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Training Groups

The mission of Carmel Swim Club is to teach excellence through swimming, for life. Our training group structure is designed with each athlete’s long-term development in mind. As a general rule of thumb, the more you attend practice, the more benefit and enjoyment you will receive.

Each group has age, attendance, competition, and performance expectations. Practices include both pool and dryland sessions, and focus on the overall development of athletes.

Discovery 2

Attendance Expectations:

There are no attendance expectations for Discovery 2; however, the more the athlete attends, the more improvement they will see.

Competition Expectations:

There are no competition expectations for Discovery 2: however, swimmers may attend CSC hosted 12 & under meets with their coach’s approval.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be able to proficiently swim 25 yards of freestyle (with rotary breathing) and 25 yards of backstroke.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

Performance Requirements:

  • There are no performance requirements for Discovery 2.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles
  • Water Bottle
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins

Group Emphasis:

The main focus of this group will be on increasing efficiency in freestyle and backstroke.

This group will also learn the basic fundamentals of breaststroke and butterfly and become proficient in these strokes. There will be a very large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. Swimmers will receive basic instruction for racing starts and turns. There will be a daily dryland component designed to increase the physical literacy of each athlete. Practices will be educational and swimmers will have fun!

Discovery 1

Attendance Expectations:

There are no attendance expectations for Discovery 1; however, the more the athlete attends, the more improvement they will see.

Competition Expectations:

Discovery 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted 12 & under meets. Some athletes may attend CSC hosted invitationals with their coach’s approval.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be technically proficient in all four strokes.
  • Must be able to execute a flip turn.
  • Must meet the USA Swimming certifications standards for racing starts.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

Performance Requirements:

  • Must have competed in all four strokes in a meet.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles
  • Water Bottle
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins

Group Emphasis:

The main focus of this group will be on improving stroke technique in all four strokes. In addition, this group will improve their fundamentals of turns and starts for all strokes. There will be a very large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. There will be a daily dryland component designed to increase the physical literacy of each athlete. Practices will be educational and swimmers will have fun!

IMAGINATION 2

Attendance Expectations:

There are no attendance expectations for Imagination 2; however, the more the athlete attends, the more improvement they will see.

Competition Expectations:

Imagination 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted 12 & under meets. Some athletes may attend CSC hosted invitationals with their coach’s approval.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be able to proficiently swim 50 yards of freestyle (with rotary breathing) and 50 yards of backstroke.
  • Must have working knowledge of butterfly and breaststroke.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

Performance Requirements:

  • There are no performance requirements for Imagination 2.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles 
  • Water Bottle 
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins 

Group Emphasis:

The main focus of this group will be on increasing efficiency in freestyle and backstroke. This group will also learn the basic fundamentals of breaststroke and butterfly and become proficient in these strokes. There will be a very large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. Swimmers will receive basic instruction for racing starts and turns. There will be a daily dryland component designed to increase the physical literacy of each athlete. Practices will be educational and swimmers will have fun!

IMAGINATION 1

Attendance Expectations:

There will be a minimum expectation of 50% practice attendance on a weekly basis.

Competition Expectations:

Imagination 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted 12 & under meets, as well as CSC hosted invitationals. Some athletes may attend local invitationals with their coach’s approval. In addition, any swimmer that qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be able to swim a 200 yard individual medley without stopping.
  • Must be technically proficient in all four strokes.
  • Must be technically proficient in long & short axis turns and be able to perform breaststroke pull-outs.
  • Must meet the USA Swimming certifications standards for racing starts.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

Performance Requirements:

  • Must have competed in all four strokes in a meet.
  • Must have a USA Swimming B time standard.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles 
  • Water Bottle 
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins
  • Speedo Pull Buoy 
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag 
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt)

Group Emphasis:

Swimmers will continue the development of proper stroke mechanics for all strokes, as well as starts and turns. There will be an introduction to higher levels of competition. There will be the addition of dedicated dryland training sessions in addition to their daily on deck warm-up. There will continue to be a large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. Swimmers will begin to incorporate the underwater dolphin kick.

CHALLENGE 3

Attendance Expectations:

There will be a minimum expectation of 60% practice attendance on a weekly basis.

Competition Expectations:

Challenge 3 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted 12 & under meets, as well as CSC hosted invitationals. Some athletes may attend local invitationals with their coach’s approval. In addition, any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be capable of completing a 200 IM legally.
  • Must be technically proficient in all four strokes.
  • Must be technically proficient in long & short axis turns and be able to perform breaststroke pull-outs.
  • Must meet the USA Swimming certifications standards for racing starts.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

Performance Requirements:

  • Must have competed in all four strokes in a meet.
  • Must have competed in a 100 or 200 IM in a meet.
  • Must be able to swim 10×50 free @1:00, 3×100 IM @2:15, and 8×50 Kick @1:15.
  • 3rd Graders must have achieved four or more USA Swimming B Times.
  • 4th Graders must have achieved a USA Swimming BB Time Standard.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles 
  • Water Bottle
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins
  • Speedo Pull Buoy 
  • Snorkel
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag 
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt)

Group Emphasis:

Swimmers will continue the development of proper stroke mechanics for all strokes, as well as starts and turns. There will be an introduction to higher levels of competition. There will be the addition of dedicated dryland training sessions in addition to their daily on deck warm-up. There will continue to be a large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. Swimmers will begin to incorporate the underwater dolphin kick. Swimmers will learn to train.

