YSSC AGE GROUP PROGRAM
Y-Spartaquatics Swim League
YSL is YSSC’s bridge to the fun and exciting world of swimming and by building this bridge we hope to foster a love for the sport of swimming that will develop into a lifetime of enjoyment. YSL’s ultimate goals are to teach the stroke mechanics and proper technique of the 4 competitive strokes Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly in a fun, enjoyable learning atmosphere. There is also an introduction to competitive racing skills (i.e. Starts and Turns), dryland strength, and flexibility training (ie push-ups situps, etc). Swim meet participation is encouraged and is offered 3 to 6 times throughout the year. YSL is offered 3 practices a week, with 2 practices per week suggested. 3 practices are suggested for the child who is interested in moving to the year round program. If a swimmer is not ready to join the YSL program, the Middle Tyger YMCA offers a wide range of excellent swim lessons for all ages! YSL runs as a Seasonal Group(Fall, Spring, and Summer). The fall session usually begins mid September and runs through mid December. The spring session begins in early January and runs through mid May. The Summer session runs from early June to mid to late July. A group move from YSL in most cases would be to Green Group. However, there may be a group move to Red or Purple depending on age and ability.
All swimmers must be comfortable with their face in the water and with head back with water over ears and must bring and wear goggles, caps (If hair is past ears), and a tight fitting swim suit (jammer for boys, no board shorts, one piece suit for girls) at every practice.
There are 3 YSL levels that are developmental with age appropriate practices. They are not the same level of skills offered at different times. The child’s swimming ability and age show which level they should practice in.
YSL 1 Age range 5-7
Swimmer Must Be Capable of: swimming 25 yards on front with face in the water and flutter kick (freestyle). No doggy paddle; and, Swimming 25 yards on back with flutter kick (Backstroke).
YSL 2 Age range 7-10
Swimmer Must Be Capable of: swimming 25 yards of Freestyle with breathing done to the side without lifting head out of water; and, Swimming 25 yards of Backstroke; and, a breaststroke kick (frog kick), a basic knowledge of the stroke of breaststroke; and, a butterfly kick (dolphin kick), a basic knowledge of the kick for butterfly.
YSL 3 Age range 9-13 (9 or 10 year old that are advanced for his/her age)
A Swimmer Must be Capable of: swimming 25 yards of Freestyle with breathing to the side; and, swimming 25 yards of Backstroke; and, swimming 25 yards Breaststroke, a basic knowledge of the stroke of breaststroke; and, swimming 25 yards butterfly with a basic knowledge of the kick for butterfly.
Homeschool Group - New 2010-2011 Season
The Homeschool group is YSSC's newest and exciting group. More info to come. Schedule is listed under... Swim Groups... Schedules.
Green Group
Age Group Green is the first step in the YSSC Age Group swimming program. The primary focus is to learn and understand drills, to develop proper stroke mechanics, and become proficient in the four competitive strokes. Age Group Green swimmers also receive an introduction to aerobic training in the pool, as well as dryland strength and flexibility work. Each Green Group practice is focused on a few core goals each day and makes sure to have fun built into every workout. Age Group Green swimmers will also receive an introduction to goal setting. The overall goal of Age Group Green is to establish an introduction to “low pressure” meet participation and a love for competitive swimming. Age Group Green is offered 6 days a week. Group moves from Green would normally be to Red or Purple depending on age and ability.
Attendance: 2 Days a Week / 8 Practice a Month (minimum to stay in group)
Practice Guidelines:
1 x 100 IM Legal and Continuous
4 x 50 Free Swim on 1:30 (SCY)
6 x 50 Free Kick on 1:45 (SCY)
Ages: 7 to 10yr olds
Swim Meet Participation:
Short Course: 4 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (March) is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Long Course: 2 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (July) is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Green Group Coach: Erin McConkey
Workout Days/Times: Go to Group Calendar Page
Red Group
Age Group Red is the second step in the YSSC Age Group swimming program. Focusing on the dynamics of competitive swimming, this group continues to work on stroke development for each of the four strokes. Drills are taught with an explanation on the function and goals they serve in terms of stroke development. Every Red Group practice focuses on a number of technical stroke points and works to refine these skills. Age Group Red swimmers are provided with an introduction to dryland, along with seasonal goal planning. Practices also incorporate fun and the continued development of a love for the sport of swimming. Age Group Red is offered 6 days a week. Group Moves from Red will normally be to Purple or Blue depending on age and ability.
Attendance: 2.5 Days a Week / 10 Practices a Month (minimum to stay in group)
Practice Guidelines:
2 x 100 IM Legal and Continuous on 2:30 (SCY)
6 x 50 Free Swim on 1:15 (SCY)
6 x 50 Free Kick on 1:30 (SCY)
Ages: 8 to 11yr olds
Swim Meet Participation:
Short Course: 5 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (March) is REQUIRED!
Long Course: 2 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (July) is REQUIRED!
Red Group Coach: Erin McConkey
Workout Days/Times: Go to Group Calendar Page
Blue Group
Age Group Blue is the 3rd step in YSSC’s Age Group program progression. While continuing to develop an excellent aerobic training base, the coaching staff still continues a steady emphasis on proper stroke technique. Particular stroke goals / racing skills goals are set into every practice. Age Group Blue also utilizes dryland to help build strength and flexibility in swimming. Goal setting is increased, focusing on planning for an entire season. Athletes are encouraged to be self-reliant and responsible for more aspects of their training and competition. AG Blue is offered 6 times per week. Moves from Age Group Blue are normally to Purple, Yellow, or one of the senior groups depending upon age, ability, and commitment level.
