PALM DESERT SWIM CLUB
Athletes ages 5-18 are invited to join us for year-round competitive swimming.
Why Join Our Swim Club?
We want to attract people who are in alignment with our philosophy so we can work together smoothly. No one program is right for every athlete. We encourage you to take some time and find out some more about each program. You can then select the one that best suits your core values. This process will make your time in the sport more enjoyable long term.
Tryouts are FREE and held on a rolling basis. Ready to dive in? Schedule your tryout here or click the "Register Now" button to join the team!
TRAINING GROUP DESCRIPTIONS AND REGISTRATION
Palm Desert Swim Club exists to give kids something bigger than laps and lane lines: a safe, inclusive, and genuinely exciting culture where they learn to Swim, Compete & Have Fun. Our focus stays simple and consistent—great coaching, strong character, and a team environment where every swimmer feels seen, supported, and challenged at the right level.
Families join PDSC because we take the full journey seriously: skill development, confidence, discipline, resilience, and friendships that last beyond the season. Our Athlete Code of Conduct reflects what we stand for—respect, sportsmanship, responsibility, and a team-first mindset. We expect swimmers to support teammates, treat coaches and facilities with respect, and bring a strong work ethic to practice and meets. In return, families get a positive, structured environment where kids grow—not just as athletes, but as people.
All swim team members are required to register for USA Swimming. Please register here: USA Swimming Registration
AGE GROUP
8 & Under Novice
The 8 & Under Novice Group are designed to offer your child an opportunity to acquire new skills and confidence in the water. The skills are introduced in a fun, caring atmosphere with a low student to teacher ratio to ensure every swimmer gets the individualized attention needed to learn.
This program focuses on the development of Freestyle and Backstroke and the introduction of Butterfly and Breaststroke. Proper body position, body roll, and rhythmic breathing techniques are all introduced along with introducing the skills necessary for butterfly and breaststroke.
The focus of this program is skill acquisition in an environment that fosters a love of the sport. Participants who successfully complete this program are prepared to join our competitive 8 & Under Advanced group.
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: The 8 & Under Novice is $125.00/Month
$125.00 PDSC Team Registration fee which includes team shirt & cap.
USA Swimming Membership: Either Premium Membership or Flex Membership
- Note Flex Membership allows members to compete in only two swim meets per year, and may be upgraded to the Premium Membership at any time.
Meet Entry Fees per any meet entered throughout the season.
REQUIRED SWIM GEAR: Cap and Goggles
8 & Under Group Criteria
The 8 & Under Novice group is the entry-level group for new swimmers ages 5-8. New swimmers must demonstrate that they are completely safe in deep water. Able to swim 2 x 25 yards of freestyle* and 25 yards of backstroke*.
*Proper freestyle requires exhaling with the face in the water and turning the head to breathe with alternating arms.
*Proper backstroke requires being comfortable on the back in the water with alternating arms.
Practice is offered three days per week. Athletes may be invited by their coach to swim with the 8 & Under Advanced group if they can keep up and have perfect attendance for the week.
There is no attendance requirement for this group, but athletes will improve more quickly, and make more friends (which will make them want to come more!), the more often they attend practice.
Goals of the 8 & Under Group
- Swim 2 x 100 freestyle.
- Swim 25 yards of each stroke or 100 IM.
- Kick 8 x 25 flutter kick with a kickboard.
- Athlete is motivated to listen to coaches and try to improve.
- Courteous to other swimmers in the pool.
- Athletes know their attitude affects how they swim and how others around them swim.
- Develop consistent practice attendance.
8 & Under Advanced
The 8 & Under Advanced Group is designed to offer your child an opportunity to acquire new skills and confidence in the water while joining our competitive swim team program. The skills are introduced in a fun, caring atmosphere with a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure every swimmer gets the individualized attention needed to learn.
This program focuses on furthering the development of the four strokes, Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, and Breaststroke. Athletes also start to compete in swim meets in this program.
