Squads

L Squad: The “Lightening” Squad

Swimmers ages 8 and under. This squad introduces the swimmer to the sport of swimming in an enjoyable and comfortable environment. The swimmers learn the four competitive strokes, starts and turns through a multitude of drills and individual instruction. Swimmers in this squad participate in all YMCA dual and championship meets, along with specific USS 8 and under meets.

Attendance: L Squad practices two day a week therefore every attempt should be made to make ALL practices.


E Squad

Swimmers ages 9-12. This squad works on refining stroke mechanics of all the competitive strokes. Starts, turns and some endurance training (through interval sets) are also a component of this squad. The swimmers are expected to supplement their two practices with one additional practice with the H and Y squads. This allows the swimmers to be exposed to longer distances in practice and is an important step towards continued improvement. This squad participates in all YMCA dual and championship meets, USS qualifiers (at the coach’s discretion), and any USS championship in which they qualify.

Attendance: E Squad has 2 practices weekly along with a third day with the H and Y squads. Swimmers should make every attempt to attend all practices.


H Squad:

Swimmers ages 9 and over. Swimmers in this squad are expected to begin making a commitment to the sport of swimming. There is an emphasis on longer distance training while continuing to have a focus on the stroke mechanics of the competitive strokes, starts and turns. Swimmers will be completing full practices on interval sets and will be grouped by ability to hold the sets. Swimmers in this squad compete in all YMCA dual and championship meets, USS qualifiers, and any USS championship in which they qualify.

Attendance: H Squad is offered 5 practices weekly (3 one hour practice and 2 two hour practices). Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of 3 practices a week. 11 and overs in this squad must
make one of the three practices a two hour practice. Failure to meet this attendance policy will result in swimmers being withheld from participating in USS swim meets. Payment of scratch fees will apply.


Y Squad:

Swimmers ages 10 and over. Swimmers in this squad are expected to have made a commitment to the sport of swimming. There is an emphasis on longer distance training, and the introduction of “challenge” sets where swimmers are expected to independently motivate themselves. Swimmers continue to focus on the basic mechanics of swimming while learning to be more independent in the sport. Swimmers in this squad compete in all YMCA dual and championship meets, USS qualifiers, and any USS championship in which they qualify.

Attendance: Y Squad is offered 5 practices weekly (3 one hour practice and 2 two hour practices). Swimmers are expected to attend a
minimum of 3 practices a week (one of which must be a two hour practice). Any swimmer who is 13 or older in this squad is encouraged to swim a fourth practice weekly. Failure to meet the 60% attendance policy will result in swimmers being withheld from participating in USS swim meets. Payment of scratch fees will apply.


Senior III:

Swimmers 13 and older. The Senior III squad is the first of the four senior training groups. Swimmers in this squad have made the commitment to the sport of swimming. The emphasis on distance training continues to increase in intensity, and these swimmers are expected to continue to take steps towards independent motivation. They begin to work on advanced stroke technique, specialty training, and race strategy. In order to be considered to move to one of the other senior groups a commitment to train long course in the spring/summer months is necessary.

Attendance: Senior III swimmers are offered 5 practices (all one and a half hours) a week. These swimmers must attend 70% of the scheduled practices per month. Failure to meet this attendance policy will result in swimmers being withheld from participating in USS swim meets. Payment of scratch fees will apply.


Senior II:

Swimmers 13 and older. The Senior II squad swimmers have made the commitment to the sport of swimming and are dedicated to improve their endurance by working towards swimming 4 days a week of practice and completing independent dryland workouts. Advanced stroke technique, specialty training, and race strategy become very important for continued improvement. In order to be considered to move to one of the other senior groups a commitment to train long course in the spring/summer months is mandatory.

Attendance: Senior II swimmers are offered 5 practices (all one and a half hours) a week. These swimmers must attend 75% of the scheduled practices per month. They will also be offered Saturday practices, when available. These Saturday practices do not count towards 75% commitment. Failure to meet this attendance policy will result in swimmers being withheld from participating in USS swim meets. Payment of scratch fees will apply.


Senior I:

Swimmers 13 and older who have achieved CT Senior Open cuts and/or LC YMCA National cuts. Attaining these standards does not guarantee a spot on the Senior I group. Swimmers are encouraged to complete outside dryland training on a regular basis. Those chosen to train in the Senior I group must train at a high level daily. Practices are challenging and a swimmer must be self motivated to remain in this squad. This group is reserved for swimmers who have made a year-round commitment to swimming and training for the next level.

Attendance: Senior I swimmers are offered 5 practices a week and Saturday practices, when available . These swimmers must attend 75 % of scheduled practices per month, but are encourage to do more. Saturday practice cannot be used towards the 75% commitment. Failure to meet this attendance policy will result in swimmers being withheld from participating in USS swim meets. Payment of scratch fees will apply.


National:

Swimmers who have achieved SC YMCA National cuts and/or a full compliment of LC YMCA National cuts. Attaining these requirements does not guarantee a spot on the National squad. Swimmers are expected to complete 3 days of dry land training independently outside the scheduled in water practice times. Because of the expectations of training and attendance, it is suggested that swimmers are not placed in this group too early. Swimmers need to be sure they are ready to totally commit to swimming and to continue to train at a high level.

Attendance: National squad swimmers are offered 5 practices a week and Saturday practices, when available. Swimmers in this squad are expected to attend more than 80% of the practices but are required to attend a minimum of 80% on a monthly basis. Saturday practices are strongly recommended, and will not count towards the 80% commitment. Failure to meet this attendance policy will result in swimmers being withheld from participating in USS swim meets. Payment of scratch fees will apply.

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