Skill Group Levels - KW Swim Team
The Fox Chapel Killer Whales Swim Team offers training, practice, and the opportunity to compete in swim meets for swimmers ages 5 to 18. Our skill groups range from those who have just graduated from KW Swim School Lessons (and are not quite ready for competition), to the accomplished, competitive swimmer. Our goal is to offer age-specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging and developing each individual to the best of their abilities.
Returning Swimmers
The KW Head Coach is responsible for the placement of each swimmer into one of the levels listed below according to their demonstrated swimming competency.
New Swimmers
All swimmers new to the team must have their swimming skills assessed by the coaches before they begin practice. This is to ensure the swimmer is ready to join the team and to place the swimmer within the appropriate skill group. To have a swimmer's skills assessed, a swimmer may attend one of the open tryouts held at the beginning of each season or make arrangements for an individual skills assessment by contacting us.
Skill Group Levels
Pre-Competitive (PC) - Skill Group |
AgesAges 10 and Under |
Skill IntroductionBegin to build the foundation for freestyle and backstrokeLearn how to start/finish properly in freestyle and backstroke |
Min. Exit RequirementsRotary breathing for 50 yards under 1:10Streamline 5 yards underwater from a dive off the side of the pool Legal 25 yards backstroke under :45 Ability to do a front somersault in the water Flutter kick 50 yards under 1:20 |
PracticesPractice offered two days per week for a 1-hour session (estimated and can change) |
MeetsNo meet requirements |
Gear RequiredPractice:Fins Arena Jr Fin Goggles (2) KW Swim Caps (2) Purchase Gear & Equipment |
Bronze - Skill Group |
AgesPrimarily Ages 10 and Under |
Skill AcquisitionIntroduction to proper practice proceduresIntroduction of basic stroke drills Attempting all four stroke kicks with and without a board Arm cycles coordination and stroke count Proper use of bi-lateral breathing Streamline development with proper underwater kicks Performance of legal turns and starts Introduction to interval swimming and kicking Develop underwater swimming on starts and turns Athletic development through basic dryland movements |
Min. Exit RequirementsCompete in at least one USA Swimming competitionLegal strokes and turns in at least 3 strokes Can verbally display knowledge of all 4 strokes and turn rules Swim a continuous 200 free with flip turns and bi-lateral breathing under 4:00 Can do a racing dive from the starting block Can streamline 10 yards underwater Four 9-10 "B" times 10x50 @ 1:05 freestyle maintaining turns and technique 10x50 @ 1:15 kick Knowledge of meet protocol, and all rules pertaining to IM, relay, and fly-over starts Show good sportsmanship |
PracticesPractice offered three days per week, 1-hour sessions (estimated and can change)Encouraged to attend practice regularly. |
MeetsEncouraged to participate in two or three USA Swimming meets per yearMust compete in at least one meet per year |
Gear RequiredPractice:Fins- Arena Jr Fins or Arena Pro Fins/Pro Fins II Goggles (2) KW Swim Caps (2) Dryland Training: Shorts T-shirt Socks Sneakers Meets: Team Suit KW T-shirt KW Caps (2) Goggles (2) Please label all equipment with your name. Purchase Gear & Equipment |
Silver - Skill Group |
AgesPrimarily Ages 9 - 13 |
Skill RefinementContinued development of interval kickingContinued development of stroke drills Maintain technique through practice sets and competition Learn to effectively use training equipment (snorkels, paddles, fins) Develop core body strength, increase flexibility and fitness through dryland activities Increase speed and endurance |
Group Goals4 USA Swim Meets4, 9-10 A or 11-12 BB times 8 x 100 @ 2:00 flutter 5 x 200 @ 3:00 maintaining turns and technique Legal 200 IM under 3:00 500 Free under 8:00 Complete a 100 of all strokes with legal turns and technique Knowledge of the Sport's Rules and all Swimming Events Display Good Sportsmanship in a team and competitive environment |
PracticesPractices offered 4-5 times per week, 1.25-2 hour practices offered weeklyMinimum three practices per week. |
MeetsEncouraged to participate in one meet per month |
Gear RequiredPractice: Meets: |
Gold - Skill Group |
AgesAges 11 - 14 |
Performance BuildingContinued development of interval kicking |
Minimum Entry RequirementsSwimmers who meet all of the Silver Group Goals can be considered for advancement to the Gold Group |
Group GoalsComplete a legal 400 IM in under 6:005 x 200 @ 3:00 free swim maintain turns and technique 6 x 100 @ 1:45 IM maintain turns and technique 8 x 100 @ 1:55 Flutter Kick Strive for excellence in turns and technique during all workouts Demonstrate good sportsmanship in practice and competition Demonstrate behaviors for younger teammates to emulate Routinely work with different members of the group to create team bonds. |
PracticesPractice offered five to six times per week, 1.5 - 2.25 hour sessionsMinimum four practices per week. |
MeetsEncouraged to participate in one meet per month |
Gear RequiredPractice: |
Senior - Skill Group |
AgesAges 14 - 18 |
Minimum Entry RequirementsMinimum one year of swimming with the Killer Whales or another USA Swimming Club |
Performance RefinementContinued development of speed and endurance through specialized training |
Group GoalsDevelop top-tier skills in starts, turns, and technique |
PracticesPractice offered six times per week, 2- to 3.5-hour sessions with drylandAttend all offered water and dryland sessions |
MeetsAttend meets as requested |
Gear RequiredPractice: Finis Tempo Trainer |