The focus of this program is skill acquisition in an environment that fosters a love of the sport. Participants who successfully complete this program are prepared to join our competitive Jr. Intermediate group.
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
REQUIRED SWIM GEAR: Cap, Goggles
8 & Under Advanced Group Criteria
Athletes typically move into this group from our 8 & Under Novice Group. Swimmers must be able to complete the ’Goals of the 8 & Under Novice Group’ to move into the 8 & Under Advanced group.
Practice is offered four days per week.
Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of 3 practices a week for this group. Athletes will improve more quickly, and make more friends(which will make them want to come more!), the more often they attend practice.
Goals of The 8 & Under Advanced Group
- Swim 200 Freestyle with legal flip turns.
- Swim 4 x 50 of each stroke.
- Swim 2 x 100 IM legally.
- Kick 12 x 25 flutter kick @:35
- Perform all turns and push-offs efficiently.
- Perform track start and backstroke start effectively.
- Athlete is motivated to compete in swim meets.
- Courteous to other swimmers in pool.
- Athletes know their attitude affects how they swim and how others around them swim.
- Develop consistent practice attendance.
Junior 1
The Junior 1 is designed to offer your child an opportunity to acquire new skills and confidence in the water before joining our competitive team. The skills are introduced in a fun, caring atmosphere with a low student to teacher ratio to ensure every swimmer gets the individualized attention needed to learn.
This program focuses on the development of Freestyle, Backstroke, and Breaststroke as well as the introduction of Butterfly. Proper body position, body roll, rhythmic breathing techniques are all introduced.
The focus of this program is skill acquisition in an environment that fosters a love of the sport. Participants who successfully complete this program are prepared to join our competitive Jr. Developmental group.
Practice Schedule
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: The Junior 1 Group: $125.00/Month.
$125.00 PDSC Team Registration fee which includes team shirt & cap.
USA Swimming Membership: Either Premium Membership or Flex Membership
- Note Flex Membership allows members to compete in only two swim meets per year, and may be upgraded to the Premium Membership at any time.
Meet Entry Fees per any meet entered throughout the season.
REQUIRED GEAR: Cap and Goggles
Junior 1 Criteria
The Junior Novice group is the entry-level group for new swimmers ages 9-12. New swimmers must demonstrate they are completely safe in deep water. Able to swim 2 x 25 yards of freestyle* and 25 yards of backstroke*.
*Proper freestyle requires exhaling with the face in the water and turning the head to breathe with alternating arms.
*Proper backstroke requires being comfortable on back in the water with alternating arms.
Practice is offered three days per week. There is no attendance requirement for this group, but athletes will improve more quickly, and make more friends (which will make them want to come more!), the more often they attend practice.
Goals of The Junior 1 Group
- Swim 3 x 100 of Freeestyle.
- Swim 2 x 50 of Backstroke and Breaststroke.
- Swim 2 x 25 Butterfly.
- Kick 12 x 25 flutter kick with kickboard.
- Perform all turns and push-offs efficiently.
- Perform track start and backstroke start effectively.
- Athlete is motivated to listen to coaches and try to improve.
- Courteous to other swimmers in pool.
- Athletes know their attitude affects how they swim and how others around them swim.
- Develop consistent practice attendance.
Junior 2
The Junior 2 program is designed for swimmers 12 & under to continue the proper acquisition of the skills needed to be a competent competitive swimmer. Racing starts, turns and IM transitions are introduced at this stage. The four competitive strokes will continue to be refined. In addition to acquiring and refining skills, the swimmers in this group will also receive level-appropriate endurance and sprint training throughout the course of each season.
The Junior 2 program practices 3 days a week for one hour. The swimmers in this group will have the opportunity to compete in local swim meets
Practice Schedule
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: This program costs $125.00 a month.
