Competitive Swim Team Programs
Waterloo Swimming (WLOO) is a USA Swimming Team. We take a technique first approach to swim practices. While achieving efficient swim strokes, we develop the swimmers aerobic and speed capacity. Swimmers are placed into swim practice groups based on skill / ability then age. Each practice group is designed to achieve the individual swimmer’s goals while targeting the same end of season championship meet. Our motto is Attendance + Effort = Success.
Our swim coaches are USA Swimming certified and American Swim Coaches Association members. They are always looking to learn from the latest techniques and technology while continued being-grounded in our core program. Each coach strives to create a fun yet challenging environment for our swimmers…and, we not only hold each coach accountable to results, but also the swimmers to give effort at every practice.
Waterloo trains swimmers to be able to race. At the center is training a swimmer’s legs and aerobic system to sustain throughout the race. Each practice includes warm-up, a hard kick set, and one to two main sets – depending on the group and time in the training cycle. Approximately once a month, we run a test set with each group to understand what progress each swimmer is making towards their goals – either kicking or swimming. Drills and technique work are integrated into the workouts.
Swimmers in the younger groups will periodically do exercises out of the water during their practice time to increase overall conditioning. As the swimmers move into the Silver 1 and JV groups, we then offer scheduled dryland workouts. These exercises are designed to increase flexibility / mobility as well as strength and overall conditioning. Early on swimmers use body-weight and simple tools in dryland. Later as maturation has started, we integrate more tools into the swimmers dryland program.
Beginning with the Silver 2 group and through the Elite group, coaches sit down with each swimmer to evaluate their goals for the next season…while looking back on the previous season of what worked (or didn’t). Parents are welcome to attend this session with the swimmer and coach.
Swim attendance. Beginning in Bronze 2 through Elite, each group has A) an attendance goal and B) a minimal attendance # in order to stay in that group. For our age group developmental groups the group goal is 50% and minimal # is 25% for upper level goals with a goal of 85% the minimal # is 38% attendance during each season to stay in the group (see Swim Team Policies and below for details).
Swim meet participation is required (see Swim Team Policies and below). Meets are a chance to see progress and race against others. A “season” is defined as Short Course Yards (typically September through March) and Long Course Meters (typically April through August).
Move ups between groups tend to occur at the end of short course (SCY) and long course (LCM) seasons. Coaches will review all aspects of move up timing, including test sets, leadership in the lane and group, mental, physical and emotional readiness. Attendance and practice (dryland included) effort will also be considered as variables.
For more information about our Swim Fitness programs please visit our Swim Fitness page.
Swim Team Group Descriptions
| Group | Description | Monthly Dues |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze 1 | Bronze 1 is for swimmers ages 6 - 12. This group introduces swimmers to year round swimming. Swimmers will learn key drills and technique for all the four competitive strokes in addition to turns, racing starts, and practice basics. They are expected to attend one swim meet each season and are encouraged to attend 3 practices each week. | $170 (5 days/Mon-Fri) |
| Bronze 2 | Designed for age-group swimmers ages 8 - 12. The focus is to continue the development of stroke mechanics and competitive rules with an increased emphasis on interval training and aerobic swimming. These swimmers are improving with B and BB time standards. Success of each individual swimmer is based on an increased commitment level in attendance and practice effort. Introduction to goal setting and race strategies. These swimmers are expected to attend two (2) swim meet each season plus the Championship Meet and maintain 50%+ attendance. | $195 (5 days + Sat AM) |
| JV 1 | Jr. Varsity 1 group is for swimmers ages 13 & up. The Jr. Varsity 1 group introduces older swimmers to year round swimming. Swimmers are working on the fundamentals of all four strokes and building an endurance base. They will practice stroke drills, starts and turns and interval training. They will also have the opportunity to do dryland that will help with building strength and flexibility. Swimmers in this group are expected to attend one swim meet per season with the goals of racing all strokes and distances. JV Attendance goal is 50%+ with a minimal 25% to stay in the group. Swimmers in this group will practice for 45 minutes Monday through Friday and will have a combined one hour long course practice with Junior Varsity 2 on Saturdays. Swimmers will also have combined dryland practices with Junior Varsity 2 4 times per week. | $200 (5 days + Sat) |
