The squad aims to create an enjoyable and supportive training environment where swimmers can develop both as athletes and individuals. Training focuses on building strong technical skills across all strokes, improving fitness and supporting swimmers as they work towards their personal goals, including Yorkshire qualifying standards. The programme also introduces elements such as land training and follows the principles of the long term athlete development pathway to help each swimmer reach their full potential.

• To promote the enjoyment and benefits of swimming

• 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 qualifying times

• Introduction 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 Yorkshire level. 

Discipline

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

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