REQUIRED GEAR: Kickboard, Fins, Jr. Snorkel
Junior 2 Group Criteria
Athletes typically move into this group from our Jr. 1 Group. Swimmers must be able to complete the ’Goals of the Jr. 1 Group’ to move into the Jr. 2 group.
Practice is offered three days per week. Athletes may be invited by their coach to swim with the Jr. 3 Group practice if they can keep up and have perfect attendance for the week.
Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of 2 practices a week for this group. Athletes will improve more quickly, and make more friends(which will make them want to come more!), the more often they attend practice.
Goals of The Junior 2 Group:
- Swim 200 Freestyle with legal flip turns.
- Swim 4 x 50 of each stroke.
- Swim 2 x 100 IM legally.
- Perform all turns and push-offs efficiently.
- Perform track start and backstroke start effectively.
- Athlete is motivated to compete in swim meets.
- Courteous to other swimmers in pool.
- Athletes know their attitude affects how they swim and how others around them swim.
- Develop consistent practice attendance.
Junior 3
The Junior 3 program is reserved for swimmers 9-12 years old seeking to progress to the Junior 4 group and compete at the B/BB level. Athletes are selected for this training group by the Jr 3 Coach and will have every opportunity for success. Participation in the program means the athlete and their family are fully committed to their performance goals. The environment is supportive and we strive to ensure that every athlete gets the personalized attention they need to meet or exceed their swimming goals.
The Junior 3 program practices four days of swim training plus dryland training sessions. The swimmers in this group will have the opportunity to compete in local and statewide swim meets.
Practice Schedule
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: This program costs $175.00 a month.
REQUIRED GEAR: Kickboard, Fins, Jr. Snorkel
Junior 3 Group Criteria
The Jr Intermediate Group practice is offered four times per week. The Jr Intermediate group is the first competitive group for ages 9-12 within the PDSC program. This is the introductory group to higher level competitive swimming. Striving to achieve the goals of the Jr 3 group will prepare swimmers for Junior 4 level swimming.
This program is intended for the age group swimmers that have goals of advancing their swimming career as far as possible. We are looking for swimmers that have lofty goals. The practice direction, structure and difficulty will be designed to meet those goals
Jr 3 swimmers are expected to attend all practices per week to remain in the group. Special exceptions may be cleared with the group coach on an absence by absence basis.
Swimmers entering the Junior 3 Group must be at least 9 years old and complete the following:
Swimmers moving from 8&U Advanced:
- Achieve minimum USA Swimming 5-8 "B" qualifying standards in TWO or more events of at least TWO different strokes.
- Swim a 200yd freestyle with bilateral breathing and flip turns
- Swim a 100yd IM with proper transition turns
- Swim a 50yd of Butterfly/Breaststroke/Backstroke with proper turns and finishes
Swimmers moving from Jr. 2:
- Achieve minimum USA Swimming "B" qualifying standards for their age group in TWO or more events of at least TWO different strokes.
- Swim a 200yd freestyle with bilateral breathing and flip turns
- Swim a 100yd IM with proper transition turns
- Swim a 50yd of Butterfly/Breaststroke/Backstroke with proper turns and finishes
Expectations of the Junior 3 Group:
- Attend all practices
- Competition at swim meets is expected in this group.
- Achieve USA Swimming B/BB time standards
- Continue to develop goal-setting skills
- Improve proficiency in turns
- Show and demonstrate proficiency in all strokes
- Use underwater fly kicking as a tool in racing
- Actively improve distance per stroke
- Actively demonstrate the basics
- Active in club fundraising
Goals and Other areas of Swimmer Accountability for the Junior 3 Group:
- Actively improve technique
- Attendance should improve, not decline as the athlete matures
- Training attitudes should be more productive and supportive as the athlete gets older
- Athletes must conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to actions needed to promote and support the goals of the team
Junior 4
The Junior 4 program is reserved for swimmers 9-12 years of age who are ready to challenge themselves further through full participation in a year-round competitive swim program. The group goals include competing at the Age Group Championships level. It is understood that athletes (selected by the Head Coach for this training group) will strive for promotion to the Senior 3 program and/or high school swim teams.
