The Junior Elite squad provides a high-performance training environment for swimmers who demonstrate strong commitment and the potential to compete at higher levels. Training focuses on advanced technique, endurance, race preparation and developing the discipline required for elite competition. Following the principles of the Long Term Athlete Development pathway, the programme supports swimmers in maximising their potential both in and out of the pool.

• Promote the skills and targets of the long term Athlete Development Plan

• Develop the person as well as the swimmer

• To show a high level of technical ability on all 4 strokes, starts, turns and threshold training

• To work towards Yorkshire and Regional qualifying times

• Committment to land training to relevant swimmers

• To assist all swimmers in the goal to achieve their own individual potential

Technique

• Good technique is a prerequisite for success. Technique takes focus and concentration on the task. 

• Having a sound foundation in technique allows the athlete to then increase training intensity and volume without skill levels breaking down.    

Training Ethos

• A swimmer’s ability to train well will have a direct impact as to whether they capitalise on key areas of progression. 

• A swimmer’s ability to train will be evaluated on work ethic, concentration, skill acquisition, communication, and ability to train at a required pace or volume without breaking skill levels breaking down. 

• At youth level swimmers need to have the right mental attitude and the will to want to train to improve. 

• Sessions will be challenging but in order for performance to increase, these sessions must be met with the right mental attitude to gain the maximum benefit.   

Racing Abilities

• In any competitive sport the ability to race is extremely important; swimming is no different. 

• As each swimmer goes through the programme, racing requirements will become more advanced from showing an enjoyment of racing to performing at National level. 

Discipline

• Every swimmer’s behaviour will be taken into consideration as part of the squad selection process.

Training Basics

• After the prep phase at the start of each swimming year, swimmers will be expected to be able to hold form in repetition of 100, 200, 400 and 800 or 1500 front crawl.

• Swimmers will be expected to hold form in speed, threshold and pace sets.

• All swimmers must be able to kick off 2.0 min base per 100m.

• All swimmers will be expected to swim freestyle off 1.25 base per 100 and IM off 1.40.

Gym Sessions

• These sessions should be attended by everyone. They are part of the whole programme and  assist in increasing core stability, strength, flexibility and body alignment. 

• Band work will be an essential part of pre-pool training. 

• Training is intense so injury prevention exercises must be carried out every day.

Where appropriate and under the selection of both the Squad and Head Coaches, provide an opportunity for bridging into a higher squad