Every future Olympian has to start somewhere – why not in Ballarat?
At the Swim and Survival Academy we have an industry leading squad program. The program has been developed to create a fun learning environment where swimmers can further develop their swimming skills while increasing their fitness levels. By creating a team environment swimmers learn as a group, bond as a team and develop strong friendships. You know it's a great environment when the swimmers aren't as keen to be promoted to the next squad because they will miss their mates (who never the less get there soon enough).
Our squad programs start from Junior Squad and goes all the way to Elite Squad. At the junior end of the scale, the swimmers are consolidating their skills in all four competitive and life saving strokes. Once these core skills are established, we have a strong base to begin strengthening these skills to develop strong fast swimmers.
Our Squad Program has four term focuses over the year, these include:
PB Term
During the first term of the year we structure our training to encourage every swimmer to achieve their own new best times at our fantastic PB day, held at the end of Term 1 every year in an Olympic 50m pool every year. All swimmers receive ribbons to celebrate their achievements.. Swimmers receive ribbons and certificates to celebrate goals achieved.
Click Here to download the PB Entry Form
Distance Swim Term
In this term we focus on developing strong aerobic ability within our swimmers. We design training plans and set individual goals for every swimmer who wishes to complete a distance swim. Swimmers are able to swim distances from 3km to 13km.
During this term we also run our Top Gun competition and swim offs over 1km. The fastest swimmers at each level get to swim off against each other at the end of the term, with the fastest qualifiers receiving medals and the overall winners receiving magnificent trophies.
Carnival Term
During this term our swimmers learn to swim both as individuals and in a team environment in relays. This is a fun term which culminates in our famous annual squad carnival. At the squad carnival we run heats based on age and ability. Towards the end of the program we run our relays. There are squad relays, followed by the very amusing Elite Squad versus Coaches relay. We also look forward to our parent/child relays. To conclude the day the overall age group champions are then awarded their medals. All the competitors receive a ribbon in every event. By the day’s end, it's great to see smiling faces that are proud of their chests covered in ribbons. It’s a fantastic introduction to competition in a supportive environment.
"Quick Dash” Term
During the Quick Dash Term we aim to develop sprinting skills in our swimmers. The fastest times at each level in all four strokes are recorded on our "Quick Dash" boards, with each swimmer attempting to get into the top ten in every stroke. Most swimmers have a strength in one area of swimming, this term encourages development in all areas, but highlights their strengths and helps develop strong self esteem.
If you would like some more information on our squad program, please call our friendly reception team or our Squad Coordinator on 03 53399911
