Wootton Bassett Amateur Swimming and Life saving Club

 

 

The main emphasis of the senior squad (age 14+) programme will be endurance based with high quality technique. In order to apply correct and uniform techniques a selection of drills and skills will follow through all the groups. Both will be completing sprint work and attending open meets and league events to put their training into practice.

It should be noted that the age range is a guide and the emphasis will be based on ability. Finally, it’s about teamwork, you show us the effort and commitment and we will do the same.

Squad Ethics

All the gala squads will be working according to various cycles, which are linked to key events (club championship, the Wiltshire’s etc). The components of these cycles are pitched towards ability, age and maturation principles. The main emphasis for the junior squads (ages 8 – 13) will be to build high quality technique in skills and strokes with increased endurance.

Competition  (Back)

Introduction

The gala squads are progressive and designed to optimise potential, if the commitment is made from the swimmer and parent.  All the swimmers will work their way through the system and their training times and competition performance will be monitored and recorded. 

Some swimmers develop their talents early, some are naturally talented and can be spotted straight away, and a lot develop much later.  All need the commitment, dedication and desire to achieve their full potential.  The competitive training programme takes all these factors into account both on a group and individual basis.

Each month, one swimmer from the coaching squads will be chosen to receive a certificate for most improved swimmer and for highest attendance. Swimmers will be chosen through their commitment, dedication to both training and competition and effort in their aspirations to achieve.

ASA Speed Awards

These are targeted at junior development swimmers, to be completed in either time trials or competition.  Time trials will cover distances of 25m and 50m.  Longer distances can be achieved during competitions such as Club championship or open meets.

A badge and certificate is available to purchase for awards.

 

Gala Squad kit- swimmers are encouraged to purchase a Micromesh Polo Shirt & Shorts with name and logo, currently £15.00  (Apr 09, special price when joining the gala squad). A full kit list is available, click here.

Drills for improving stroke length.

Drills for improving balance and floatation.

Drills for improving specific stroke components.

Speed drills.

Sculling drills.

Speed and endurance kick drills.

Starts – speed of take off, entry position, streamlining and u/w transition.

Turns – acceleration into and out of turn, speed of rotation during the turn.

Finishes – acceleration into the wall.

Swimmers need to be thoroughly aware of using pool markers for competitive skills.

All swimmers will be expected to do a minimum of 5 power kicks from a dive start for free, backstroke and fly and off every turn.

Training and Awards

Training will cover:-

We will endeavour to ‘enforce’ that every turn is a perfect one and no turns are ever missed out - there is no excuse for poor skills.

Demonstrations will be used whenever possible to ensure that every swimmer understands the concept of each skill or drill.

Competitive Start Award – CSA

All swimmers in Pre-Training Squad will be working towards this award.  Swimmers who are selected for the junior teams will need this award prior to league competitions. The award concentrates on racing starts and transition to stroke with emphasis on correct technique. The test will be performed in both deep and shallow water from the blocks.  Only swimmers who can demonstrate a competent racing dive with the appropriate start/transition will be tested for the award. This will only be taught once the swimmer has reached the ASA NPTS level 11.

Certificates of Achievement