Training Group Standards and Move-Ups: Senior Program
Gator Swim Club's training group structure is designed to allow progression over time from novice to highly experienced and skilled swimmer. The lists below show the basic expectations for the team's Senior program groups group. Due to the structure of our program, moves from group to group are not carried out to accommodate more convenient practice times or other member-family preferences but are coaching decisions based on the group standards. The integrity and fairness of the structure is key to the success of our swimmers at all levels.
Senior Flex Groups
The Flex groups are designed for swimmers who are in 8th grade or above but who (a) need more stroke instruction in a smaller group setting or (b) wish to have more flexibility with their training schedule than in the Senior program because of academic commitments or a dual sport schedule. Placement in this group follows discussion with team administrator and/or coach.
Flex 1
Flex 1 is intended for swimmers who may have joined the sport a bit later in childhood, intended to work to "catch you up to speed" with other swimmers your age. Swimmers in Flex 1 must want to take an intensive journey into training with proper stroke technique, learning lane etiquette, and racing.
While there isn't an attendance requirement, swimmers who are trying to integrate into the competitive Senior programming should strive to be at every practice to pick up the skills they need to do so at a later date.
Practice is offered five times per week year-round (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday) at the O'Connell Center and Northeast pool.
Swimmers in this group are encouraged to attend meets for which they are eligible each season.
Flex 2
This group is for swimmers age 13 and over who desire a more recreational approach to the sport. This is a great group for dual-sport athletes, high-school-emphasis swimmers, water polo players who want to be better swimmers, etc.
While there isn't an attendance requirement, regular participation is highly encouraged for progression in skill and endurance.
Practice is offered five times per week year-round (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) at the O'Connell Center and Northeast pool.
Senior 1
This group is designed as an introductory level to our Senior program. There is a higher emphasis on racing in Senior 1 than within the Age Group program. Swimmers will be learning how to train within periodization and perfecting race strategies throughout the year.
Weight training is introduced in Senior 1 and dryland is part of practice three times per week.
This group is open to swimmers in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade who have proven a great practice and meet attendance record within Age Group 3 and who are working to make swimming a priority into high school.
Swimmer will participate in Senior 1 for one year and then will transition into Senior 2, Senior 3, or Flex based on performance, attendance, participation, attitude, and effort. Attendance is required to be above 75% and swimmers are expected to attend one meet per month and all target/championship meets as assigned.
Six practices are offered per week for Senior 1.
Senior 2
Senior 2 swimmers are working to excel at the Senior Champs and Sectional level meets, while there may be swimmers in the group who have cuts for higher levels as well.
Seven practices per week are offered for Senior 2, including one double (morning and afternoon) on Wednesdays. Dryland is incorporated as part of practice three times per week.
Practice attendance must be maintained at 80% seasonally. Swimming should be a high priority to the athletes in this group but the attendance requirement is a little less stringent than in Senior 3.
Senior 2 swimmers will have an end-of-season focus meet of FLAGs (14-year-olds and younger) or Senior Championships.
Senior 3
Senior 3 is a group open only to swimmers who have a proven track record of great attendance, work ethic, and attitude, and who are willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals in the sport. Joining this group is by head coach invitation only.
Swimmers in Senior 3 are expected to be at every practice and every scheduled target and championship meet as assigned. A detailed season schedule will be issued at the beginning of the short-course and long-course seasons and it is the responsibility of the swimmer and their family to ensure their ability to follow that season schedule. Vacations should align with team breaks or be communicated at the beginning of the season and training while on vacation will be organized and agreed upon.
Practices will vary seasonally, but traditionally this group will have nine practices per week with doubles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Senior Program Resources
Swim Strong Dryland Resources List
Daily Wellness Check Do this daily! Save the link to your phone homescreen and make it a routine.
| WarmUp Mobility |
Recovery | Pre-Hab |
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| Senior Champs
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Sectionals
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| NCSA Juniors
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Futures
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| Winter Juniors
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Summer Jumiors
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| 2025 Nationals
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2024 Olympic Trials
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| Goals Setting Sheet | Senior Championship Cuts |
| SwimStrong Wellness Sheet | Sectional Cuts |
| Futures Cuts | |
| Winter Juniors Cuts | |
| Summer Juniors Cuts | |
| BHS / HS Newsletter | Olympic Trials Cuts |
