PRACTICE GROUPS
PRACTICES
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Practice Facilities
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Practice Groups
- Practice Schedule
Dave Hedden
Head Swim Coach
Smith Family YMCA
1350 S. Briggs Street
Joliet, IL 60433
Office: 815.726.3939 x412
Cell: 815.603.1114
Fax: 815.726.3968
dhedden@jolietymca.org
Page last updated: 06.25.07 at 08:39 PM
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The Joliet Jets YMCA Swim Team is divided into seven ability groups that are structured to allow smooth transitions that maximize the success and development of each individual. Each developmental stage is described below: |
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| FLIGHT SCHOOL | AGE GROUP YELLOW | AGE GROUP GREEN | ||
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Overview: Flight School is a program offered through the Smith Family YMCA aquatics department that is designed to be a pre-competitive introduction to the Joliet Jets YMCA Swim Team. One of the Jets coaches will begin to introduce swimmers to the concepts and skills taught by the swim team, thus preparing kids for a more fluid transition onto the team once they are ready. Each session will culminate with a small intrasquad swim meet held by the Jets. Swimmers must have the endurance to swim one length of the pool without a floatation device and be comfortable with rotary breathing to be eligible for Flight School.
How to Register: |
Overview: Age Group Yellow is focused on learning the rules of the sport, developing foundational skills (such as balance, kicking, and streamlining), and learning how enjoyable the sport is. Competition is introduced in small doses as swimmers build confidence in their abilities. Furthermore, a special emphasis is put on team-building, problem-solving, and other values that will have a positive impact on their development. This practice level is divided into two groups by age: Yellow I is designed for ages 6-8; Yellow II is designed for ages 8-12. Swimmers at this stage are offered three 45-minute practices per week. Practice Facilities: Practice Times: |
Overview: Age Group Green continues to place a major emphasis on teaching and reinforcing proper stroke techniques as it introduces more advanced skills, and swimmers are given more opportunities to practice those skills in a competitive environment. Kids begin to see some training elements while having lots of fun as they pick up the skills that will make them complete swimmers. This practice level is divided into two groups by age: Green I is designed for ages 7-10; Green II is designed for ages 10-15. Swimmers at this stage are offered four 60-minute practices per week. Practice Facilities: Practice Times: |
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| AGE GROUP RED | AGE GROUP BLUE | PRE-SENIOR | ||
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Overview: Age Group Red strengthens and hones skills that were learned in previous groups while teaching the proper practice habits that will allow swimmers to excel later on. Swimmers in this group have demonstrated an ability to compete in all four strokes legally, so now they are focused on developing efficiency and some endurance into those strokes. As expectations begin to rise, and practices become more challenging, swimmers must exhibit a level of physical and mental preparedness and willingness to step up to these new challenges. Swimmers at this stage are offered five 75-minute practices per week. Practice Facilities: Practice Times: |
Overview: Age Group Blue prepares swimmers for more intense training while continuing to reinforce proper stroke technique, practice habits, and teamwork. Practices challenge kids to swim smart and push for higher levels. Dryland training is introduced as a regular component of practice, and topics such as nutrition, goal-setting, and mental toughness become important to swimming success. This is the group where champions begin to blossom. Swimmers at this stage are offered six 90-minute practices per week. Practice Facilities: Practice Times: |
Overview: Pre-Senior is the highest level of our Age Group Program. Swimmers will continue to focus on proper stoke technique and race strategy while developing a strong aerobic training base. Dryland training will be incorporated to build core body strength and increase balance and flexibility. Long-term goals are developed along with an increased commitment to training. Pre-Seniors will be offered six practices per week. Practice Facilities: Practice Times: |
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SENIOR |
NATIONAL |
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Overview: The Senior practice group focuses on preparing swimmers for all levels of competition. Seniors will be expected to maintain a high standard of commitment in terms of attendance and practice intensity. Swimmers will have the opportunity to attend nine practices per week, including three mornings. Time management relative to academics and training is of the utmost importance. Proper stroke mechanics are necessary, and further emphasis is placed on intense training, mental preparation, and advanced race strategy. Dryland training is incorporated to build core body strength and increase balance and flexibility. The goal for this group is the National meet in April and the High School State meet. Participation in the YMCA District and State meet is expected. Practice Facilities: Practice Times: |
Overview: The National group is our highest and most demanding practice group for the swimmer that is willing to be committed at an “above average” level. This group is geared for the experienced swimmers that are committed to high standards of training in terms of attendance and practice intensity. Training is geared towards preparing swimmers for YMCA National, US Open, and US National levels of competition. A high level of commitment is required in order to participate in this group. Swimmers will participate in a dryland program focused on building strength and increasing balance and flexibility. Long-term goal setting is an important component to this group and the coaching staff will work with each swimmer developing a plan to achieve them. Swimmers participating in this group mush have at least YMCA Short Course National qualifying times, and are willing to make a commitment of attending at least six practices per week out of nine offered. Participation in the YMCA District and State meet is expected. Practice Facilities: Practice Times: |
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Website designed and maintained by Dave Hedden, 2006.