| JV 2 | Junior Varsity 2 is designed for age-group swimmers ages 13+. The focus of this team is to continue the swimmer's development of stroke mechanics and competitive rules with an increased emphasis on interval training and aerobic swimming. These swimmers will be achieving multiple B and BB time standards as well as develop a secondary stroke. The success of each swimmer will be dependent on their increased commitment in both attendance and effort in practice. Swimmers in JV2 will be introduced to goal setting and race strategies and will be expected to attend one (1) swim meet each season plus the Championship Meet and maintain 50%+ attendance. | $210 (5 days + Sat) |
| Silver 1 | Silver 1 swimmers are typically 9 – 12 year olds. The focus of Silver 1 is to continue to develop stroke mechanics while introducing a broader aerobic base. Swimmers are training to become highly developed swimmers, developing more advanced race strategies, learning about nutrition, goal setting & dedication. Silver 1 also introduces swimmers to the fundamentals of dryland. These swimmers are expected to attend three (3) swim meet each season plus the Championship Meet and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $220 (5 days + Sat AM) |
| Varsity | The Varsity group is for swimmers ages 13 and up. The focus of Varsity is to continue to build on technique and endurance. Swimmers are training to develop more advanced race strategies, learning about nutrition as an athlete and goal setting. The dryland portion emphasizes increasing strength while balancing flexibility. These swimmers typically have experience with year around swimming and have B or BB cuts. These swimmers are expected to attend two (2) swim meet each season plus the Championship Meet and maintain 50%+ attendance. | $220 (5 days + Sat AM) |
| Silver 2 | The Silver 2 group is for swimmers ages 11 - 14. These swimmers will continue to fine tune strokes, turns, and starts with an increased emphasis on training. The purpose of the group is to gain more knowledge of the sport, learn to take ownership of their swimming and enjoy the process even when workouts get difficult. Swimmers goals are to achieve 11-12 TAGS and 13-14 STAGS. These swimmers are expected to attend one (1) swim meet each month plus the Championship Meet and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $230 (5 days + Sat AM) |
| Gold | The Gold group is composed of of 13-14 yr old swimmers that have multiple TAGS cuts or a season away from those time standards. Swimmers in this group are expected to make a strong commitment with respect to attendance and training efforts. These swimmers are striving to maximize their age group abilities, while readying themselves for Sectional cuts. These swimmers are expected to attend one (1) swim meet each month plus the Championship Meet and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $240 (5 days + Sat AM) |
| Senior 1 | The Senior 1 group is composed of high school swimmers ages 15 years and older who are focused on fine tuning stroke mechanics and race strategies as well as increasing aerobic capacity and gaining strength. Nutrition, goal setting and advanced swimming techniques assist these swimmers in achieving their goals. These swimmers are working towards swimming and scoring at STAGS as well as their high school championships. SR1 swimmers are expected to attend two swim meets per season. Attendance goal is 50%+ with a minimum 25% to stay in the group. | $230 (5 days + Sat AM) |
| Senior 2 | The Senior 2 group is composed of high school age swimmers ages 15 years and older who have shown a high level of commitment at the age group level, have competed and scored at STAGS/TAGS, and are now working towards Sectional cuts and moving to Elite. Training will include high-intensity aerobic work as well as race-specific workouts. Out of water focus includes athlete ownership, nutrition, and goal setting. SR2 swimmers are expected to attend one meet per month and STAGS/Sectional attendance is mandatory. Senior 2 attendance goal is 75%+ with a minimal 50% to stay in the group. | $240 (5 days + Sat AM) |
| Elite | Elite group is composed of swimmers at the highest ability level. These swimmers have Sectionals and National cuts. They train 2+ hours each day, maximizing mental and physical skills. Dryland training, goal setting and race strategies are emphasized. Continued focus on endurance, speed, perfection of stroke technique and commitment to all aspects of swimming are expected at this level. These swimmers are expected to attend one (1) swim meet each month plus the Championship Meet and maintain 85%+ attendance. | $270 (5 days + Sat AM) |
| Collegiate | The Collegiate group is composed of college aged athletes. This group was designed for these swimmers to train together if they are not able to attend their school in person and live in the greater Austin area. | $95 (5 days + Sat AM) |
Competitive Swimming Groups
Bronze 1
Bronze 1 is for swimmers ages 6 – 12. This group introduces swimmers to year round swimming. Swimmers will learn key drills and technique for all the four competitive strokes in addition to turns, racing starts, and practice basics. They are expected to attend one swim meet each season and are encouraged to attend 3 practices each week.
