SWIMZONE Squad Structure

Swimmer Selection in Squads
Below is a brief outline of the new squad structure, detailing the primary age and expected ability of the swimmers in each squad.
When coaches consider which swimmers for squads, they consider the following:
1. A demonstrated ability that swimmer can handle the workload;
2. The swimmer’s ability to handle the psychology of the group;
3. The swimmers ability to compete well;
4. Whether the swimmer is prepared to make the commitment?

NATIONAL OPEN SQUAD Marlins
National Open Squad trains 9 to 11 pool sessions, 3 gym sessions and multiple dry-land sessions per week. These swimmers are competing at open national/ international level. National Open squad swimmers are expected to make the highest commitment possible to their swimming. Selected swimmers are primarily aged 19yrs & over and ranked highly at an new Zealand Championship level.

HARD CORE YOUTH SQUAD ORCAS. This squad is the same as the ORCAS but for total commitment . There is a difference in just training to be good and training to be the best . The best strive to be the best by training hard and working hard to improve their weakness. Failure to involve yourself in fixing you weaknesses will stop you being totally hard core and achieving greatness . This squad is for current ORCAS swimmers who had ranked mainly in the top 5 in New Zealand and are committed to improving their weakness and dedicating themselves to a high level of commitment . These will be special sessions and challenges as arranged by the coach. This group would be the equivalent of a high performance unit and goals should be to make finals at Australian age groups nationals 2011.

AGE GROUP YOUTH SQUAD Orcas
Orcas Youth squad trains 7-8 pool sessions and incorporate dry-land or gym sessions each week. Swimmers are primarily 15 years and over with National Championship qualifying times in more than one event. Swimmers are trained all season to prepare for National level competition. Additional sessions may be available for committed swimmers. Regular racing at quality meets is expected.

NATIONAL AGE SQUAD Orcas Silver
National Age squad trains 5-7 pool sessions and incorporate dry-land or gym sessions each week. Swimmers are primarily 12 to 14 years and either qualified or close to qualifying for the New Zealand Age Championships. These swimmers are competing at or striving to be competitive at Age group level. Swimmers training in National Age squad are expected to make a full commitment to the training and competition schedule laid out by the coach.

DIVISON 2/ WELLINGTON CHAMPS SQUAD Hammerheads
Hammerheads squad trains 5-7 pool sessions per week and incorporate dry-land or gym sessions during their week. Swimmers are primarily 12 to 16 years with Wellington champs qualifying times or aiming to qualify for the NZ division 2 nationals and maybe even qualify for Age group nationals in more than one event. Swimmers training in the Hammerheads squad are expected to make a full commitment to the training and competition schedule laid out by the coach.

FITNESS SQUAD  Dolphins
Dolphins can train 2-4 times per week . Swimmers are primarily 13 years and over and are about Hammerheads level . Many swimmers may leave Hammerheads to join this group if they do not want to commit themselves to 5-7 sessions per week. This group is aimed at keeping competent swimmers fit for water polo, surf lifesaving and competition swimming . All swimmers in this group should be able at worst complete 10 x100 free on 1.45 . Encouragement is also for swimmers to compete at the monthly Timezone meets.

JUNIOR NATIONAL SQUAD Barracudas
Juniors squad trains 4 to 6 pool sessions per week with swimmers expected to do a minimum 4 sessions per week and compete in competitions. Swimmers are primarily 10 to 12 years and have junior nationals qualifying times and are competing at most swim meets . Most swimmers are training for Auckland Junior champs ,Wellington Champs and New Zealand junior nationals. Swimmers normally remain here until they are 12 years old and have finished Junior champs level.

FITNESS SQUAD Tiger Sharks
Two sessions per week are available to Tiger sharks squad swimmers, This squad is aimed at developing swimmers to a standard so they can compete successfully at various levels, ranging from school meets ,water polo, fitness and underwater hockey. Swimmers have normally finished Killer whales level but do not want to be competition swimmers .Tiger sharks squad swimmers range in age from 12 upwards.

JUNIOR CLUB TEAM  Killer Whales SZR
Killer whales squad trains 2-4 pool sessions each week, with swimmers expected to do a minimum 2 sessions per week. All swimmers in this group are competing for Swimzone Racing . Swimmers are primarily 12 years and under and aiming for local swim meets and gaining Wellington champs qualifying times in multiple events .This group can also include young swimmers who maybe Have qualified for junior nationals. Training ,fitness and beginners racing skills are the priority.

JUNIOR NON CLUB TEAM Killer Whales Fitness
Killer Whales squad provides a transition from basic squad introduction to training for competition and fitness .Basic skills are ongoing. Swimmers are generally aged between 9 and 11years, and come1-2 sessions per week. Best benefit can be gained by coming two times per week and Swimzone recommends this at this level to prepare the swimmer for the Killer Whales.

Squad swimmers cannot progress to Killer whale SZR team if they only swim once a week and are not a member of the Swimzone Racing swim Club. All squad swimmers are encouraged to compete in the monthly Timezone races on a Friday night .

INTODUCTION TRAINING SQUAD Stingrays
Stingrays Group provides a transition between the swimming lessons (AQUAKIDS) and training squads. Swimmers are generally aged between 8 and 11 years, and complete 1-2 sessions per week. Best benefit can be gained by coming two times per week and Swimzone recommends this at this level to prepare the swimmer for the Killer Whales. Swimmers are encouraged to compete in the monthly Timezone races on a Friday night

.These meets are low key but give the young swimmers a chance to see what racing is all about. Swimzone racing swim club provides the support .