Gators’ Swim Team Requirements
| Skill Requirements | ||||
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Ages 14-18 |
Ages 9-13 | Ages 5-8 | ||
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Stroke Proficiency |
Swimmers must demonstrate knowledge of all four swimming strokes | Swimmers are able to demonstrate moderate understanding of all four swimming strokes | Swimmers are able to demonstrate basic understanding of at least two swimming strokes. BLUE BAND REQUIRED | |
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Proficiency of at least two of the following strokes: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, or Butterfly |
Proficiency of at least one of the following strokes: Free, Back, Breast or Butterfly | Swimmers demonstrate crawl stroke with face in water for freestyle, demonstrate comfort with being on back | ||
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Swimmers must be able to complete a 50 yard swim in at least two strokes without standing up or stopping |
Swimmers must be able to complete 25 yard swim without touching or bouncing off the bottom of the pool | Swimmers must be able to “swim” 25 yards without any assistance using any one of the four swimming strokes | ||
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Starts |
Swimmers must be able to safely execute a head first entry in to the pool. Experience with starting block entries is preferred. | Swimmers must be comfortable with head first entry into the pool. | Swimmers should be comfortable jumping into the water without assistance. | |
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Swimmers must be able to safely execute a dive-over start from a starting block |
Swimmers demonstrate comfort with executing a start from the starting block | Swimmers should be able to surface from pool entry without assistance. | ||
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Swimmers should be able to demonstrate a backstroke start |
Swimmers demonstrate an understanding of a backstroke start | Swimmers are excited to learn new entries, including backstroke and from starting block | ||
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Turns |
Swimmers should be able to demonstrate the ability to complete a flip turn | Swimmers should be able to demonstrate the ability to complete a flip turn | There isn’t any requirement for swimmers at this time. | |
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Swimmers are not expected to be perfect in flip turn execution, however must demonstrate a willingness to listen to suggestions for improvement and attempt to implement recommendations |
Swimmers are not expected to be perfect in flip turn execution, however must demonstrate a willingness to listen to suggestions for improvement and attempt to implement recommendations | Swimmers are encouraged to learn flip turn for use in practices and at swim meets. Swimmers should be able to listen to suggestions for improvement. | ||
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Breaststroke and Butterfly require two-hand touches on turns and finishes; swimmers should be aware that this is a competitive requirement and must be demonstrated when swimming these strokes |
Swimmers will be instructed on proper turns for all strokes, with a focus on hand placements for breaststroke and butterfly. | Swimmers will be encouraged to use flip turns in practice, when necessary. | ||
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Endurance |
Swimmers must be able to swim 50 yard intervals without stopping | Swimmers should be able to complete 50 yards, with little bobbing or floor touches | Swimmers should be able to swim 25 yards unassisted. | |
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Expectations throughout the season are to increase yardage as well as endurance |
Expectations throughout the season are to increase yardage as well as endurance | Expectations throughout the season are to increase yardage as well as endurance | ||
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Behavior and Accountability |
Swimmers understand they are part of a team, and respects teammates - regardless of ability | Swimmers understand they are part of a team, and respects teammates - regardless of ability | Swimmers understand they are part of a team, and respects teammates - regardless of ability | |
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Swimmers are expected to listen to coaches, and makes attempts to incorporate appropriate changes to their swims |
Swimmers are expected to listen to coaches, and makes attempts to incorporate appropriate changes to their swims | Swimmers are expected to listen to coaches, and makes attempts to incorporate appropriate changes to their swims |
