Squad Aims: Overview at Reading Swimming Club

The squad structure, sets more specific goals at each level and renaming and increasing pool time for several squads. Full details of the thinking behind it are in letters going to all swimmers, but this is a summary of the aims at each level.

Development 2 and 1: "Training to train"
Major emphasis on stroke technique for swimmers normally aged 8/9-12, plus basic endurance and speed. An introduction to dry land training, e.g. the importance of stretching, and to nutritional requirements and mental preparation. Lead coaches Jacqui Taylor (Development 2, two sessions) and Emma Tarrant and Russ Korting (Development 1, four sessions). Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged.

Age Group Squad: "Training to compete"
Swimmers learn to perform skills acquired under a variety of competitive conditions. A progressive training programme for swimmers normally 10-14, to be seen as a preparation for youth and senior swimming. Squad members will be expected to compete in all strokes and distances and especially in individual medley events. The land programme is further developed, cardiovascular fitness improved, with work on mental preparation and technical/tactical skills and time management. Competitive aims are ASA county, regional and ultimately national age group competitions. Six sessions per week, lead coach David Wittig. Swimmers showing a high level of commitment may be offered a seventh session with a higher Squad.

County Squad:
Swimmers normally 14 and above who are competing at or aiming for county championships standard, with a view to progressing to districts. The squad also provides training and competition for swimmers who, for a variety of reasons, may be unable to commit to the requirements of other squads. Five sessions per week with lead coach Clive Alderson, and swimmers showing a high level of commitment may be offered a sixth session with either District or National Squad. Swimmers will not normally be offered a place in this squad without having reached the Age squad part of the club’s structure.

District/National squads: "Training to win"
All swimmers’ capacities consolidated with the focus shifting to optimization of performance. On promotion, swimmers will normally be aged 12/13-18 and will be showing the highest level of commitment, aiming to train and compete at the highest level. Exemplary attendance and attitude are a must, with swimmers expected to make all sessions assigned to them by the coaching staff and to attend designated competitions. District (coached by Harry Wild - eight sessions) will consist of swimmers preparing for or already competing at regional championships level, with a view to progressing to national championships. National (coached by Tony Woodward, ten sessions) will already have reached national standard or be close to it (current best time normally within 3 per cent).

Masters Squad:
Caters for swimmers aged 19 upwards of all abilities, aspirations and motivation and includes numerous national medallists and valued members of our Speedo League teams. Details in the Masters Squad page.

Movement guidelines:
Most movements will be based on a combination of age, performance, ability to train, attendance, attitude and technique, not age or performance alone. Movement within the Development squads will be particularly fluid. Promotions will be coordinated between swimmer, parents and coaching staff at a time most beneficial for the individual.

Competition guidelines:
In line with the recommendations of the IoS national performance director, swimmers will compete in line with the general principle of 10 years/10 competitions, 11 years/11 competitions etc.