BLUE Tide Squad

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BLUE Tide is the first tier of the Senior program. To be placed in this level, swimmers must meet specific training set requirements based on USA Swimming Level 4 progressions for athlete development. BLUE Tide swimmers are expected to have the skills and understanding necessary to handle the additional training base that is part of this portion of our program. Swimmers within BLUE Tide are expected to qualify for Senior Champs and Age Group Champs. Swimmers should also be striving for Sectional Championship qualifying times and competing at Eastern Zones. Swimmers are expected to compete and participate in both short course and long course seasons. Continued emphasis remains on goal setting, teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. Swimmers will be expected to have specific goals for each season. These goals will relate both to in water and academic goals. Goal meetings are utilized to assess each swimmer’s plan for a given season. Squad goals are also set so that each swimmer understands his/her importance to the team goals. Training is enhanced with an integrated dryland program which includes various training methods. Video analysis is performed at practice. Dryland only practices are optional if the swimmer wishes to attend, but he/she must attend all practice sessions. Each athlete is required to maintain a minimum of 90% of the practices offered and communicate with the BLUE Tide coach about their training schedule. There are five practices offered per week.

This program is intended to provide both a stepping stone for athletes intending to be successful in the Blue Wave RIP Tide program and also provide a demanding and comprehensive training program for those athletes who cannot meet the attendance and/or training requirement of the Blue Wave RIP Tide program.
Note on training: Once swimmers are fully grown and are promoted as far as the BLUE Tide program, they must train more and better than they did when they were younger to continue to improve (swim faster).
Practice duration is approximately two hours.
Practice will consist of both dryland and swimming workouts.

Swimmers entering the BLUE Tide squad must be at least 13 years old and complete four of the following six:

  • 10x100@ 1:30
  • 8x50@ 1:00 kick
  • Swim under 1:00 in 100YD freestyle for girls/ :55 for boys
  • Swim 13-14 PVS qualifying times in main events (2)
  • Kick 1x50 under :35 with fins
  • 30 pushups in 1:00

Ultimately, the coach has final say in squad appointments

Goals and Expectations of the BLUE Tide Squad:

  • Strive to be competitive with any other comparable squad in the region (without Senior National)
  • Prepare athletes for both competency at a US Open, Sectional, State level and for movement into RIP Tide squad (if so desired)
  • To consistently improve commitment level and training/racing ability from season to season
  • Continue becoming more fluid in swimming (no splashing)
  • Actively improve distance per stroke
  • Learn leadership skills
  • Attendance should improve, not decline as the athlete matures
  • Training attitudes should be more productive and supportive as the athlete gets older
  • Athletes must conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to actions needed to promote and support the goals of the team
  • Attend all meets prescribed by coaching staff unless BLUE Tide coach agrees to absence
  • Active in club fundraising
  • Display ability to train appropriately for the athlete’s experience and stated goals
  • Parental involvement in "wet side" decreases but increases on "dry side" during tenure

Other areas of swimmer Accountability:

  1. Swimmer learns to accept the responsibility for his/her performance
  2. Swimmer learns coping strategies to deal with peer pressure
  3. Swimmer learns coping strategies to deal with parent pressure
  4. Swimmer understands and performs personal race strategies
  5. Swimmer demonstrates an ability to balance school, social, swimming and family
  6. Swimmer can effectively communicate her/his commitment to her/his parent, coach and teammates
  7. Swimmer knows the team goals and will take an active part in developing specific and attainable practice squad goals
  8. Swimmer understands the relationship between his/her personal commitment level and results

Equipment Needed:

  • Cap (needed if you have long hair)
  • 2 pairs of goggles
  • Water Bottle
  • Catalyst Hand Paddles (ask coach for help in sizing)
  • T2 Swim Fins / Crossblade fin (depends on foot size)
  • Hydro Techboard 3-in-1 (if you don’t have a pull-buoy)
  • ERGO Swim Clip
  • Catch Hand Paddles (ask coach for help in sizing)
  • Finis Snorkel