Team Groups

The Sharks are comprised of six different team groups, each with different goals and expectations for your swimmer's progression into the sport.  The Sharks coaches assign swimmers into the most appropriate groups according a combination of the swimmers' ages and abilities.  Swimmers new to the Sharks may be evaluated to decide which group best suits them.  Coaches design practice drills and schedules to best meet the abilities and potential of each swimmer.
   
Lemon Sharks This group is designed for first time competitive swimmers.  Most swimmers in the Lemon Sharks are six or under.  Instruction focuses on learning the four swim strokes, learning to be part of the team, and having fun in the water.  Swimmers in this group are encouraged to attend two practices per week.

 
Hammerhead Sharks Coaching in the Hammerheads group continues on development of the four strokes and introduces swimmers to racing strategy.  Swimmers also spend time learning to dive from the starting blocks.  Hammerhead Sharks are comprised of swimmers who've progressed from the Lemon Sharks and some first time competitive winter swimmers who are older than six years.  Hammerheads should make three practices per week.

 
Mako Sharks Swimmers in the Mako Sharks should be comfortable with the four strokes over relatively long drills, understand racing basics, and gaining confidence in their starts, turns, and finishes.  The Makos typically consist of swimmers from seven to twelve years old.  Younger Mako swimmers tend to be advanced for their ages while older Makos are progressing normally for their ages.  Makos generally practice three nights per week, which includes two nights of dryland training.

 
Leopard Sharks Leopard Sharks work on refining stroke technique for more effective racing in all strokes.  Fast starts and flip turns should be mastered by the time swimmers reach the Leopards.  Swimmers range in age from eight to thirteen, depending on abilities.  Younger swimmers in the Leopards are progressing more rapidly while older swimmers are progressing normally.  Leopard Sharks should attend four practices per week and should participate in at least three drylands per week.

 
Tiger Sharks Swimmers who reach the Tiger Sharks should be committed competitive swimmers, usually between the ages of eleven and fourteen.  Tiger Sharks train for endurance and proper technique, and should attend at least five practices weekly as well as at least three drylands.

 
Seniors The Senior group is made up of serious swimmers ages thirteen through high school.  In addition to daily afternoon practices, Seniors should attend at least two morning practices per week, three nights of weight training per week, and at least three drylands per week.