Squad Structure
As we retain older swimmers it is vital we deliver a coaching programme to suit their needs within our structure as well as recognising the strength of our younger swimmers and the future of the club. The diagram below shows the New Squad Structure for 2021 but please be aware as we continue to grow in strength and numbers this may need to change over time.
Regardless of squad all our coaches will maintain the same high standards of technical stroke development, planning, and coaching excellence across the structure ensuring all our swimmers achieve individual goals appropriate to their training and ability.
Foundation Squad:
Lead Coach: Ali Baranowski
Lane Coaches: Penny Perry & Charlotte Capelin
The foundation squads will focus heavily on the swimmers’ stroke development and the introduction of basic competitive skills. The scheme of works will be planned to include all four strokes and the development of a basic IM. Whilst some sessions will be designed to extend their aerobic ability the main focus of the squad will be the basic technical and competitive elements needed to develop into a competitive swimmer. Any competition at this stage is a development tool and should be a fun experience.
Expected Swimming Meets:
Club Championships
Selected Open meets
Counties (qualifying times dependent)
Selected Team Gala’s
Test set: 10x100 FR on 2
Development Squads:
Lead Coach: Ali Baranowski
Support Coaches: Penny Perry & Charlotte Capelin
The development squads will see swimmers work on all aspects of their strokes, competitive skills and aerobic stamina. The rate at which swimmers acquire the skills required to move between squads will be very individual and depend on both their physiological and psychological development and strengths.
Swimmers aged 9 years and over will be encouraged to compete at regular intervals in galas appropriate to their age and ability. As a competitive club we would expect all swimmers of an appropriate standard to swim in the chosen meets. Swimmers in both squads will be working on a competitive 200 IM with the more capable swimmers in Development 1 beginning to develop the aerobic stamina and skills for a 400 IM.
Expected Swimming Meets:
Club Championships
Selected Open meets
Counties (qualifying times dependent)
Selected Team Gala’s
Test set: 10x100 FR on 1:50/55
Junior Competitive Squad:
Lead Coach: Helen Reynolds
This squad is designed to develop competitive age group swimmers between the ages of ten and thirteen years to County and Regional standard and prepare them for the challenges of Blue squad in the future. As age group swimmers training will work on the development of a competitive 400 IM and distances up to and including 800m & 1500m.
For a swimmer to achieve their full potential and really benefit from the programme in place it is important they attend as many sessions as possible each week. Each session will include a combination of technical and aerobic work with contrasting sub sets to ensure the rounded development of the swimmers.
Expected Swimming Meets:
Club Championships
Selected Open meets (L1,L2,L3)
Counties (qualifying times dependent)
Regionals (qualifying times dependent)
Nationals (qualifying times dependent)
Selected Team Gala’s
Test set: 10x100 FR on 1:40's
Blue Squad:
Lead Coach: Andrew Snelling
Swimmers invited to join Blue are expected to train a minimum of 70% of available sessions each week. The Blue program is designed to develop competitive swimmers to County, Regional and National level and will require a commitment from individual swimmer to work to the best of their ability at all times.
All our senior squad swimmers in Blue group are expected to maintain the level of fitness needed to cope with the demands of the planned sessions. If a swimmer’s fitness falls below these standards they may be asked to transition to Senior Club. Blue swimmers should be focused on their competitive development within the sport and will be looking to achieve county, regional and national qualification times. Whilst specialisation is inevitable as a swimmer develops, younger swimmers within this squad will be encouraged to compete in all four strokes at all distances with continued development of a strongly competitive 400IM.
Expected Swimming Meets:
Club Championships
Selected Open meets (L1,2,3)
Counties (qualifying times dependent)
Regionals (qualifying times dependent)
Nationals (qualifying times dependent)
Selected Team Gala’s
Test set: 10x100 FR on 1:30 or less
White Squad:
Lead Coach: Andy Snelling
Support Coaches: Various
White swimmers will be able to choose up to 6 hours of swim training from the session above, but will be expected to do at least 10hrs of competitive sport a week to maintain the fitness needed to swim at this level. Swimmers will have to be 13yrs + and have been a member of JCS or Blue to move into this squad.
The aim of this squad is to encourage our more senior swimmers to continue training at a reduced but competitive level giving our club the opportunity to compete in more team events. Recognising the positive impact swimming has on an athlete’s overall fitness it also allows us to support our members as they transition into complimentary sports such as; rowing, triathlons, biathlons, athletics etc. giving the club more depth at the top end of our age group.
Expected Swimming Meets:
Club Championships (swimming or helping)
Selected Team Gala’s
