Pre-Competitive - an introduction to competitive swimming. Minimum age is 5. Swimmers must demonstrate a basic level of swimming by completing two lengths (25 yards) of the pool in two strokes (typically one on their stomach and one on their back). The group’s goals are to develop a basic understanding of the rules of competitive swimming, water safety and fundamental proficiency in freestyle and backstroke. During the short course season, the group will be offered two or three dual and/or intra-squad meets.

Developmental - an introduction to competitive swimming and the first competitive group in the ZSC program. Minimum age is 6. Swimmers must demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in two strokes (typically freestyle and backstroke). The group’s goals are to develop a basic understanding of the rules of competitive swimming, a high level of proficiency in freestyle and backstroke and a basic proficiency in breaststroke and butterfly. The group will be offered and encouraged to compete in dual, intra-squad and invitational swim meets.

Age Group 1 - a beginning level competitive group. Minimum age is 7. Swimmers must demonstrate an intermediate level of proficiency in two strokes (typically freestyle and backstroke) and a basic understanding and ability to swim breaststroke and butterfly. The group’s goals are to further develop a basic understanding of the rules of competitive swimming, developing proficiency in all four competitive strokes, starts and turns. The group will be offered and strongly encouraged to compete in dual, intra-squad and invitational swim meets. Swimmers are required to compete in both the Z-Freeze and the CISC meets.

Age Group 2 - an intermediate level competitive group. Minimum age is 9. Swimmers must demonstrate a proficiency and ability to practice and compete in all four individual strokes. The group’s goals are to further develop all four individual strokes, starts, turns, and to learn basic race strategies as well as become proficient in the 200 IM, 200 freestyle and the 100’s of all four strokes. While the group is still focused on the development of proper technique the swimmers will be introduced to a higher level of work and interval training. The group will be offered dual, intra-squad and invitational swim meets. Participation in meets is VERY important for the further development of the swimmer. Swimmers are required to compete in both the Z-Freeze and the CISC meets.

Age Group 3 - an intermediate to advanced level competitive group. Minimum age is 11. Swimmers must demonstrate a proficiency in practice and at meets in all four strokes and an ability to train and compete in all events offered in their age group. Swimmers will be introduced to proper nutritional practices, basic dry-land training and injury prevention exercises. Swimmers will be challenged to train at a high level and will be encouraged to pursue cuts and to compete in the highest level meet possible. The group’s goals are to develop a high level of proficiency in all four strokes, starts, turns and to develop basic race strategies for the 400/500 freestyle, 400 IM and the 200’s of all four individual strokes. Participation in meets is CRUTIAL to the further development of the swimmer. Swimmers are required to compete in the Z-Freeze, CISC and any state level meet in which they qualify.

Pre-Senior - an advanced level competitive group that will train regularly with the senior group. Minimum age is 13. Swimmers must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in practice and at meets in all four strokes and an ability to train at a high level in all four strokes and in distance freestyle. Swimmers must also demonstrate a commitment to swimming year-round and attending practices regularly. Swimmers will be asked to train and compete at the highest level of our program. The group’s goals are to develop advanced race strategies in all events focusing on 200’s of stroke, 400 IM and the 800/1000 and 1500/1650 freestyles. Swimmers will be consistently challenged to train and pursue cuts for State, Zone, Sectional and National level meets. Swimmers will continue to develop a more advanced understanding of proper nutrition, dry-land training and injury prevention. Participation in meets is REQUIRED for the further development of the swimmer.

Senior - an advanced level competitive group. Minimum age is 14. Swimmers must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in practice and at meets in all four strokes and an ability to train at a high level in all four strokes and in distance freestyle. Swimmers will be asked to train and compete at the highest level of our program. The group’s goals are to develop advanced race strategies in all events focusing on 200’s of stroke, 400 IM and the 800/1000 and 1500/1650 freestyles. Swimmers will be consistently challenged to train and pursue cuts for State, Zone, Sectional and National level meets. Swimmers will continue to develop a more advanced understanding of proper nutrition, dry-land training and injury prevention. Participation in meets is REQUIRED for the further development of the swimmer.

High School Swimmers - All High School varsity swimmers will be placed in the senior group. Swimmers should be proficient in all four competitive strokes, starts and turns. Swimmers will be challenged to further develop all four competitive strokes and learn basic race strategies including non high school events. High School swimmers are encouraged to talk to the group coaches about their goals for the high school season. High School swimmers will also be encouraged to compete in USA swimming meets to help them further develop an understanding of competitive swimming and help motivate them to pursue the highest level in the sport possible.