Purpose of the Group: Develop & Challenge
Target Age Group: 6-11 years old
Academy 1: Generally, any first season athletes will be placed into the Academy 1 group to aid in the transition from swimming lessons to the competitive team.
Academy 2: Athletes who are starting their 2nd season with the organization and/or can complete the training group advancement sets and display consistent training attendance.
Minimum Skills to Enter Group: Swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards of Freestyle and Backstroke. A working knowledge of Breaststroke and Butterfly kicking is recommended, but not a requirement for entrance as these skills will be taught.
Training Emphasis: 70% Technique Work/30% Training & Conditioning. Training will emphasize competing in the 50 stroke, 200 Freestyle, and the 100 Individual Medley events. Goal of training is to improve technique in each stroke, starts, turns, finishes, and introduce training concepts necessary for success in Juniors and beyond.
Training Attendance: There are 3 x 80 minute practices available each week. First season athletes are recommended to attend twice each week. After their first season, coaches recommend attendance at least three times per week to continue developing their skills.
Meet Attendance: Academy swimmers should try to attend at least ONE session of competition scheduled every month available. Coaches recommend attendance in as many sessions throughout the year as possible to help develop confidence and racing skills in competition settings. Event selection will be coach driven and athletes are placed into events that are most appropriate based on training attendance and stroke development.
Target Meets: Athletes in the Academy group will begin working toward qualification to the IN Swimming Divisional Championships and above.