The Manitoba Marlins swim program is designed to enable each of its swimmers to systematically progress from the beginner to the elite level of performance by establishing clearly defined priorities, training protocols, and performance standards for each level of instruction. Training groups are organized so that swimmers will be compatible with respect to age, training ability, and commitment. The emphasis in the early stages of development is on the acquisition of fundamental swimming skills. As swimmers progress through the program, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge is gradually introduced. The commitment level ranges from approximately two hours per week for the beginners in Mini Marlins to over 20 hours per week for the aspiring Olympians in the National Group. Although participation through all levels of instruction is the goal for every swimmer, each level will provide a valuable and rewarding experience in its own right.

The program consists of the following levels through which swimmers normally progress:

Mini Marlin Program

Our Mini Marlins program is a goal oriented learn-to-swim program for children who have completed Red Cross Swim Kids Level 4. The emphasis at this level is on the acquisition of aquatic fundamentals and swimming skills in a fun and safe environment! Whether your goal is safety, stroke enhancement, exercise, or fun, we offer swimmers valuable and useful skills that will enhance their safety and swimming ability.

Objectives and Focus of MINI MARLINS:

  • Development of speed, power and endurance through age and stage appropriate activities and games
  • Basic movement literacy
  • ABC’s (agility, balance, coordination and speed)
  • Well structured program with progression monitored on a regular basis
  • Introduction of the competitive experience through fun, skill based “meets”

Super Squad (SS)

This group is for entry level competitive swimmers and requires a minimum commitment of 2 practices per week. The emphasis at the Super Squad level continues to be on skill acquisition and development. Swimmers are taught the basics of the four competitive strokes, as well as competition starts and turns. Swimmers in Super Squad are encouraged to experience the fun of competition at Swim Manitoba sanctioned “Program Meets”. Emphasis is placed on developing positive self-esteem, making new friends and having fun!

Objectives and Focus of SUPER SQUAD:

  • Continued development of basic movement literacy
  • Continued development of ABC’s (agility, balance, coordination and speed)
  • Development of skills that are specific to the sport of competitive swimming
  • Development of skills required to train in a structured environment
  • Introduction to competition through participation in Swim Manitoba sanctioned Program Meets

Age Group Developmental (AGD)

The Age Group Developmental program continues to build on the skills introduced at the Super Squad level, including endurance and technical proficiency. An introduction to dry land training, including body weight exercises, begins at this level. Endurance, conditioning and stroke refinement continues to be emphasized. In addition, competitive skills, goal setting and an understanding of time standards are introduced.

Objectives and Focus of AGE GROUP DEVELOPMENTAL:

  • Continued development of swimming specific skills
  • Speed, power and endurance is developed in a formalized training environment
  • Introduction to the concepts of warm up and cool down, stretching, hydration and nutrition, recovery, relaxation and focus and how they relate to performance
  • Dry land training includes use of body weight exercises

Age Group Elite (AGE)

Swimmers at the Age Group Elite level have a higher level of competitive swimming experience. Dry land training, endurance, conditioning and stroke refinement are skills that continue to be emphasized at the Age Group Elite level. Race strategy, competitive skills, goal setting and an understanding of time standards are further developed.

Objectives and Focus of AGE GROUP ELITE:

  • Continued development of speed, power and endurance in a formalized training environment
  • Further emphasis is placed on concepts such as warm up and cool down, stretching, hydration and nutrition, recovery, relaxation and focusing and how they relate to performance
  • Strength building is continued through the use body weight exercises in dry land
  • Swimmers learn to maintain high skill levels while developing aerobic endurance
  • Competitions are used to learn and employ basic race strategies and tactics

Top Age Group (TAG)

Swimmers in this group have a high level of competitive swimming experience, as well as commitment to the sport. Endurance, speed, conditioning and stroke refinement are emphasized. In addition, race strategy, competitive skills, goal setting and an understanding of time standards are emphasized. Swimmers are expected to have a high attendance percentage and are chosen for this group based on their maturity, technique, endurance, and race performance.

Objectives and Focus of TOP AGE GROUP:

  • Swimmers continue to maintain high skill levels while developing their aerobic capacity and endurance
  • Individualization of fitness and technical training is initiated
  • Emphasis is on maintaining technique under high volume and low intensity in all four competitive strokes (i.e. IM based philosophy, no stroke specialization)
  • Competitions are used to learn and employ basic race strategies, tactics and mental preparation
  • Build and continue to use body weight exercises in dry land
  • Development of strength (weight with resistance)
  • Protocol for pre-competition, competition and post competition routines are to be established at this level

National Group (NAT)

This is the Club’s most elite level, where appropriate training is provided to swimmers who wish to make an uncompromised commitment to the pursuit of excellence. Swimmers in the National Group have superior skills, performance, and attitude or have demonstrated the ability to train consistently in a high-intensity training environment. Training in this group is highly specific and swimmers must be committed to full participation in the program. This group is dedicated to training athletes who have achieved or who demonstrate the potential to achieve Top Age Group, Youth, National, or International Standards.

Objectives and Focus of NATIONAL GROUP:

  • The ability to maintain technique under higher volumes and increased intensity
  • Developing swimmers’ individual strengths through nurturing technical and tactical skills based around specific strokes and distances
  • Training and racing protocols will be refined to meet individual needs
  • Specialization in specific strokes and distances
  • All physical, mental, technical, tactical and routines will be fully established at the NAT level
  • Swimmers are trained for peak events
  • Training is individualized

        
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