GPAC PRACTICE GROUPS
The GPAC competitive Swim Team has a practice group for all ages and ability levels. The coaching staff will place the swimmer in one of six practice groups determined by an evaluation and based on age and skill level. Swimmers are promoted to the next group when the coach determines he/she is ready and the swimmer and parents agree. Following are the six GPAC practice groups:
AT
NOVICE— Novice is
our beginning competitive group for ages 6-12.
Swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke and
or complete the advance swim lesson group in the
BLUE—The Blue Group is for swimmers ages 6-12 who have learned all four competitive strokes. Stroke development and having fun is the emphasis of the blue group and swimmers continue to develop starts and turns. Swimmers are encouraged to attend 3-4 practices per week and local intrasquad and invitational meets are offered. (Monday thru Friday, 4:00-5:00 pm both pools)
GREEN— The Green Group is for swimmers ages 8-13 who are competent in all four strokes. Aerobic training and racing is introduced in this group as the emphasis remains on skill development and having fun. Swimmers are encouraged to attend 4-5 practices per week. Local intrasquad and invitational meets are offered and some travel to out of town invitationals. (Monday thru Friday 5:00-6:30 pm both pools and Saturday 8:30-10:30 at UWF for both locations).
AT
JUNIOR—The top training group for ages 10-13, the Junior Group is for serious swimmers looking to advance to the National Team. Junior Swimmers continue to develop and refine stroke technique with increasing emphasis on aerobic and anaerobic training. Dryland exercises and stretching as well as racing strategies are part of the junior group. Swimmers are expected to attend 5-6 practices per week. Extensive competition, including travel are expectations of all junior group swimmers. (Monday- Thursday 5:30-7:30pm, Friday 5:30-6:45pm and Saturday 8:00-10:30 am)
SENIOR II—This
group is for swimmers ages 13-18 without the skill or commitment for the
National Team. Stroke development, aerobic and anaerobic training or the
emphasis of this group. Ideal for high
school swimmers and late starters wishing to advance to the national team.
Competition is encouraged but not required. (Monday—Thursday,
NATIONAL TEAM—The top training group in the GPAC program for ages 13 and up. For serious, highly motivated swimmers only. Skill development continues with an increased emphasis on challenging aerobic and anaerobic training. A demanding dryland conditioning program is an integral part of the national team as is extensive competition. Swimmers are encouraged to attend all practices. (Monday thru Thursday 3:30-6:00 pm, Friday 3:30-5:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 –11:00 am, M-W-F, 5:00—6:15 am)
MASTERS TEAM—For adults ages 19 and up. This group is for anyone wishing to compete or just get in shape. Ideal of triathletes, emphasis is on skill development and aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. For any and all ability levels our masters team is geared to the individuals needs and desires. (Monday thru Friday, 5:30—7:00 am, Saturday, 8:00—10 am). (Masters Team is not currently an active training group)