Squads
STRUCTURE
Atlantis has 6 squads geared to developing swimmers for competition. Swimmers will be placed in the most appropriate squad based on their age, ability, enthusiasm, motivation and dedication for the sport. The Atlantis coaches will make their decisions in accordance with the relevant squad criteria set out below. Movement between squads will also be guided by whether or not swimmers are able to meet the relevant criteria. This is important so that all parents and their children can be assured that the club is being objective and that all swimmers are being treated in a fair and even-handed way. Final decisions on the make-up of squads rests with our Chief Coach, Bill Penny.
Atlantis also provides two fitness squads to provide training opportunities and the social involvement for members who cannot commit to the regularity or time required by the competitive squads.
The squads are as follows:
Gold Squad
Squad Lead Coach: Bill Penny - Bill's profile
Swimmers selected to train in this squad will benefit from 5 morning and 3 evening water-based sessions per week, plus 3 land training sessions per week. They will have shown the appropriate level of commitment, dedication, experience and talent. Squad Selection Criteria.
The training in this squad is demanding. The emphasis is on distance training to maintain aerobic fitness combined with the fine tuning of technique. Swimmers in this squad will be expected to attend at least two 2-hour evening sessions and one 2-hour morning session. Training for this squad is for National competition.
Total hours available per week - 13.5 Hours + 3 hours land training + 2 hours long course training twice a month
Silver Squad
Lead Squad Coach: Bill Penny
Swimmers selected to train in this squad will benefit from 5 morning and 3 evening water-based sessions per week, plus by invitation upto 2 land training sessions per week. They will have shown the appropriate level of commitment, dedication, experience and talent. Squad Selection Criteria.
The training in this squad is demanding. The emphasis is on distance training to maintain aerobic fitness combined with the fine tuning of technique. Swimmers in this squad will be expected to attend at least two 2-hour evening sessions and one 2-hour morning session. Training for this squad is for high level South East Regionals competition.
Total hours available per week - 13.5 Hours (+ by invitation 2 hours land training) + 2 hours long course training twice a month
Bronze and Bronze Plus Squads
Squad Lead Coach: Paul Blyth
Swimmers selected to swim in this squad will benefit from 4 evening sessions per week. You will be expected to attend as many sessions as you can. Squad members will have demonstrated a commitment to improve their stroke technique and stamina. You will be expected to show a significant level of dedication. Training for this squad is for County level competition. Squad Guidelines.
Total hours available per week - Bronze 4 Hours; Bronze+ 6.5 Hours
Seals and Penguins Squads
Squad Lead Coach: John Eamer
Swimmers selected to swim in this squad will benefit from 3 sessions per week. You will be expected to attend all sessions.
Introduction to competitive swimming with regular race nights. Improvement of water skills by concentrating on stroke technique by use of drills.
The emphasis in this squad is on skill development for all four strokes, together with learning to train.
This is a transitional phase with the emphasis chaning from teaching to a more equal balance of technique work and physical conditioning.
Total hours available per week - 3 hours 15 minutes.
Club Squad
The Club squad is for swimmers that cannot meet the full commitments of the main competitive squads. It offers structured training to help swimmers maintain their fitness and technique.
Masters/Senior Squad
This squad is for swimmers over 24 who cannnot commit to the full training programme.