Skills Progression

Skills Progression

The second tier of the club’s squads, this is where the young swimmers learn to develop the
training habits required to succeed as a competitive swimmer. Emphasis is primarily placed
on stroke technique, while new training aims are introduced and previously learned skills
enhanced. These include the further development of basic swimming endurance through
long continuous swims or linked swims with short rests, and the development of basic
swimming speed over short distances. Additionally swimmers will learn about
sportsmanship and behaviour as a team member.

Skills Progression  – Having completed the Skills Development programme, there is an emphasis on
maintaining high skill levels while putting the swimming skills under increasing pressure.
The focus of this squad is on training rather than competition, although swimmers in this
level will be expected to follow the competition programme to ensure they gain the most
from the skills they have learnt.  Swimmers within the Skills Progression squad are at the stage of training to train, i.e. learning the techniques to develop great training habits and behaviours. 

Swimmers in Skills Progression will: 

• Continue the development of technique on the all four strokes and the introduction of the concept of distance per stroke (DPS) 
• Use steady relaxed swims over increasing distances as technique allows, and the introduction of interval training to initiate the development of an aerobic base and holding distance per stroke and stroke rate at threshold
• Increased mastery in the skill of underwater techniques off all walls in training and in competition 
• Continue the development of individual medley swimming and the associated turning techniques 
• Continue to work on starting technique in all four strokes with the appropriate competitive
  underwater phase at race pace to include grab start, track start, backstroke starts and relay ‘wind up’ take-overs
• Continue to develop turning and finishing techniques on all strokes 
• Continue the use of sculling techniques to develop ‘feel’ for the water and to aid skill
  acquisition/correct movement patterns
• Continue to develop and improve basic swimming speed over short distances 
• Continue to develop relay take-overs at race pace 
• Continue to develop breathing techniques including bilateral breathing and breath holding on Freestyle, and the development of regular breathing patterns on Backstroke and Butterfly 
• Further develop their knowledge of competition rules 
• Prepare for competition at SE Wales Regional level and selected open meets.  The aim of these competitions is to expose the swimmers to realistic challenges and enable them to improve their swimming performance
• Be introduced to the basic mental skills of self awareness and goal setting 
• Be introduced to basic nutrition for swimming 
• Be expected to follow the planned competition programme, qualifying for and competing at meets set out by the coaching team 
• Show good lane swimming discipline; order; direction; overtaking 
• Be able to use the pace clock for starting, resting, and timing single swims 
• Show correct use of equipment such as goggles, flags, snorkels, pullbuoys, kick boards and fins 
• Maintain technique throughout a session, showing a smooth and controlled stroke 
• Show an awareness of perceived effort – steady pace; acceleration; fast finish 

Criteria to move into Junior Performance Squad: 

Promotion from the Skills Progression Programme will be based on a number of factors, including:

• Attendance
• Ability to hold skills
• Focus on training and competition
• Dedication and enthusiasm
• Competition performanceMovement based on an individual basis subject to the discretion of the Coaching Team