The Progression Route through WSC

Following a trial, if successful, swimmers are either offered Associate Membership with a weekly class in the teaching pool or Full Membership according to age and ability. New Associate Members must be able to swim at least 15 metres unaided on front and back – we do not teach beginners.

Associate Membership

Associate teaching sessions are held at Woking Pool in the Park in the small pool. Swimmers can expect to make an increasing commitment as their ability improves and they progress into competitive swimming as Full Members.
The Associates' sessions are aimed at improving the quality and technique of strokes - the objectives are to:

• Break down each stroke into its component part and provide a technical grounding
• Refine each stroke, breathing patterns, head position and turns
• Introduce diving from the side and blocks
• Prepare swimmers for the transition from teaching to coaching and develop the stamina required for competition in the 25 metre pool
• Introduce competitive swimming via the Diddy Championships

Progression Criteria

The Associate members range from 5 to 9 years of age, with varying levels of ability. Progression through the Associate classes is generally based on progress in the acquisition of skills and the competitive needs of the Club. If progression is not being made then the Club reserves the right not to offer further periods of tuition. It is essential that swimmers acquire good stroke technique in front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke before progression to stamina and speed work in the main pool.

The offer of Full Membership is not guaranteed.

Full Membership (Squads)

Once stroke and technique has been mastered, a swimmer may progress to an appropriate squad according to their ability. All swimmers are assigned to a particular squad according to their ability, speed and stamina. As they progress and improve they are moved through the groups by agreement amongst the Coaches, who must also be aware of the competitive needs of the Club. Swimmers are not necessarily assigned to every one of the following squads during their career and the route may not be in the order given:

Seals

Maximum of 16 swimmers, usually aged 7 - 9 years. The emphasis is on stroke work, competitive starts, turns and finishes whilst developing strength and stamina. Butterfly is introduced and the use of pace work. Swimmers are introduced to certain events at the Club Championships.

Dolphins

Maximum of 16 swimmers, usually aged 7 - 9 years. Individual Medley is introduced. Distances swum are increased whilst stroke improvement and good technique are maintained and improved. Attendance at suitable Open Meets is encouraged as speed and competitiveness become more important. Participation in certain Club Championships is expected.

Barracudas

Maximum of 16 swimmers, usually aged 7 - 9 years. The emphasis is on stroke technique in all four strokes, starts, turns, finishes and relay take-overs. Swimmers will be encouraged to enter Open Meets at the appropriate age and are likely to swim for Woking competitively. Participation in certain Club Championships is obligatory.

Sting Rays

A small competitive squad of swimmers, usually aged 9 -11 years. Stamina is increased by all sessions being 25m pool swims whilst technique is re-enforced. Open Meet participation is encouraged and attendance at Club Championships is obligatory.

Manta Rays

Swimmers are usually 10-13 years of age who still need to work on certain skills. They are encouraged to enter appropriate Open Meets and Club Championships and may occasionally be invited to swim for the Club in galas.

Tiger Sharks

A larger, competitive squad, usually aged 7 - 11 years. Skills and stamina are built around warm up, main set, subset and skill sets. Swimmers are expected to rise to the challenge of competition and represent the Club at various league galas and attend certain Open Meets. Attendance at the Club Championships is obligatory.

Piranhas

Swimmers are usually 9-14 years of age who are efficient in all four strokes and capable of swimming longer distances at more sessions. Technique is taken to a higher level. Swimmers are expected to demonstrate the correct competitive mental attitude and desire to progress further whilst achieving appropriate times in all strokes. Attendance at Licensed Open Meets and League Galas is expected when invited.

Piranhas Plus

Swimmers progress to some 50m pool sessions. Certain sessions are swum alongside Intermediates & Marlins where greater distances are swum.

Intermediates

A competitive squad of 12 - 15 year olds. Certain training sessions are alongside Marlins and Piranhas Plus. Emphasis is on endurance and re-enforcing good stroke technique. Attendance at Licensed Open Meets and League Galas is expected when invited.

Marlins

The top squad, with swimmers of at least County & District qualifying standard. They are expected to attend 5 sessions per week, with attendance at invited Designated Open Meets and League Galas being compulsory.

Seniors

This squad is for senior WSC swimmers who cannot commit to intensive training sessions but still wish to train and compete.