Participation in the program means the athlete and their family are fully committed to their performance goals. The environment is supportive and we strive to ensure that every athlete gets the personalized attention they need to succeed in meeting or exceeding their swimming goals.
Practice Schedule
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: This program costs $190.00 a month.
REQUIRED GEAR: Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Paddles, Band, Jr. Snorkel
Junior 4 Group Criteria
To be a candidate for the Junior 4 group, swimmers should be able to complete the following:
- 500 yds. Freestyle with flip turns and bilateral breathing
- 200 yds. Backstroke with flip turns and bent-arm pulling
- 200 yds. Breaststroke with correct underwater pullouts following all turns
- 100 yds. Butterfly (assisted by use of swim fins if desired) with correct turns
- 200 yds. Individual Medley with transition turns
- Front and back competition racing starts
- The correct race finishes on all four strokes.
Additionally, swimmers are expected to demonstrate the following tasks in practice or competition:
- Achieve minimum USA Swimming "BB" qualifying standards in TWO or more events of at least TWO different strokes.
Expectations of the Junior 4 Group
- Be competitive at the Committee/LSC level and prepare for competency at the LSC/Age Group championship levels
- Desire movement into PDSC's Senior 3 program
- Consistently improve commitment level and training/racing ability from season to season
- Become more fluid in swimming (no splashing)
- Actively improve distance per stroke
- Learn leadership skills
- Attendance should improve, not decline, as the athlete matures
- Training attitudes become more productive and more supportive as the athlete gets older
- Improve swimming aptitude
The Junior 4 group practices five days each week for 90 minutes per day. The main focus is to continue to build a love of the sport while giving the swimmer tools to become a high-performing athlete. Skills for all strokes as well as starts, turns, transitions, and race finishes will continue to be refined. Racing strategies and capabilities will be introduced. The swimmers in this group will be expected to compete in designated "team emphasis" meets (approximately once/month) as well as local and statewide swim meets upon meeting appropriate time standards.
In addition to the swim program, the Jr 4 group has dryland training sessions focusing on body awareness, agility, and strength/explosiveness.
Senior 1
The Senior 1 program is for swimmers 13 & older who are interested in developing thier love of swimming into the competive side of the sport.
The Senior 1 program practices 3 days a week. In addition to the swim program, the Senior 1 group has dryland training sessions focusing on body awareness, agility, and strength/explosiveness. Meets are optional for the swimmers in this group.
Practice Schedule
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: This program costs $125.00 a month.
REQUIRED GEAR: Kickboard, Fins
Join Now...
Senior 1 Group Criteria
The Senior HIgh School group is focused on preparing swimmers for the Senior 1 group. This group will meet the needs of athletes coming from other sports, high school swimmers or swimmers currently in the PDSC program who are still working on developing speed. Technique is the primary focus with speed, power and explosiveness playing large roles.
Swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend all practices as skills, conditioning, and progressions build from one practice session to another.
Swimmers entering the Senior High School program must be at least 13 years old and complete the following:
- 10 x 100 Freestyle @ 1:45
- 8 x 50 kick @ 1:15
- Swim under 1:30 in 100 yd. Freestyle for girls/1:30 for boys
Expectations of the Senior 1 Group
- Strive to be competitive at the Committee/LSC level and prepare athletes for both competency at the LSC/Age Group Championship Level and movement into Senior Intermediate group (if so desired)
- To consistently improve commitment level and training/racing ability from season to season
- Continue becoming more fluid in swimming (no splashing)
- Actively improve distance per stroke
- Learn leadership skills
- Attendance should improve, not decline as the athlete matures
- Training attitudes should be more productive and supportive as the athlete gets older
- Athletes must conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to actions needed to promote and support the goals of the team
- Attend all meets prescribed by coaching staff unless Senior coach agrees to absence
- Active in club fundraising
- Display ability to train appropriately for the athlete’s experience and stated goals
- Parental involvement in "wet side" decreases but increases on "dry side" during tenure
Goals and Expectations for the Senior 1 Group:
- Continue becoming more fluid in swimming (no splashing)
- Actively improve distance per stroke
- Translate power and athleticism developed in dryland training to speed in the water
- Learn leadership skills
- Provide an effective training program to swimmers who may not have come up through the PDSC Program.
