3 but will do it at a much faster pace. Interval training is used daily at this level along with many teachings of competitive swimming. Swimmers will need to show the ability to train at this level through a series of parametric sets that have been established by the program. USA Membership is required.
Parametric
6 x 100 IM @ 2:00
6 x 100 Free @ 1:45
6 x 100 Free Kick @ 2:15
Dryland exercises will continue to develop large and fine motor skills and swimmers will be introduced to the medicine ball and early season running.
Age Range: 11-12 Avg. Group Size Per Practice: 20
- Swim practices offered a week: 5-6
- Dryland practices offered a week: 2-3
- Water Practices suggested/required: 65% required monthly
- Swim Practice length: 75-120 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 30 min.
- Regular Season Competitions: 1-2 competitions a month
- Championship Meet: SWOYSL A or AA Championships
- Optional Meets: Zones or ISCA if qualified
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0
- Swimville USA Kickboard
- TYR Ultralite Snorkel 2.0
- TYR Classic Pull Float
- TYR Ergo Swim clip
- TYR Rally Training Strap (Band)
- TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddles
- 75L Mesh Equipment Bag
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
Age Group Program
(11-14 Program)
Age Group 3 (13-14yr) – Total Cost: $1,545*
This group is for swimmers aged 13-14 years old. This group places an emphasis on stroke mechanics as well as establishing good practice habits. Swimmers will use cycle and kick count, heart rate chart and implement race strategies and goal setting. Ability to pay attention for 90+ mins or longer is required. USA Membership is required.
Dryland exercises meant to help develop fine motor skills will consist of stretching. Focus will be on adding strength and mobility.
Age Range: 13-14 Avg. Group Size Per Practice: 25-30
- Swim practices offered a week: 5
- Dryland practices offered a week: 2-3
- Water Practices suggested/required: 3-4
- Swim Practice length: 75-105 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 30 min.
- Regular Season Competitions: 1-2 competitions a month
- Championship Meet: SWOYSL A or AA Championships
- Optional Meets: Zones or ISCA if qualified
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0
- Swimville USA Kickboard
- TYR Ultralite Snorkel 2.0
- TYR Classic Pull Float
- TYR Ergo Swimclip
- TYR Rally Training Strap (Band)
- TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddles
- 75L Mesh Equipment Bag
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
Senior Group Program
(13 & Over Program)
Senior 1 (15-18yr) – Total Cost: $1,745*
This group is for swimmers aged 15 and over with proven ability in all four strokes. There is a strong emphasis in refining technique before increasing training volume. There is a gradual increase in endurance and IM training throughout the season. Practices are geared towards preparing swimmers for the High School season and our League Championship. Short term and long-term goals are identified and stressed in this group. USA Membership is required.
Dryland work includes body weight exercises. Increase in development of strength training is added in this group. Advanced Nutrition is discussed, as well as Mental Training.
Age Range: 15 & Over Avg. Group Size Per Practice: 20-25
- Swim practices offered a week: 5
- Dryland practices offered a week: 2
- Water Practices suggested/required: 3-5
- Swim Practice length: 90-120 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 45 min.
- Regular Season Competitions: 1-2 competitions a month
- Championship Meet: SWOYSL A or AA Championships
- Optional Meets: Zones or ISCA if qualified
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0
- Swimville USA Kickboard
- TYR Ultralite Snorkel 2.0
- TYR Classic Pull Float
- TYR Ergo Swim clip
- TYR Rally Training Strap (Band)
- TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddles
- 75L Mesh Equipment Bag
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
Senior Group Program
(13 & Over Program)
Senior 2 (13-18yr) – Total Cost: $1,819*
This group is for swimmers aged 13 & over with proven ability to train all four strokes. There is a strong emphasis in training at the advanced training levels for this age. There is an increase in endurance and IM training throughout the season compared to previous groups. Practices are geared to prepare swimmers for the highest levels (Senior 3). Short term and long-term goals are identified and stressed in this group. USA Membership is required.
Swimmers will need to show the ability to train at this level through a series of parametric sets that have been established by the program.
Parametric
8 x 100 IM @ 1:30
8 x 100 Free @ 1:20
8 x 100 Free Kick @ 1:50
Dryland work includes body weight exercises. Increase in development of strength training is added in this group. Advanced Nutrition is discussed, as well as Mental Training.
Age Range: 13 & Over Avg. Group Size Per Practice: 20-25
- Swim practices offered a week: 7
- Dryland practices offered a week: 2
- Water Practices suggested/required: 70% required monthly
- Swim Practice length: 90-120 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 60 min.
- Regular Season Competitions: 1-2 competitions a month (Mid-Season Meet Required)
- Championship Meet: SWOYSL A, AA Championships, Y Nationals, or equivalent (if qualified)
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0 (Long Fins)
- TYR Burner Fins 2.0 (Short Fins)
- Swimville USA Kickboard
- TYR Ultralite Snorkel 2.0
- TYR Classic Pull Float
- TYR Rally Training Strap (Band)
- TYR Ergo Swim clip
- TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddles
- 75L Mesh Equipment Bag
- Polar Heart Rate Monitor (Suggested)
- Finis Tempo Trainer
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
Senior Group Program
(13 & Over Program)
Senior 3 (15-18yr) – Total Cost: $2,187*
This group is for swimmers aged 15 and over with proven ability to train all four strokes and a desire to train with a high level of commitment and intensity. The emphasis in training will be to achieve national championship results. Short and long-term goal setting is stressed and tracked. Practices are based on endurance and strength, speed conditioning and technique refinement. USA Membership is required.
Dryland work includes body weight exercises along with an intense 3 days of additional training.
Swimmers will need to show the ability to train at this level through a series of parametric sets that have been established by the program.
Parametric
10 x 100 IM @ 1:20(boys) / 1:25(girls)
10 x 100 Free @ 1:10(boys) / 1:15(girls)
10 x 100 Free Kick @ 1:40
Swimmers must also demonstrate: Dedication, quality work habits, and ability to manage training requirements along with personal responsibilities.
Age Range: 15 & Over Avg. Group Size Per Practice: 20-25
- Swim practices offered a week: 8
- Dryland practices offered a week: 3
- Water Practices suggested/required: 80% required monthly
- Swim Practice length: 90-120 min.
- Dryland Practice length: 60 min.
- Regular Season Competitions: 1-2 competitions a month (Mid-Season Meet Required)
- Championship Meet: SWOYSL A, AA Championships, Y Nationals and Above
Equipment Needs
- TYR Flex Fins 2.0 (Long Fins)
- TYR Burner Fins 2.0 (Short Fins)
- Swimville USA Kickboard
- TYR Ultralite Snorkel 2.0
- TYR Classic Pull Float
- TYR Rally Training Strap (Band)
- TYR Ergo Swim clip
- TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddles
- 75L Mesh Equipment Bag
- Polar Heart Rate Monitor (Suggested)
- Finis Tempo Trainer
*Fees do not include Meet fees, Apparel fees, Dryland equipment, or any additional add-on charges.