VOYAGER 2

Attendance Expectations:

There are no attendance expectations for Voyager 2; however, the more the athlete attends, the more improvement they will see.

 

Competition Expectations:

Voyager 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted invitationals. In addition, any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM.

 

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be able to proficiently swim 200 yards of freestyle (with rotary breathing) and 100 yards of backstroke, as well as 50 yards of butterfly and 50 yards of breaststroke.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

 

Performance Requirements:

  • There are no performance requirements for Voyager 2.

 

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles 
  • Water Bottle 
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins
  • Speedo Pull Buoy 
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag 
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt)

 

Group Emphasis:

Swimmers will continue the development of proper stroke mechanics for all strokes, as well as starts and turns. There will be dedicated dryland training sessions in addition to their daily on deck warm-up. There will continue to be a large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. Swimmers will learn to incorporate the underwater dolphin kick.

VOYAGER 1

Attendance Expectations:

There will be a minimum expectation of 60% practice attendance on a weekly basis.

Competition Expectations:

Voyager 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted and other local invitationals. In addition, any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be able to swim a 200 yard individual medley without stopping.
  • Must be technically proficient in all four strokes.
  • Must be technically proficient in long & short axis turns and be able to perform breaststroke pull-outs.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

Performance Requirements:

  • Must have USA Swimming meet experience.
  • Must be able to swim 10 x 100 freestyle @ 2:00, swim 4 x 100 IM @ 2:10, and kick 10 x 50 @ 1:10 in more than one stroke.
  • 5th graders must have 4+ USA Swimming BB time standards.
  • 6th graders must have an IN Swimming 11-12 Divisional Cut.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles 
  • Water Bottle
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins
  • Speedo Pull Buoy 
  • Snorkel
  • Strokemaker Paddles 
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag 
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt)

Group Emphasis:

Swimmers will continue the development of proper stroke mechanics for all strokes, as well as starts and turns. There will be an introduction to higher levels of competition. There will be the addition of a third dedicated dryland training session in addition to their daily on deck warm-up. There will continue to be a large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. Swimmers will begin to incorporate the underwater dolphin kick.

CHALLENGE 2

Attendance Expectations:

There will be a minimum expectation of 80% practice attendance on a weekly basis.

Competition Expectations:

Challenge 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM. In addition, swimmers will be encouraged to qualify and compete in the Central Zone Championships.

Technical Requirements:

  • All technical requirements will be at the coaching staff’s discretion.

Performance Requirements:

  • Must be able to swim 10 x 100 freestyle @ 1:40, swim 6 x 100 IM @ 1:50, and kick 10 x 50 @ 1:00.
  • 5th Graders must have four or more USA Swimming 10 and under A times.
  • 6th Graders must have an IN Swimming 11-12 Age Group State Qualifying time or 6+ 11-12 BB times.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles 
  • Water Bottle
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins
  • Speedo Pull Buoy 
  • Snorkel
  • Strokemaker Paddles 
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag 
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt)

Group Emphasis:

This group will emphasize more advanced stroke technique for all strokes, including refined starts and turns. The underwater dolphin kick will begin to be mastered. Goal setting and mental training will also be introduced. All previous instruction will be continued and advanced. Dryland will become a more integral part of training with three dedicated sessions per week. Swimmers will TRAIN TO TRAIN.

EXPLORATION 2

Attendance Expectations:

There are no attendance expectations for Exploration 2; however, the more the athlete attends, the more improvement they will see.

Competition Expectations:

Exploration 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted invitationals. In addition, any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be able to proficiently swim 200 yards of freestyle (with rotary breathing) and a 200 individual medley.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

Performance Requirements:

  • There are no performance requirements for Exploration 2.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles 
  • Water Bottle 
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins
  • Speedo Pull Buoy 
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag 
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt) 

Group Emphasis:

Swimmers will continue the development of proper stroke mechanics for all strokes, as well as starts and turns. There will be two dedicated dryland training sessions in addition to their daily on deck warm-up. There will continue to be a large emphasis on developing a strong and consistent kick for all four strokes. Swimmers will learn to incorporate the underwater dolphin kick. 

EXPLORATION 1

Attendance Expectations:

There will be a minimum expectation of 60% practice attendance on a weekly basis.

Competition Expectations:

Exploration 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted and local invitationals. In addition, any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must be able to swim a 400 yard individual medley without stopping.
  • Must be technically proficient in all four strokes.
  • Must be technically proficient in all seven turns & breaststroke pull-outs.
  • Must have a proficient underwater dolphin kick.
  • A CSC coach must conduct the evaluation and approve of placement in the group.