Requirements:
- Pass our Intermediate level in Stroke School or move over from Swim Fitness
- Swim a 25 yards of each of the four competitive strokes legally
- Do a standing dive from the side of the pool
- Do a Freestyle flip turn
- Attend one swim meet during the season + the Championship Meet
Equipment: Swim bag, goggles, cap, kickboard, fins, and a competitive swimming snorkel
Group Information:
- $170 per month
Bronze 2
Designed for age-group swimmers ages 8 – 12 years old. The focus is to continue the development of stroke mechanics and competitive rules with an increased emphasis on interval training and aerobic swimming. These swimmers are improving with B and BB time standards. Success of each individual swimmer is based on an increased commitment level in attendance and practice effort. Introduction to goal setting and race strategies. They are expected to attend at least 2 meets per season with the goal of making STAGS or Jr STAGS at the end of the season. Bronze 2 Attendance goal is 50%+ with a minimal 25% to stay in the group.
Requirements:
- Move from Bronze 1
- Know all of their turns & a breaststroke pullout
- Know their backstroke start and how to dive off of the blocks
- Attend at least 2 swim meets per season + the Championship Meet
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, goggles, water bottle, kickboard, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, pull buoy and paddles (please have your swimmer get sized before purchasing)
Group Information:
- $195 per month
Junior Varsity 1
Junior Varsity 1 group is for swimmers ages 13 & up. The Jr. Varsity 1 group introduces older swimmers to year round swimming. Swimmers are working on the fundamentals of all four strokes and building an endurance base. They will practice stroke drills, starts and turns and interval training. They will also have the opportunity to do dryland that will help with building strength and flexibility. Swimmers in this group are expected to attend one swim meet per season with the goals of racing all strokes and distances. JV1 Attendance goal is 50%+ with a minimal 25% to stay in the group. Swimmers in this group will practice for 45 minutes Monday through Friday and will have a combined one hour long course practice with Junior Varsity 2 on Saturdays. Swimmers will also have combined dryland practices with Junior Varsity 2 four times per week.
Requirements:
- Pass our Intermediate level in Stroke School or move from Swim Fitness
- Swim a 25 of each of the four competitive strokes legally
- Do a freestyle flip turn
- Do a standing dive from the side of the pool
- Attend one swim meet during the season + the Championship Meet
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, Kickboard, Goggles, Fins, a Competitive Swimming Snorkel, Pulling Paddles and Pull Buoy
Group Information:
- $200 per month
Junior Varsity 2
Junior Varsity 2 is designed for age-group swimmers ages 13+. The focus of this team is to continue the swimmer’s development of stroke mechanics and competitive rules with an increased emphasis on interval training and aerobic swimming. These swimmers will be achieving multiple B and BB time standards as well as develop a secondary stroke. The success of each swimmer will be dependent on their increased commitment in both attendance and effort in practice. Swimmers in JV 2 will be introduced to goal setting and race strategies and will be expected to attend one (1) swim meet each season plus the Championship Meet and maintain 50%+ attendance.
Swimmers in JV2 will:
- Move from JV1
- Know how to dive off of blocks and do backstroke starts, understand all of the turns (for the four competitive strokes and IM)
- Be proficient at reading intervals and understand interval training.
- Have an understanding of training with equipment (pull buoy and paddles, fins and kickboard, and snorkel)
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, Kickboard, Goggles, Fins, a Competitive Swimming Snorkel, Pulling Paddles and Pull Buoy
Group Information:
- $210 per month
Silver 1
Silver 1 is for swimmers ages 9 – 12 years old. The focus of Silver 1 is to continue to develop stroke mechanics while introducing a broader aerobic base. Swimmers are training to become highly developed swimmers, developing more advanced race strategies, learning about nutrition, goal setting & dedication. Silver 1 also introduces swimmers to the fundamentals of dryland. These swimmers are expected to attend three (3) swim meet each season plus the Championship Meet. Silver 1 Attendance goal is 75%+ with a minimal 38% to stay in the group.
Requirements:
- Move from Bronze 2 and 9-12 years old
- Have USA Swimming meet experience
- Prepared to train longer distance practices while maintaining proper technique
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, kickboard, goggles, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, paddles and pull buoy. Tennis shoes and comfortable gyms clothes for dryland
Group Information:
- $220 per month
Varsity
Varsity group is for swimmers ages 13 & up. The focus of Varsity is to continuing to build on technique and endurance. Swimmers are training to develop more advanced race strategies, learning about nutrition as an athlete and goal setting. The dryland portion emphasizes increasing strength while balancing flexibility. These swimmers typically have experience with year around swimming and have B or BB cuts. Swimmers in this group are expected to attend two swim meets per season. Varsity Attendance goal is 50%+ with a minimal 25% to stay in the group.
