Practice Groups

The Cypresswood Sharks has implemented a year round competitive swim practice model.  This model groups swimmers primarily with similar stroke knowledge and abilities; age is a secondary factor.  This model allows the coaches to design and implement practices that maximize each groups time in the water.   

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NEMO: Typically age 6 and under 

Nemo Red - working towards feeling comfortable in the water, floating on front and back, kicking with a board without assistance, swimming with head underwater for at least five meters without a coach's assistance.

Nemo White - can float on front and back, kick with a board, attempts the freestyle and is learning backstroke without assistance, working towards swimming with head underwater approximately ten meters freestyle without coach's assistance.

Nemo Blue - Can swim freestyle and backstroke without assistance and is working towards the correct breathing technique and arm movements, can swim approximately fifteen meters without a coach's assistance.

BRONZE 1 and 2 : Typically age 10 and under

Level Requirement: Swimmer must be able to effectively perform a 25-meter freestyle and 25-meter backstroke with proper stroke technique and without assistance.

Focus: The swimmer will be introduced to the basics of the butterfly and breaststroke techniques.

Requirements to move out of Bronze 2: The swimmer must complete a 25-meter butterfly and breaststroke while demonstrating proper stroke technique.

SILVER/MIDDLE SCHOOL: Typically age 14 and under

Level Requirement: The swimmer must effectively and proficiently perform all four strokes; freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

Focus: Minor adjustments to stroke technique, flip turns, IM basics, sets designed to build endurance.

Requirements to move out of this level: Proficient in all four strokes, proficient in IM basics, able to perform flip turns for all strokes and have enough stamina to execute workouts with longer yardage requirements.

Gold/Club/High School: Typically age 10 - 18

Level Requirement: Able to perform all four strokes, flip turns and the IM proficiently.

Focus: IM transitions, endurance sets, dry land workouts. This level is designed for the higher competitive swimmer and will have more intense and demanding practice sets including longer yardage endurance sets.

*Please communicate with Coach Banes, if you have any questions or concerns about your child's placement.