Skills Required For Age Groups 1 and 2: The swimmer must show understanding of distance (25 yards = 1 length; 50 yards = 2 lengths; 75 yards = 3 lengths, 100 yards = 4 lengths). A swimmer must be able to complete a 100 freestyle using rotary breathing and proper arm technique and be able to swim a 50 backstroke with correct head position and arm entry into the water. A swimmer must also be proficient in their butterfly and breaststroke kicks and have begun to understand the arm movements of both strokes. Swimmers must be able to listen and follow directions in a group setting.

Skills Taught In Age Groups 1 and 2: In the Age Group program children apply their knowledge of freestyle and backstroke and focus on individual adjustments to fine tune their strokes. Drills are used to help swimmers with balance, rotation, breathing, and positioning in all the strokes. Children are taught the correct arm movement to accompany their breaststroke kick. The proper breaststroke arm motion is where the hands are pressed out from in front of the chest in a heart shaped pattern and recovered under or on the surface of the water. Children also learn the entire butterfly stroke, which is a simultaneous recovery of the arms over the water combined with an undulating dolphin kick. The Individual Medley or I.M. is also taught in this group, which is an event that features all four strokes in a specific order (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle). Other miscellaneous items such as starts, flip turns, and finishes are also covered in this group. Average distance in one practice: 1000 – 1500 yards (40 to 60 lengths).

Moving Up to Advanced Age Group: The swimmer must show understanding of all distances (200 yards = 8 lengths, 400 yards = 16 lengths, etc.). A swimmer must be able to complete a 300 freestyle using rotary breathing, balance, rotation, and flip turns. Swimmers must be able swim a 200 backstroke with correct arm recovery into the water and a proper underwater catch. For a swimmer to move up to Advanced Age Group, they should be able to swim a 100 breaststroke with proper technique and glide. They should also be able to swim a 50 butterfly with a simultaneous recovery and correct body position. Swimmers must attend at least two swim meets per season, and attend practice at least 75% of the time (4 practices per week). Swimmers must show good behavior by listening to directions and exemplifying a positive team atmosphere.