Attendance: 3 Days a Week / 12 Days a Month (minimum to stay in group)
Practice Guidelines:
1 x 200 IM on 4:00 (SCY)
12 x 50 Free Swim on 1:10 (SCY)
10 x 50 Free Kick on 1:20 (SCY)
Ages: 8 to 11yr olds
Swim Meet Participation:
Short Course: 7 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (March) is REQUIRED!
Long Course: 4 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (July) is REQUIRED!
Blue Group Coach: Tim Conley
Workout Days/Times: Go To Group Calendar Page
Purple Group
Age Group Purple is the 4th step in the YSSC age group program. It continues to introduce swimmers to an aerobic training base with the main focus still on taching and fine tuning proper stroke mechanics. Dryland is used to develop strength for older age groupers to compete in a wider range of events. AG Purple is offered 5 times per week. Group moves from Purple are normally to Yellow or one of the Senior Groups depending upon age, ability, and commitment level.
Attendance: Recommended 2 Days a Week / 8 Days a Month
Practice Guidelines:
1 x 200 IM Legal and Continuous on 4:30 (SCY)
8 x 50 Free Swim on 1:10 (SCY)
8 x 50 FreeKick on 1:20 (SCY)
Ages: 11 to 13yr olds
Swim Meet Participation:
Short Course: 5 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (March) is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Long Course: 2 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (July) is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Purple Group Coach: Gretchen Lentz, Addie Carne & Tim Conley
Workout Days/Times: Go To Group Calendar Page
Yellow Group
Age Group Yellow consists of experienced athletes in the final leg of their Age Group swimming. This group concentrates on developing and mastering a high level of physical conditioning in both the pool and in dryland workouts. The coaching staff continues to re-enforce proper stroke technique and fine-tuning racing skills a priority. Race specific goals are established in every practice (ie pacing). Long term goals are developed with a commitment to training being a major component. AG Yellow is offered 6 times per week. Group moves from Yellow will be evaluated by the Senior Group coaching staff and will be to any one of the Pre-Senior or Senior Level groups depending upon commitment and training ability.
Attendance: 3.5 Days a Week / 14 Days a Month (minimum to stay in group)
Practice Guidelines:
3 x 200 IM on 3:30 (SCY)
10 x 100 Free on 1:35 (SCY)
8 x 75 Free Kick on 1:40 (SCY)
Ages: 11 to 13yr olds
Swim Meet Participation:
Short Course: 7 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (March) is REQUIRED
Long Course: 4 Meet Minimum, End of Season Meet* (July) is REQUIRED.
Yellow Group Coach: Tim Conley
Workout Days/Times: Go To Group Calendar Page
YSSC’s Senior Program
Pre-Senior Group
PreSenior is a transitional training group that focuses on conditioning and educating kids on what is required to excel at the senior level of swimming. A continued concentration on technique is incorporated into each practice. Training and conditioning begin to take on a larger role within each practice. Swimmers are taught the importance of goal setting, consistent training, and race strategies. The group will meet five afternoons and Saturday morning. Early season cross-training will be used, as well as, dryland routines that utilize body weight and flexibility. 70% monthly practice attendance (4 a week) and a full commitment to participate in all scheduled competitions are required for this group.
Pre-Senior Group Coach: Karl Kozicki
Workout Days/Times: Go To Group Calendar Page
Senior 3 Group
Senior 3 is the first step in YSSC’s senior program. It is offered to provide a high level of technical improvement and increase physical conditioning for those swimmers that are looking to move to a different training level. Senior 3 is also ideal for the competitive swimmer who also participates in other activities. Early season cross-training will be used, as well as, dryland routines that utilize body weight and flexibility. This group will meet four afternoons and Saturday morning each week. Recommended practice attendance is 2 days a week and participation in all scheduled competitions is encouraged but not required. If a swimmer wants to move on to another Senior group they must be making the attendance requirement for those groups.
Senior 3 Group Coach: Johnny Thonn
Workout Days/Times: Go To Group Calendar Page
Senior 2 Group
Senior 2 is the second step in the progression of YSSC’s senior program. In this group, constant evaluation of technique is incorporated into more physically and mentally challenging workouts. Endurance and speed development are carefully planned with an emphasis on seasonal peak competition. The importance of goal setting and learning race strategies are a main focus. The group will practice five afternoons, Saturday morning, and Tuesday and Thursday before school. Attendance is highly encouraged to prepare for the move to Senior 1. Dryland that begins to incorporate weight lifting as well as body weight exercises will be offered during morning practices. 90% monthly practice (5 a week) attendance and a full commitment to participate in all scheduled competitions are mandatory for this group.
Senior 2 Group Coach: Karl Kozicki
Workout Days/Times: Go To Group Calendar Page
Senior 1 Group
Senior 1 is the final step in YSSC’s senior program. A total commitment to competitive swimming is required to fully develop each athletes potential. Regional, national, and international competitions are utilized in seasonal and quadrennial planning. A highly structured training schedule is kept throughout the year, utilizing all of the YMCA’s facilities. Water workouts are still planned with technique and skill goals, but conditioning and fitness levels are the main focus. Time management is taught as an important skill that gives young athletes the ability to excel in both school and swimming. Planning each athlete’s future in collegiate swimming is also an important aspect of the Senior 1 group. Although, Senior 1 swimmers are expected to participate in every scheduled practice an 90% minimum monthly practice attendance and a full commitment to participate in all scheduled competitions are mandatory for this group.
Senior 1 Group Coach: Peter Wright
Workout Days/Times: Go To Group Calendar Page
*Each Training Group is training and focusing on reaching the highest level / peak performace at these End of Season Meets. Each group’s coach is geering a season of practice towards these meets. End of Season Meets for the Short Course Season is one of the following: Age Group Sectionals or the Palmetto State Spring Champs. End of Season Meet for the Long Course Season is one of the following: South Carolina State Meet or South Carolina State Finale meet.
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