The Progression Route through WSC

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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; To refine each stroke, breathing patterns, head position and turns: Introduce diving from the side and blocks; To prepare swimmers for the transition from teaching to coaching and develop the stamina required for competition in the 25 metre pool.

Progression Criteria

The Associate members range from 5/6 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. The club reserves the right not to offer further periods of tuition. It is essential that swimmers acquire good stroke technique in all strokes before progression to stamina and speed work in the main pool.

Full Membership (Squads)

After stroke and technique has been mastered, a swimmer will progress to a squad and coaching based system based on ability.

NOTE THAT THE OFFER OF FULL MEMBERSHIP IS NOT GUARANTEED.

All swimmers are assigned to a particular squad according to their ability and stamina, and how much time they can devote to swimming. 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.

Seals

16 swimmers, usually being 7-8 years of age. The emphasis is on stroke work, starts, turns and finishes. Butterfly is introduced, as is lane discipline and the use of pace work.

Dolphins

16 swimmers, usually being 7-9 years of age. Individual Medley is introduced. Distances swum are increased whilst stroke improvement and good technique are maintained.

Barracudas

16 swimmers, usually being 7-9 years of age. This is the first competitive squad, with the emphasis 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.

Tiger Sharks

A larger, competitive squad, usually being 8-11 years of age. Taught to put technique training into practice in both 25m and 50m pools. Basic skills plus stamina are built around warm up, main set, subset and swim down sets. Swimmers are expected to represent the Club at their ability level and attend certain Open Meets.

Manta Rays

Swimmers are usually 9-14 years of age and may still need to work on certain skills. They are encouraged to enter appropriate Open Meets and Club championships and will be invited to swim in occasional galas.

Piranhas

Swimmers are usually 9-12 years of age. Similar squad to Tiger Sharks but involves swimming longer distances. Swimmers are expected to demonstrate the correct competitive mental attitude and desire to progress further whilst achieving appropriate times in all strokes.

Marlins

The top squad, with swimmers of District and National qualifying standard. They are expected to attend 5 sessions per week, with attendance at selected Designated Open Meets being compulsory.

Seniors

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