- Swimmers will learn to actively monitor and improve their stroke technique
- Swimmer understands and takes responsibility for attendance and performance, work habits in practice and how these three relate to meet performance
- Active in club fundraising
Senior 2
The Senior 2 program is for swimmers 13 & older who are ready to challenge themselves further through full participation in a year-round competitive swim program with the goal of progressing to the Senior Program or High School Swim Teams.
Our Senior 2 swimmers are exposed to cutting-edge training and educational opportunities. The main focus at this level is to continue to build a love of the sport while giving the swimmer highly level tools to become a high performing athlete. Skills for all strokes will continue to be refined. Starts, turns and transitions will be fine-tuned, and racing strategies will be further developed. Higher-level psychological constructs are introduced, challenging the swimmer both in and out of the water.
The Senior 2 program practices 4 days a week. In addition to the swim program, the Senior 2 group has dryland training sessions focusing on body awareness, agility, and strength/explosiveness. The swimmers in this group are expected to compete in swim meets at the Eastern Committee and Southern California Swimming levels.
Practice Schedule
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: This program costs $190.00 a month.
REQUIRED GEAR: Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Paddles, Snorkel, Pulling Band
Join Now...
Senior 2 Group Criteria
The Senior 2 group is focused on preparing swimmers for the Senior 3 group. This group will meet the needs of athletes coming from other sports, high school swimmers or swimmers currently in the PDSC program who are still working on developing speed. Technique is the primary focus with speed, power and explosiveness playing large roles.
Swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend all practices as skills, conditioning, and progressions build from one practice session to another.
Swimmers entering the Senior 2 program must be at least 13 years old and complete the following:
- 10 x 100 Freestyle @ 1:30
- 8 x 50 kick @ 1:00
- Swim under 1:15 in 100 yd. Freestyle for girls/1:10 for boys
- Possess at least two USA Swimming "B" cuts in at least two different strokes for the swimmer's age group
Expectations of the Senior 2 Group
- Strive to be competitive at the Committee/LSC level and prepare athletes for both competency at the LSC/Age Group Championships and movement into Senior 3 group (if so desired)
- To consistently improve commitment level and training/racing ability from season to season
- Continue becoming more fluid in swimming (no splashing)
- Actively improve distance per stroke
- Learn leadership skills
- Attendance should improve, not decline as the athlete matures
- Training attitudes should be more productive and supportive as the athlete gets older
- Athletes must conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to actions needed to promote and support the goals of the team
- Attend all meets prescribed by coaching staff unless Senior coach agrees to absence
- Active in club fundraising
- Display ability to train appropriately for the athlete’s experience and stated goals
- Parental involvement in "wet side" decreases but increases on "dry side" during tenure
Goals and Expectations for the Senior 2 Group:
- Continue becoming more fluid in swimming (no splashing)
- Actively improve distance per stroke
- Translate power and athleticism developed in dryland training to speed in the water
- Learn leadership skills
- Provide an effective training program to swimmers who may not have come up through the PDSC Program.
- Swimmers will learn to actively monitor and improve their stroke technique
- Swimmer understands and takes responsibility for attendance and performance, work habits in practice and how these three relate to meet performance
- Active in club fundraising
Senior 3
The Senior 3 program is designed for swimmers 13 & older seeking to successfully compete at the JO/JAG/WAG Senior level. Athletes are selected for this training group by the Head Coach and will have every opportunity for success and is reserved for those looking to be challenged to be their absolute best.
