THE FIGHTING FISH SWIM TEAM
PRE SQUAD (Beginner and Advanced),
MINI SQUAD
JUNIOR SQUAD
DEVELOPMENT & ELITE SQUAD
FIGHTING FISH TRAINING STRUCTURE
The most important characteristic of becoming a successful FIGHTING FISH swimmer is building a spirit for swimming (a positive attitude and desire to attend training). The next priority is to learn correct stroke technique. There is NO substitute for having efficient stroke mechanics. The longer a person swims incorrectly, the more difficult it becomes to change their habits. Swimming correctly means swimming smoothly and efficiently. Essentially we attempt to minimize the waters resistance and maximize the swimmers propulsive forces. Training the energy systems is of secondary importance to learning efficient technique. Thus swimmers are broken up into training groups according to ability level – PreSquad, Mini Squad, Junior, Intermediate, Development and Elite.
SQUAD STRUCTURE & EXPECTATIONS
Pre-Squad Beginner (4-8 years) and Advanced (9-13years)
Attendance: Recommended 2 per week
Equipment Required: Team Suit/Cap/T-shirt, Flippers, Goggles, Kickboard
Aims: Fighting Fish is pleased to announce our new PRE-COMPETITIVE swimming program. This program is
designed to provide kids age 4 through 13 with the important life skill of swimming along with the
opportunity to develop competitive swimming skills which will enable them to join the Fighting Fish
swim team in the future. The squad works on strokes and the fundamentals of competitive swimming.
Mini-Squad
Attendance: Minimum 2 per week, 3 sessions per week is recommended
Equipment Required: Team Suit/Cap/T-Shirt, Flippers, Pull Bouy, Goggles, Kickboard, Towel for stretching and Drink Bottle
Aim/Requirements: An introduction to squad swimming; this squad covers basic stroke development in all competitive strokes. Swimmers will cover between 600 and 1200 meters per session. Swimmers must demonstrate correct Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke technique (50m of each) and a basic understanding of Butterfly. Swimmers wanting to be in this squad should also be able to swim 150m continuously.
Breakdown 50% Technique, 30% Skills, 15% Energy System Training, 5% Other (Stretching, Strength/Fun/Games/Theory)
Junior Squad
Attendance: Minimum 2 per week, 3 sessions per week is recommended
Equipment Required: Team Suit/Cap/T-Shirt, Flippers, Goggles, Kickboard, Pull Bouy and Hand Paddles, Towel for stretching, Drink Bottle
Aim/Requirements: Develop a training ethic and acquirement of 'excellence' in all the four strokes, starts and turns. Build a firm basis for moving on to the Development Squad. These swimmers cover 1-2.5kms per session. 6 x 50m Free on 1:15 AND complete a technically correct 2 x 100m IM on 2:30. Able to swim continuos 400m freestyle with tumble turns and complete 1200m in a 1-hour session.
Training Breakdown 45% technique, 20% skills, 25% endurance, 10% Other (Stretching, Strength/Fun/Games/Theory)
Attendance: Minimum 3 per week, 4 sessions per week is recommended Equipment Required: Team Suit/Cap/T-Shirt, Flippers, Goggles, Kickboard, Pull Bouy, Band and Hand Paddles, Towel for stretching, Drink Bottle Aim/Requirements: At this level it is expected that swimming has become a priority for the participant. Training is tailored towards developing advanced stroke technique and increasing the distance and focus on endurance/energy system training in preparation for moving into the Development Squad. These swimmers cover 1.8 – 3.0 kms per session. To qualify, swimmers must be or turn 9 years old during the current season and complete the following sets: 6x100m Free on 2:00, 200IM. Training breakdown 30% endurance/energy system training, 10% Other (stretching, strength/fun/games/theory).
Intermediate Squad
Development/Elite Squad
Attendance: Minimum 3 per week, 4 sessions per week is recommended
Equipment Required: Team Suit/Cap/T-Shirt, Flippers, Goggles, Kickboard, Pull Bouy, Band and Hand Paddles, Towel for stretching, Drink Bottle
Aim/Requirements: At this level it is expected that swimming has become a priority for the participant. Training is tailored towards developing advanced stroke technique and increasing the distance and focus on endurance/energy system training for maximum improvement. Swimmers receive coaching in advanced stroke development. These swimmers cover 1.8-5.5kms per session. To qualify, swimmers must have 3 “A “Motivational Times (9 & Unders BB Motivational Times) and complete the following sets 8 x 100m Free on 1:55, 200m IM
Training Breakdown 30% technique, 20% skills, 40% endurance/energy system training, 10% Other (Stretching, Strength/Fun/Games/Theory)
High School Pre & Post Season
Attendance: Minimum 2 per week, 3 to 4 sessions per week is recommended
Aim/Requirements: All Swimmers must fill out the High School Swimmers Questionnaire and attend an assessment session. This will determine their suitability to the team and squad assignment.
Swimmers arriving to the water late and/or without the required equipment will NOT be allowed to train.
Coaches will not be responsible for their care
What does it take to move squad levels? Click here for specific squad test set requirments.