Term 4 Swimming: Monday 14 October to Friday 20 December

Squads

Keep it simple, do it right, REWARD EFFORT and have fun with 'orca' and OUR MORNING 'technique & aquatic fitness squads' (tafs)

At ELSC we deliver four levels of squad training. All squads are programmed to meet the needs of young swimmers where the focus is on continual stroke development and quality swimming through appropriate work/rest ratio session programming. Our water temperature is warmer than most squad pools and as such all our squad sessions are planned and delivered with a ‘duty of care’ to the swimmer. Our squad sessions support swimmers across a number of aquatic sports, whether an athlete is swimming for recreational fitness or has aspirations of representative honors in their chosen aquatic sport. At ELSC our coaching philosophy remains the same, keep it simple, do it right, reward effort but most importantly have FUN!

 

Orca Squad

Orca squad is the first of our squad levels with a focus on complete stroke timing across all four swimming strokes as well as aquatic survival strokes. Swimming strokes are regularly broken down and progressively rebuilt by use of specific skill development drills. Orca squad will use swimming aids such as pull buoys and fins to assist with set drill work. Orcas will focus on strengthening underwater streamlining to assist not only with swimming strokes but also wall and dive-block push offs. Tumble turn practice forms part of the Orca squad rationale, assisting swimmers to connect multiple laps. The use of the pace clock is increased along with white board program delivery by pool deck coach. Orca squad will continue to practice personal aquatic survival skills advancing on essential swimming elements such as hand sculling, treading water and loaded clothed swimming. 

Squads » squad training

LEVEL 5 – Introductory Squad

Marlin Squad

The Marlin squad will focus on the mechanics of all four swimming strokes as well as aquatic survival strokes. Stroke technique is refined and swimming fitness increases.  The student has an understanding of interval and set training under pace clock control. Swimmers display positive participation in a squad dynamic under instruction from pool deck coach. Swimmers further develop their dive, start and turn skills with regular timed swims all forming part of the Marlin program. Marlin students are encouraged to attend up to two sessions per week in preparation for entry into Mini Squad.

Squads » squad training

LEVEL 6 – Marlin Squad

Mini Squad (1.5hr session)

session breakdown: 1 hr quality swim + 0.5hr aquatic skill enhancement

Mini Squad sessions are conducted over 1.5hrs and are programmed to enhance stroke efficiency and aquatic fitness through short duration, high quality swimming sets. These sessions are programmed for the young swimmer, taking into consideration, their age, sex, physical build, mental awareness and external motivation. ELSC’s mini squad sessions have been specifically designed for all swimmers, regardless of their preferred aquatic sport (surf life saving, water polo, triathlon or still water swimming). ELSC’s squad sessions are aimed to achieve ‘quality swimming’ through constant work/rest ratio monitoring. Swimmers are expected to have their own training kits consisting of cap, goggles, fins and drink bottle. Swimmers are introduced to additional training aids such as finger/hand paddle and drag’n’fly resistance swimming belt. Mini Squad swimmers can expect to broaden their whiteboard session understanding, pace clock (analogue and digital) knowledge and have a greater awareness and understanding of FINA rules governing the four swimming strokes.

monday, wednesday & friday 6.30am - 8.00am

Junior Squad (1.5hr sessions)

session breakdown: 1hr quality swim + 0.5hr aquatic skill enhancement

Junior Squad sessions are conducted over 1.5hrs and are programmed to further enhance stroke efficiency and aquatic fitness through short duration, high quality swimming sets. Junior squad sessions are programmed taking into consideration a swimmer’s age, sex, physical build, mental awareness and external motivation. Junior squad sessions support swimmers across multiple aquatic sports including surf life saving, water polo, triathlon and still water swimming. ELSC’s squad sessions are aimed to achieve ‘quality swimming’ through constant work/rest ratio monitoring. Junior squad swimmers are required to have their own training kits consisting of cap, goggles, fins and drink bottle and will have access to additional training aids including finger/hand paddles and drag’n’fly resistance swimming belts. Junior squad swimmers will have a good understanding of FINA rules governing the four swimming strokes.

monday, wednesday & friday 6.30am-8.00am

where to from here?

At ELSC we will train swimmers to reach a particular standard of squad competency. Should a swimmer show interest in furthering their competitive swimming, we will encourage swimmers and their parents to enquire with local swimming clubs offering both squad sessions and competition pathways.

the importance of our Water Safety Program

Here’s an email we recently received highlighting the importance of our Water Safety Program.

Hi East Lakes Swim Centre,

I just want to say a huge thank you for everything you do. But in particular I want to praise your Water Safety Program.

On the Easter weekend, myself and my girls were staying at a hotel in Sydney. The hotel had a pool. Both my girls are students at your swimming school. Miss 3 is not yet confident in the pool.

Miss 7 was in the pool. Miss 3 entered the pool when my back was turned and had a drowning incident.

On entering the water, Miss 3 sunk straight to the bottom of the pool. I turned around to see just the very top inch of her head above the water. She was standing vertically on the floor of the pool, nearly completely submerged. Miss 7 realised quickly that her sister could not breathe and swam and lifted her up. She held her above the water and brought her to the side of the pool, where I lifted Miss 3 out of the pool. Miss 3 was frightened and I was very concerned. I monitored her in the coming weeks. I will never be able to erase the image of Miss 3 standing under the water from my mind. 

Miss 7 knew what to do and acted calmly and quickly.  I believe that this is a credit to your Water Safety programmes at East Lakes. Thank you so much. You really are making a difference to the lives of our children. Please always keep doing what you are doing.

K.W.

28/04/2022