Participation in the program means the athlete and their family are fully committed to their performance goals. The environment is supportive and we strive to ensure that every athlete gets the personalized attention they need to meet or exceed their swimming goals. The Senior program practices 6-8 days a week. The swimmers in this group will have the opportunity to compete in local and statewide swim meets.
In addition to the swim program, the Sr 3 group includes three dryland training sessions per week focusing on body awareness, agility, and strength/explosiveness.
Practice Schedule
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: This program costs $220.00 a month.
REQUIRED GEAR: Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Paddles, Band, Snorkel, Drag Sox
Senior 3 Group Criteria
The Sr 3 practice is offered 7-9 times per week. This program is intended to provide both a stepping stone for athletes intending to be successful in the National platform and also provide a demanding and comprehensive training program for those athletes who want to compete at the Sr Level.
Sr members are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of all practices, this includes Saturday morning practices. Each and every practice is a necessary component for success as a senior swimmer.
Swimmers entering the Senior program must be at least 13 years old and complete all of the following:
- 10x100@ 1:20
- 8x50@ :50 kick
- Swim under 1:00 in 100yd freestyle for girls/ :57 for boys
- Possess at least two WAG cuts in at least two different strokes for the swimmer's age group
Expectations of the Senior 3 Group
- Strive to be competitive at the LSC/Senior level and prepare athletes for both competency at the Sectional, State level and for movement into the Senior National group (if so desired)
- To consistently improve commitment level and training/racing ability from season to season
- Continue becoming more fluid in swimming (no splashing)
- Actively improve distance per stroke
- Learn leadership skills
- Attendance should improve, not decline as the athlete matures
- Training attitudes should be more productive and supportive as the athlete gets older
- Athletes must conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to actions needed to promote and support the goals of the team
- Attend all meets prescribed by coaching staff unless Senior coach agrees to the absence
- Display ability to train appropriately for the athlete’s experience and stated goals
- Parental involvement in "wet side" decreases but increases on "dry side" during tenure.
- Active in club fundraising
Other areas of swimmer Accountability:
- Swimmer learns to accept the responsibility for his/her performance
- Swimmer learns coping strategies to deal with peer pressure
- Swimmer learns coping strategies to deal with parent pressure
- Swimmer understands and performs personal race strategies
- Swimmer demonstrates an ability to balance school, social, swimming and family
- Swimmer can effectively communicate her/his commitment to her/his parent, coach and teammates
- Swimmer knows the team goals and will take an active part in developing specific and attainable practice group goals
- Swimmer understands the relationship between his/her personal commitment level and results
GOALS FOR SWIMMERS:
- Has 100% attendance at practice sessions
- Does not arrive late or leave early from practice
- Understands that each practice is a necessary component for success
- Incorporates both a team and individual approach to swimming
- Loves to Race
- Loves the sport and is committed to it
- Has an open mind and believes that anything and everything is possible
- Has confidence in themselves and in the work they have put in, as well in the obstacles and challenges they have overcome
- Enjoys challenges and difficult tasks, understands that these challenges build character and help the process of success in and out of the pool.
- Always seeks to do more then what is asked, is not satisfied do the minimum
- Understands that confidence, not arrogance is a key factor in successful performances
- Gives honest self-assessment in practice and meets
- Takes responsibility for their actions in practice and meets
- Understands that the “Athlete” has the most influence on the outcome
- Comes to practice prepared with proper equipment and nutrition (water, sports drink, power bar)
- Carries at all times spare suit, cap and goggles
- Consults the coach concerning injury or illness
- Consistently offers the coach feedback on personal technique, training and meet performances
- Practices good self-talk during all practices and meets
- Understands that focusing on the solutions is far better than focusing on problems
- Above all commits to doing everything within their power to reaching their goals and maximizing their own potential
Senior 4
The Senior 4 group is for the college-bound swimmer 13 & older seeking to successfully compete at the Senior/Zone/Sectional/National level. Athletes are selected for this training group by the Head Coach and is reserved for those fully committed with goals to be their absolute best.
