Junior Squad
Swimmers in Junior Squad focus on completing the fundamentals of each stroke and understanding of movement. Squad etiquette and training principles are introduced. While a core focus is still stroke development our priority is developing wholistic movement and understand of how to move effectively in water. This approach helps us develop safer more wholistic aquatic athletes into the future.
We encourage all swimmers at this level to consider joining the MBS Swim Club where they can try club night races and test out competitive swimming as a sport.
Swimmers moving to this level are able to complete at least the following distances (with technical competency) repeatably. This level introduces some longer swimming, developing swimmers' ability to balance stroke quality with fitness.
Swimmers will need to be assessed to ensure suitability for this squad.
Development Squad
The Development Squad is a progression from the Junior Squad where distances are increased, interval times reduce and individuals learn more about different swimming events and opportunities to race.
Athletes focus mainly on introductory race skills (dives, turns and finishes) helping swimmers feel confident and capable when competing. This stage of development continues to hone stroke skills with an emphasis on building an aerobic base that enables athletes to hold good stroke over extended distance.
Swimmers will need to be assessed to ensure suitability for this squad.
State Development Squad
State Development Squad is our final level of 'Squad Foundations' and continues with race skills, energy system development and experiencing a variety of swimming events, while basic constraints-based learning activities are introduced. State Development Squad athletes are familiarised with additional training habits such as how to properly fuel and recover, land activation movement and fitness sets.
Swimmers at this stage of development are showing a desire and potential to meet State Qualifying times.
State Development athletes (in years 7 and above) are also able to access our Strength and Conditioning Program on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (subject to discussion with coach).
Swimmers will need to be assessed to ensure suitability for this squad.
State Squad
The start of our Swimming Performance Pathway is our State Squad. This squad refines competitive practices and provides a foundation for an enhanced training routine. The focus is on technical and fitness refinement, including a focus on medley training. Athletes reflect on and discuss season objectives with their coach (e.g.: making their School swimming team for 50m Fly), plan how to achieve those goals and set standards to be held accountable to.
Members of this squad should currently have or be actively working towards State Qualifying times with a view towards achieving National times.
State athletes (in years 7 and above) are also able to access our Strength and Conditioning Program on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (subject to discussion with coach).
National Squad
Access to National Squad is at the discretion of the Head Coach and Head of Aquatics.
Athletes at this level are focused on competing at Swimming Australia National Events, making QLD or National team selection and are committed to swimming as a main sport.
To seek further information about our National Squad, please contact our Head Coach.