Requirements:
- Move from Bronze 2, Silver 1 or JV
- Have swim meet experience
- Attend at least 2 swim meets per season + the Championship Meet
Equipment: Swim bag, kickboard, goggles, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, paddles and pull buoy. Tennis shoes and comfortable gyms clothes for dryland
Group Information:
- $220 per month
Silver 2
Swimmers in this group and typically 11 – 14 years old comprised of the most skilled and experienced age-group swimmers at or working on TAGS cuts. Dryland training is increased to four days per week and water time is increased to 90 minutes. Silver 2 swimmers will continue to fine tune strokes, turns, and starts with an increased emphasis on training. The purpose of the group is to gain more knowledge of the sport, learn to take ownership of their swimming and enjoy the process even when workouts get difficult. Swimmers goals are to achieve 11-12 TAGS and 13-14 STAGS. These swimmers are expected to attend one (1) swim meet each month plus the Championship Meet. Silver 2 Attendance goal is 75%+ with a minimal 38% to stay in the group.
Requirements:
- Move from Silver 1
- Have previous USA Swimming and championship meet experience
- Must be able to attend 1 swim meet per month + the Championship Meet
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, kickboard, goggles, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, paddles and pull buoy. Tennis shoes and comfortable gyms clothes for dryland
Group Information:
- $230 per month
Gold
Gold swimmers are 13 – 14 years old comprised of swimmers that have multiple TAGS cuts or a season away from those time standards. Swimmers in this group are expected to make a strong commitment with respect to attendance and training efforts. These swimmers are striving to maximize their age group abilities, while readying themselves for sectional cuts. Goal setting and race strategies are emphasized. Swimmers in this group attend local, regional and state meets. Gold Attendance goal is 75%+ with a minimal 38% to stay in the group.
Requirements:
- Move from Silver 2
- Have previous USA Swimming experience, including experience at STAGS or TAGS
- Be within a season of 13-14 TAGS cuts
- Must be able to attend 1 swim meet per month + the Championship Meet
- Must be available to attend both STAGS and TAGS each season
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, kickboard, goggles, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, paddles and pull buoy. Tennis shoes and comfortable gyms clothes for dryland
Group Information:
- $240 per month
Senior 1
The Senior 1 group is composed of high school swimmers ages 15 years and older who are focused on fine tuning stroke mechanics and race strategies as well as increasing aerobic capacity and gaining strength. Nutrition, goal setting and advanced swimming techniques assist these swimmers in achieving their goals. These swimmers are working towards swimming and scoring at STAGS as well as their high school championships. SR1 swimmers are expected to attend two swim meets per season. Attendance goal is 50%+ with a minimum 25% to stay in the group.
Requirements:
- Move from Silver 2, Gold, Varsity
- Have swim meet experience
- Attend at least 2 swim meets per season + the Championship Meet
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, kickboard, goggles, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, paddles and pull buoy. Tennis shoes and comfortable gyms clothes for dryland
Group Information:
- $230 per month
Senior 2
The Senior 2 group is composed of high school age swimmers ages 15 years and older who have shown a high level of commitment at the age group level, have competed and scored at STAGS/TAGS, and are now working towards Sectional cuts and moving to Elite. Training will include high-intensity aerobic work as well as race-specific workouts. Out of water focus includes athlete ownership, nutrition, and goal setting. SR2 swimmers are expected to attend one meet per month and STAGS/Sectional attendance is mandatory. Senior 2 attendance goal is 75%+ with a minimal 50% to stay in the group.
Requirements:
- Move from Silver 2, Gold, Varsity
- Have swim meet experience
- Attend at least 2 swim meets per season + the Championship Meet
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, kickboard, goggles, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, paddles and pull buoy. Tennis shoes and comfortable gyms clothes for dryland
Group Information:
- $240 per month
Elite
Elite group is comprised for swimmers at the highest ability level. These swimmers have Sectionals and National cuts. They train 2+ hours each day, maximizing mental and physical skills. Dryland training, goal setting and race strategies are emphasized. Continued focus on endurance, speed, perfection of stroke technique and commitment to all aspects of swimming are expected at this level. Swimmers in this group are expected to attend local, state, regional and national meets.
Requirements:
- By invitation
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, kickboard, goggles, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, paddles and pull buoy. Tennis shoes and comfortable gyms clothes for dryland
Group Information:
- $270 per month
Collegiate
The Collegiate group is composed of swimmers college aged athletes. This group was designed for these swimmers to train together if they are not able to attend their school in person and living in the greater Austin area.
Requirements:
- By invitation
Equipment: Swim bag, yoga mat, kickboard, goggles, fins, a competitive swimming snorkel, paddles and pull buoy. Tennis shoes and comfortable gyms clothes for dryland
Group Information:
- $95 per month
