Training Squads and Timetable

AquaGym Swim Club provides coaching for swimmers who have graduated from Learn to Swim or Junior Development programme and who are ready to focus on a competition and are race ready.  There are five competitive squads – Slayers, Warriors, Titians, Junior Gladiators and Gladiators.

Current Squad Weekly Timetable

SLAYERS 

The Slayers squad is the AquaGym Swim Club’s first squad as swimmers move from learn to swim to competitive swimming . The goal of this squad is to develop racing skills and technique in a positive, fun environment and to begin racing at Junior and local meets in Christchurch.

WARRIORS 

The Warriors squad is the second level of competitive swimming offered by Aquagym Swim Club. Swimmers train between 3 and 6 sessions per week for up to 90 minutes working diligently to perfect their stroke mechanics/technique. There is also an additional dryland component prior to some sessions. Swimmers begin to learn the fundamentals of how to train, how to set goals and are now competent at all four strokes. Swimmers will compete at Local meet s in Canterbury, Canterbury Championships, South Island Country & Town Competition, NZ Junior Champs or NZ Division 2 Champs.

TITANS

The Titans squad is the first squad that has a performance requirement. Swimmers must be 12 years of age and must have NZ Juniors, NZ Division 2 or NZ Age Group qualifying times in order to be eligible. They must also commit to a minimum weekly training requirement that currently stands at 10.5 hours (the squad currently trains for a maximum of 12.5 hours weekly). There is also an additional dryland component prior to some sessions. Swimmers will begin to learn how to manage their school work with their swimming workload as well as learning the mental and tactical aspects of racing. They must commit to regular competition both local, regional and national level, including National Championships. Performance is reviewed by the Head Coach and Assistant Coach regularly and agreed standards must be maintained. Swimmers in this squad can move to the Junior Gladiators squad from the Titans squad from the age of 14 at the discretion of the Head Coach and this may involve a transition period allowing the swimming to adjust to increased workload.

JUNIOR GLADIATORS 

The Junior Gladiator squad is a transition level and entry is at the discretion of the Head Coach Swimmers must also commit to a minimum weekly training requirement of 12.5 hours (the squad currently trains for a maximum of 14.5 hours per week). There is also compulsory dryland component prior to some sessions. Swimmers will continue to learn how to manage their increased swimming workload as well as starting in the gym. They must commit to regular competition at local, regional and national level, including National Championships. Performance is reviewed by the Head Coach regularly and agreed standards must be maintained. Swimmers in this squad can move to the Gladiators squad from the age of 16 at the invitation of the Head Coach.

GLADIATORS 

This squad is the top strand of performance swimming at Aquagym. Entry into this squad is by invitation only from the Head Coach and all swimmers must meet the strict performance criteria, and agree to the full training commitment. The squad swims 16 hours a week with land training and gym work additional totalling 21 hours a week. 100% commitment and attendance is expected and all members of this squad are expected to be available to swim in National Competitions. Performance is reviewed bi-annually after specified meets.