ALLIGATORS EXPECTATIONS

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Recommended: 1–2 sessions per week
Typical time in group: 2–3 terms
Session length: 45 minutes

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PURPOSE

The Alligators squad is the next stage in the Swimzone pathway after Crocodiles. Swimmers entering this group should already have a good level of confidence in the water and be able to complete the basic skills introduced in Crocodiles.

Alligators begins the transition from basic swimming development into more structured squad training. Sessions increase to 45 minutes, giving swimmers more time to develop technique, fitness, coordination and independence in the water.

At this level, swimmers continue to improve their freestyle and backstroke while beginning to develop stronger breaststroke and butterfly skills. We introduce more structured drills, short training sets and the use of swimming equipment to help swimmers understand how different exercises improve their technique.

The focus remains strongly on correct swimming skills. We do not want swimmers simply completing more lengths with poor technique. Good body position, kicking, breathing, streamlines, turns and efficient movement through the water continue to be a major part of every session.

Swimmers also begin learning how to manage themselves within a training lane. They are expected to listen carefully to instructions, understand basic training sets, leave the wall at the correct time, maintain appropriate spacing and become more confident leading a lane when required.

Alligators is an important development stage where swimmers begin combining good technique with increasing endurance and stronger training habits.

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED

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Swimmers should bring the correct equipment to each session so they can participate fully in all drills and training activities.

• Goggles
• Swim cap
• Drink bottle
• Mesh swim bag
• Fins
• Pull buoy
• Kicking paddles

Training equipment is introduced gradually and coaches will teach swimmers how and when each piece of equipment should be used.

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COACH’S GOALS

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While swimmers are in Alligators, our coaches work towards developing the following skills, technique and training habits:

• Strengthen freestyle technique and develop more consistent breathing and body position.

• Strengthen backstroke technique while maintaining a steady and continuous kick.

• Begin building swimming endurance through short, structured training sets.

• Improve streamlines and push-offs from the wall.

• Teach swimmers to carry good body position and momentum away from each wall.

• Introduce and develop basic freestyle tumble turns.

• Improve turns across the different strokes as swimmers become more confident.

• Introduce a wider range of swimming drills and teach swimmers why particular drills are being used.

• Introduce the correct use of training equipment including fins, pull buoys and kicking paddles.

• Develop better coordination in breaststroke, including the timing between the kick, pull and body position.

• Continue developing butterfly skills through dolphin kicking and simple butterfly drills.

• Introduce diving from the starting blocks and develop confidence with starts.

• Improve lane awareness, spacing and training etiquette.

• Encourage swimmers to become more independent and responsible during their sessions.

• Develop the ability to follow short training sets and understand basic coaching instructions.

• Encourage swimmers to lead a lane confidently when asked.

SKILLS REQUIRED TO GRADUATE

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Before progressing from Alligators into the next Swimzone squad, swimmers should be able to demonstrate the following skills with reasonable consistency.

• Complete streamline push-offs to at least 5 metres in all strokes.

• Perform basic freestyle tumble turns.

• Swim 200 metres freestyle while maintaining correct breathing and reasonable technique.

• Swim 100 metres backstroke while maintaining a steady and continuous kick.

• Swim 50 metres breaststroke using the 2 kicks, 1 stroke drill with good coordination.

• Complete 25 metres of butterfly dolphin dives with good body movement and control.

• Demonstrate improved confidence diving from the starting blocks.

• Understand and follow basic training sets.

• Maintain appropriate spacing between swimmers within a lane.

• Be able to lead a lane when asked.

• Listen to and follow coach instructions throughout the session.

• Complete approximately 600 metres to 1 kilometre during a 45-minute workout session, depending on the type of session and skills being taught.

Progression is based on the swimmer being able to demonstrate these skills consistently, rather than simply the amount of time they have spent in the group.

 

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