Participation in the program means the athlete and their family are fully committed to their performance goals. The environment is supportive and we strive to ensure that every athlete gets the personalized attention they need to meet or exceed their swimming goals. These Senior programs practices 7-9 days/week. The swimmers in this group will have the opportunity to compete in local,statewide, national swim meets.
In addition to the swim program, the Sr 4 group includes dryland training sessions per week focusing on body awareness, agility, and strength/explosiveness.
Practice Schedule
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/capdsc/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events
COSTS & COMMITMENTS: This program costs $220.00 a month.
REQUIRED GEAR: Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Paddles, Band, Snorkel, Drag Sox
Senior 4 Group Criteria
The Sr 4 practice is offered 8 times per week. This program is intended to provide both a stepping stone for athletes intending to be successful on the National platform and also provide a demanding and comprehensive training program for those athletes who want to compete at the Sr Level.
Sr members are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of all practices, this includes Saturday/Sunday/morning practices. Each and every practice is a necessary component for success as a senior swimmer.
Swimmers entering the Senior program must be at least 13 years old and complete:
- 8x100@ 1:15
- 8x50@ :50 kick
- Swim Sectional qualifying times in main events (2)
Expectations of the Senior 4 Group
- Strive to be competitive at the LSC/Senior level and prepare athletes for both competency at the Sectional, State level and for movement into the Senior National group (if so desired)
- To consistently improve commitment level and training/racing ability from season to season
- Continue becoming more fluid in swimming (no splashing)
- Actively improve distance per stroke
- Learn leadership skills
- Attendance should improve, not decline as the athlete matures
- Training attitudes should be more productive and supportive as the athlete gets older
- Athletes must conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to actions needed to promote and support the goals of the team
- Attend all meets prescribed by coaching staff unless Senior coach agrees to the absence
- Display ability to train appropriately for the athlete’s experience and stated goals
- Parental involvement in "wet side" decreases but increases on "dry side" during tenure.
- Active in club fundraising
Other areas of swimmer Accountability:
- Swimmer learns to accept the responsibility for his/her performance
- Swimmer learns coping strategies to deal with peer pressure
- Swimmer learns coping strategies to deal with parent pressure
- Swimmer understands and performs personal race strategies
- Swimmer demonstrates an ability to balance school, social, swimming and family
- Swimmer can effectively communicate her/his commitment to her/his parent, coach and teammates
- Swimmer knows the team goals and will take an active part in developing specific and attainable practice group goals
- Swimmer understands the relationship between his/her personal commitment level and results
GOALS FOR SWIMMERS:
- Has 100% attendance at practice sessions
- Does not arrive late or leave early from practice
- Understands that each practice is a necessary component for success
- Incorporates both a team and individual approach to swimming
- Loves to Race
- Loves the sport and is committed to it
- Has an open mind and believes that anything and everything is possible
- Has confidence in themselves and in the work they have put in, as well in the obstacles and challenges they have overcome
- Enjoys challenges and difficult tasks, understands that these challenges build character and help the process of success in and out of the pool.
- Always seeks to do more then what is asked, is not satisfied do the minimum
- Understands that confidence, not arrogance is a key factor in successful performances
- Gives honest self-assessment in practice and meets
- Takes responsibility for their actions in practice and meets
- Understands that the “Athlete” has the most influence on the outcome
- Comes to practice prepared with proper equipment and nutrition (water, sports drink, power bar)
- Carries at all times spare suit, cap and goggles
- Consults the coach concerning injury or illness
- Consistently offers the coach feedback on personal technique, training and meet performances
- Practices good self-talk during all practices and meets
- Understands that focusing on the solutions is far better than focusing on problems
- Above all commits to doing everything within their power to reaching their goals and maximizing their own potential
Questions? Please contact Coach Mavi at mavi@palmdesertswimclub.com