Performance Requirements:

  • Must have USA Swimming meet experience.
  • Must be able to swim 10 x 100 yard free @ 1:35, swim 6 x 100 IM @ 1:45, and kick 10 x 50 yard @ 1:10 in more than one stroke.
  • 7th graders must have achieved an 11-12 USA Swimming A time standard.
  • 8th graders must have achieved an IN Swimming 13-14 Divisional Cut.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles
  • Water Bottle
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins
  • Speedo Pull Buoy
  • Snorkel
  • Strokemaker Paddles
  • Nose Clip (optional)
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt)

Group Emphasis:

This group will emphasize more advanced techniques for all strokes, including refined starts and turns. The underwater dolphin kick will begin to be mastered. Goal setting and mental training will also be introduced. Dryland will become a more integral part of training with three dedicated sessions per week. Swimmers will LEARN TO TRAIN and will be prepared for a successful transition into senior swimming.

CHALLENGE 1

Attendance Expectations:

There will be a minimum expectation of 90% practice attendance on a weekly basis.

Competition Expectations:

Challenge 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in CSC hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Any swimmer who qualifies for an Indiana Swimming Championship meet is expected to compete FOR THE TEAM. In addition, swimmers will be encouraged to qualify and compete in the Central Zone Championships, the Speedo Champions Series, and the USA Swimming Junior Nationals.

Technical Requirements:

  • All technical requirements will be at the coaching staff’s discretion.

Performance Requirements:

  • Must be able to swim 15 x 100 yard freestyle @ 1:20, swim 5 x 200 yard IM @ 3:10, and kick 10 x 100 yard @ 1:50 in more than one stroke.
  • 7th Graders must have achieved five or more 11-12 AA times or five or more 13-14 A time standards.
  • 8th Graders must have achieved six or more 13-14 A times or three or more 13-14 AA time standards.

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles
  • Water Bottle
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins
  • Speedo Pull Buoy
  • Snorkel
  • DMC Elite Fins 
  • Strokemaker Paddles
  • Nose Clip (optional)
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt)

Group Emphasis:

This group will begin to master technique in all four strokes. They will also begin to master the underwater dolphin kick. Swimmers will TRAIN TO TRAIN. Training methodology and heart rate work will be learned in this group. Swimmers will begin to work more with race strategy. Dryland takes on a greater importance to the athlete and will be emphasized with three dedicated sessions per week. Swimmers will be prepared for a successful transition into elite level senior swimming.

All senior group placements are done at the discretion of the coaching staff.

 

Equipment Requirements:

  • Goggles
  • Water Bottle 
  • Speedo Rubber Swim Fins (S1)
  • DMC Silicone Fin (HP)
  • Speedo Pull Buoy
  • Snorkel
  • FINIS Ankle Strap
  • Strokemaker Paddles
  • Nose Clip (optional)
  • Old running shoes for the pool
  • Speedo Mesh Equipment Bag
  • Dryland Clothes (running shoes, shorts, t-shirt)

Training Group Transitions

Athletes are able to transition between training groups three times a year, at the beginning of our short course season (August), midway through the short course season (December), and the beginning of the long course season (March/April).

During this process, each athlete is considered individually and their progress is discussed at length amongst the coaching staff. It is one of the most difficult things we do in coaching. While we know these decisions can be emotional for athletes and families, our primary focus is to do what is best for each athlete. We appreciate and expect your support.

All training group transitions are at the coaching staff’s discretion.

When athletes move swim groups, they should expect to be placed in the middle of the next group, rather than achieving minimum standards. We want athletes to thrive in their group, not just survive.

Cost to Join and Scholarships

The cost to join the team depends on your group placement and the number of swim meets you choose to attend. Registration is due at sign-up, and annual dues are divided into 11 monthly payments.

Our fee structure supports high-quality, full-time staff and USA Swimming membership benefits. We offset the costs of running a world-class swim club through the support of volunteers and the active involvement of parents and family members at club-hosted meets.

We offer reduced fees and scholarships for athletes in the free/reduced lunch program or families enrolled in county utility assistance programs.

Equipment Requirements

All teams have equipment requirements in accordance with the skill level of their group.

All swimmers who are competing for Carmel Swim Club are required to wear our team cap, and team t-shirts. Parkas, team warm-ups, and other Carmel Swim Club apparel are available, but are not mandatory.

Carmel Swim Club shirts can be purchased at the club office at 515 E. Main Street, Suite 100 in Carmel.

Carmel Swim Club spirit wear can be purchased at MacDesigns, or at their store located at 1009 3rd Avenue SW, Carmel, IN 46032.

All other team gear, such as warm-ups, can be purchased through Elsmore Swim Shop, or visit their store located at 4705 E 96th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Ready To Join The Team?

If you have any questions or concerns about joining the team, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re happy to answer all your questions and help set you up for success.

If you’ve been placed into a CSC training group and are ready to begin the registration process, click the button below. We look forward to having you join us at Carmel Swim Club.

Join the Team