TRAIN TO COMPETE/COMPETE TO WIN

Our senior training group focuses on the final stages of athlete development and is very specific to the individual needs of each athlete. This group provides those athletes who are currently qualified or ranked at the Provincial or National Level with a goal oriented training program that will provide optimal development leading towards performance at the highest level. The Head Coach, based on the needs of each athlete, will develop a meet schedule.

COMPETITIVE POOL SCHEDULE - PDF

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Performances Standard:
National or Provincial (Ontario or Man/Sask) Qualifiers
Provincial, Nationally or Provincially Ranked ONTARIO "A" Times (discretionary)

Technical Standard:
Must be able to complete the following sets 10x100 Free on 1:20/:30 AND 10x100 I.M on 1:35/1:40
Must have a 200 Kick Time faster than 3:20

Training Sessions:
8/7/6 Sessions per Week
Athletes in the National Development program will be designated A/B/C to correspond with their training group. Athletes will be placed in their designated groups based on qualification, ability and age appropriateness.

Equipment requirements:
Team Training Suit, Team Racing Suit, Fins, Full Paddles, Band, Snorkel, Parachute, Flutter Board, Caps(2), Goggles(2), Mesh Bag

Fees:

3 Payment Option

TRAIN TO TRAIN/TRAIN TO COMPETE

The second tier of competitive programming focuses on the development of aerobic system training, strength development and mental training required to deal with competition.

Age Group I

Age Group 1 puts an increasing emphasis on perfecting proper training habits and skill development. Swimmers in this group practice complementary training such as stretching, general strength and running. Swim meets for this group take place mainly at a Regional level with some high level Invitational meets being available as well.

Performance Standards:
Must have achieved a minimum of a Provincial "B" Standard. Must have a 200 Free under 2:45/200 I.M under 3:15/200 Kick under 4:00

Technical Standards:
Must be able to complete 10 x 100 free on 1:40/10x100 I.M on 2:00

Training Sessions:
5 Water / 1 Dryland per week

Equipment requirements:
Team Suit, Fins, Full Paddles, Skipping Rope, Band, Snorkel, Parachute

Age Group 2

Age Group 2 focuses on developing proper training habits while furthering skill development. Swimmers will also continue to work on flexibility, core strength, nutrition and goal setting. Swim meets for this group take place mainly at a Regional level with some high level Invitational meets being available as well.

Performance Standards:
Athletes must have achieved a Provincial "C" time in their age group. Must have 200 free under 3:20/200 I.M under 3:30/200 Kick under 4:15

Technical Standard:
Must be able to complete 10x100 Free on 1:50/10x100 I.M on 2:10

Training Sessions:
4 Water/2 Dryland per week

Equipment requirements:
Team Training Suit, Team Racing Suit, Fins, Full Paddles, Flutter Board, Caps(2), Goggles(2)
Band, Snorkel, Mesh Bag

Fees:

3 Payment Option

Development 1/2/3

Swimmers in Development Program will be focusing on continued development of the basic skills while introducing the basic principles of a formal training environment. Swimmers will be introduced to work on flexibility, core strengthening, nutrition and goal setting. Swim meets for this group take place mainly at a Regional level.

Performance Standards:
Athletes will be training to achieve Provincial "D" time in their age group.

Fees:

3 Payment Option

Attendance/Practice Expectations

How often a swimmer attends practice depends on age and the training group. These guidelines are set to promote optimal progress for each individual. Too much or too little practice time will limit results.

1. Always be present at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of practice in order to start on time and use the allotted time.

2. Plan to stay the entire practice. The last part of practice is very often the most important and reminders and announcements are made at this time.

3. All equipment should be brought to the deck for each practice. See the equipment information for each group.

Academic Recommendations: ALL GROUPS

The Thunderbolts take great pride in the high achievement attained in the pool and in the classroom. It is suggested that each athlete should maintain the following academic standards.

• Athlete should maintain a 75% (equivalent level) average throughout the season.
• Athletes should maintain proper study habits and time management skills.
• Athletes should maintain a high level of attendance at school. Tardiness and unexcused absences are cause for concern.
• Athletes are responsible for making sure that school needs are met when traveling or missing a number of days due to swim meets.
• Academics to be monitored as a partnership between coach and parents so athletes can balance/meet their swimming and academic goals.