2022 – 2023 Winter Season
Practices for swimmers in Silver and Gold Groups begin August 29th
Practices for swimmers in Green and Bronze Groups begin the week of September 12th
At The Bangor Region YMCA, we understand that swimmers at different age groups and swim levels will have different needs. This is why our Swim Team practices are divided into 4 different groups and also why it is important for swimmers to attend the correct practice times for the group they are enrolled in. With each group advancement comes an increased practice requirement and team commitment. Coaches may ask swimmers to attend one practice of an advance group to help promote and encourage development.
GREEN GROUP
Tuesday/Thursday, 4:00 – 4:45pm
Swimmers in this entry level group will begin to establish their long-term development with a focus on building a strong foundation of technique, practice etiquette, and core values. This will include the four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly), diving and racing starts, flip turns and open turns, stroke technique, and team spirit. This group is typically filled with ages 8 and under who are first year swimmers. Signing up for this group covers two (2) 45-minute practices per week.
Prerequisites: If your child is between the ages 6-8, the Head Coach can evaluate your swimmer, to see if they are ready for swim team. Swimmers will be evaluated by the following: are they deep water ready, are they able to swim 25 yards of both freestyle and backstroke, and are they familiar with breaststroke and butterfly. Swimmers must also have excellent listening skills.
BRONZE GROUP
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Swimmers in this group must be legal in all four competitive strokes and show proficiency in both starts and turns. Long-term development will focus on stroke mechanics, understanding interval training, and different styles of training. Swimmers are expected to showcase the YMCA’s core values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility) at all times and will work on establishing seasonal goals. This group is typically filled with ages 13 and under. Signing up for this group covers three (3) 1-hour practices per week.
Prerequisites: Swimmer must be able to swim 100 freestyle continuous, and swim a legal 100 IM.
SILVER GROUP
Monday – Friday, 5:00 – 6:30pm
Dryland: Monday/Wednesday, 4:00 – 4:45pm
Swimmers in this group will continue their long-term development with continued focus on stroke mechanics and an introduction to endurance training. Swimmers will gain an understanding of race strategy and proper nutrition. Swimmers will also begin to establish and work towards long-term goals. Dryland training is highly encouraged for swimmers of this group 2x a week. Signing up for this level covers five (5) 1.5-hour practices per week.
Morning Practice (additional fee): It is encouraged, but not required that silver athletes attend morning practice. Morning practices run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:45 – 6:45am.
Equipment: Snorkel and Water Bottle
Prerequisites: Swimmers must be able to dive properly from the block, complete a flip turn, complete 100 yards of each stroke legally, swim a set of 10 x 100 yards on 1:40 interval, and swim a 200 IM legally.
GOLD GROUP
Monday – Friday, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Dryland: Monday/Wednesday, 4:00 – 4:45pm
This is the highest level competitive group that Barracudas has to offer. Swimmers in this group have goals they’d like to achieve in swimming, and we do our best to help them achieve those set goals. These swimmers are training to compete at the highest levels of competition in both YMCA and USA Swimming. Signing up for this group covers five (5) 2-hour practices a week.
Morning Practice (additional fee): Gold athletes are highly recommended to participate and attend the three (3) 1-hour morning practices each week. Morning practices run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:45 – 6:45am.
Equipment: Snorkel and Water Bottle
Prerequisites: Swimmers have achieved an “AA” time, are able to do 10 x 100 yards freestyle on 1:20 interval.
HIGH SCHOOL
Only available in Winter Season
There is a reduced price for swimmers who are doing winter sports that will not allow them to be at every Gold or Silver practice. This option is only available during the Fall/Winter Season of swimming.
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