Consistent practice attendance is important at all levels of competitive swimming.  It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out in the sport or if you have been swimming for quite some time now and are trying to reach the highest levels of the sport, you need to maintain a regular schedule.  The coaches have determined what they feel is the appropriate number of practices for each practice group.  The recommended amount of practices is based on the age of the swimmers, the number of years he/she has been swimming and the goals of the swimmer. In all groups, competition is recommended but not required.

The Marlins have competitive programs for all ability levels. Our practice schedule changes once school is out and the warmer weather permits us to use our outdoor pools.

Stroke School:

This group is for children who are capable of swimming at least 10 yards any style without stopping.  Swimmers should have had some swim lessons before joining this group.  The instructor is in the water with the children during practice time. Each day, one stroke is worked. Swimmers will participate in intra-squad and local USA-S competitions. This group will meet on Mondays through Thursday from 4:00-4:45. The coach recommends swimmers in this group attend at least twice per week. Two groups are scheduled:

Age Group One:

This program is designed for continued instruction of the fundamentals of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, starts and turns with an emphasis on teaching and fun.  Sportsmanship, team identity and the rules of competition are also emphasized.  The Age Group One group swimmers are primarily 10 and under swimmers. This group meets 4 times per week:  Monday – Thursday from 5:00-6:00 PM.  The coaches recommend the swimmers attend at least 2-3 practices per week.

Age Group Two: This program is for swimmers age 8-12 that can swim all four strokes.  This program stresses the continued development of all four strokes, starts and turns.  The instruction and fun in this group is designed to prepare these swimmers for the next levels.  Increased participation in competition is encouraged. This group meets 4 times per week:  Monday – Friday 5:00-6:00 PM. After 6:00 PM, "An optional practice is held on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:00pm for those swimmers that need to make-up practices. The coaches recommend the swimmers attend at least 3-4 practices per week.

Juniors: This program is for ages 10-13 that show a high interest in the sport of competitive swimming.  Emphasis remains on skill development while speed and endurance training is introduced.  The training regimen and dry land program are designed to prepare these swimmers for the Senior Group. This group meets 5 times per week:  Monday – Thursday 6:00-7:15 PM and Fridays 5:30-7:00 PM.  The coaches recommend this group attend at least 3-4 practices per week.

Senior: This program is for swimmers age 13 and over.  The emphasis is on preparation for championship level swimming.  Beginning swimmers 14 and over that are interested in improving and developing skills begin here also.  Skill development, endurance training, race strategy, dry land conditioning and team meetings are included.  Swimmers will learn individual and team goal setting, seasonal planning and the development of racing skills. This group meets up to 5 times per week:  Monday-Thursday 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Fridays 5:30-7:00 PM. The coaches recommend swimmers attend at least 4-5 workouts per week.