National Group – Age: High School/ Head Coach Permission

This is a highly competitive training group designed to prepare swimmers for State and national levels of competition. The emphasis will be on physical and emotional preparation for competition and training. This group will focus on issues such as - advanced stroke mechanics, training of specific energy systems, perfecting race strategies, proper nutrition, individual goal setting, and understanding the importance of proper mental preparation. Training will include dryland strength and conditioning program.

 

Requirements to Enter National Group

To be considered for placement into the National group swimmers must be in High school. Having a history of consistent dedication and commitment to swimming at the highest level is required. Swimmers must also be able to complete each of the following practice sets:

• 16 x 100 Free on 1:20
• 8 x 200 IM on 3:00
• 10 x 100 Flutter Kick with a kick board on 2:00

Within one year, National group swimmers must have achieved a “AA” Championship qualifying standards in order to remain in the group. Swimmers will be expected to train at a level that will not hinder the practice performance of other swimmers in the group; based on coaches recommendations and expectations.

Practice Attendance.

A minimum of 7 of 8 water practice and 2 of 3 dry-land practices per week is required in order to practice with the National group. Athletes who fail to meet this requirement, evaluated over a month, will be moved to the Senior group. 

Meet Attendance
Swimmers are expected to attend all meets prescribed by the group coach including the highest-level championship meet that the swimmer qualifies for during both the short and long course seasons. Focus meets for this group during the short course season are the Mid-Season USA meet, High School Championships, and Short-Course YMCA Nationals. Focus meets for this group during the long course season are the YMCA Long Course National Championships and USA Swimming National Championships.

Goals of the National Group
The primary goal of the National group is to prepare swimmers physically and emotionally to move onto their next level of swimming (College or Olympics). When swimmers graduate from high school they should be able to complete all of the following:

• Achieve YMCA (SC/LC) National qualifying standards
• Display a commitment to balance academics with swimming, striving for excellence in both
• Prepare each swimmer for success in collegiate swimming
• Display the highest possible commitment to practice attendance
• Display a commitment to attending all meets prescribed by the coaching staff
• Display a commitment to attending all dryland sessions offered
• Display the YMCA's 4 core character values and show a willingness to work together as a group in reaching the highest level of swimming possible
• Allow for limited interference from high school practices and competitions
• Display an advanced understanding of nutrition and psychology in order to develop the best possible environment for success

If a swimmer is unwilling to meet the requirements of the National group they will be asked to participate in the Senior Group as they continue to develop their talents and commitment levels.