Practice Group Descriptions

The Hickory Willow Swim Association offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. It is the goal of the Hickory Willow Swim Association to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging and developing each individual to the best of their abilities.  Your child or adolescent needs to be able to swim on his or her own.  It is preferred that swimmers have previously completed at least some swim lessons.  Our program is designed for swimmers 5 years of age or older.  Our professional coaches work with swimmersto develop the four main strokes: freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke.  Ideally, swimmers are capable of completing 1 length of freestryle and backstroke (25 yards).  Swimmers who are not interested in being competitive (yet!) are recommended to attend swim lessons at Stagg HS, , Chicago Swim School, Moraine Valley , or Bear Paddle as a stepping stone to the team.

Group Standards:

FR=Freestyle, BK=Backstroke, BR=Breaststroke, FL=Butterfly, IM=Individual Medley (all 4 strokes)

Coaches discreation will be taken into account to make sure each swimmer is mentally ready for the group they are placed in.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Group 1

This group consists of 9 years of age or younger. In this group the focus of each swimmer will be to develop a flutter and fly kick. The development of the freestyle stroke and backstroke will be the first strokes focused upon. Once swimmers in this group have shown they can swim each stroke legally and with strength, they will then be taught the basics of the breaststroke and butterfly stroke. Group 1 workouts typically last 45 minutes.

Criteria for being in this Group:

  • Be at least 5 years old.
  • Be able to swim 25 yards freestyle and backstroke with good form. (New swimmers will be taught)
  • Must want to swim in the group.
  • Attendance:  attend at least 2 practices a week, more practices are encouraged
  • Goals:  to be able to swim 50yd FR & BK, 25yd BR & FL
  • Swim Meet Competitions:  attend HWSA hosted meets, local away meets at least 2
  • Have a positive attitude at all times and listen to coaches.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Group 2

This group consists of 2 types of swimmers: 1. New 9 years of age and older. 2. A mid-range ability group between 9-13 years of age. Could possibly place very strong 8 years in this group. Emphasis is placed on stroke technique and maintenance for the older swimmer. Group 2 workouts typically last for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Criteria for being in this Group:

  • Be able to swim freestyle and backstroke with good form. (New swimmers will be taught)
  • Be able to swim some breaststroke and butterfly (have the general idea, new swimmers will be taught).
  • Know how to use the pace clock. (New swimmers will be taught)
  • Be able to dive into the pool (able to do a start in a meet, new swimmers will be taught).
  • Be able to swim and kick 300 yards without stopping. (New swimmers will be taught)
  • Attendance:  attend at least 3 practices a week, more practices are highly encouraged
  • Goals:  to be able to swim 50 & 100yd FR & BK, 50yd BR & FL
  • Practice Goal:  10 x 100's FR @ 2:15
  • Swim Meet Competitions:  attend HWSA hosted meets, local away meets at least 3
  • Must want to swim in the group and have a positive attitude.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Group 3

A mid-range ability group about 9-13 years of age, whose emphasis is on stroke technique, flexibility, and endurance training. The goals of this group would be to achieve Illinois Age-Group Championship cuts such as Regionals and State. Group 3 workouts typically last for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Criteria for being in this Group:

  • Be able to swim all four strokes legally
  • Be able to do a start from the blocks.
  • Attendance:  attend at least 4 practices a week, more practices are highly encouraged
  • Goals:  to be able to swim 50, 100, & 200yd FR & BK, 50 & 100yd BR & FL, 100 IM
  • Practice Goal:  10 x 100's FR @ 2:00 / 8 x 100 IM's @ 2:20
  • Swim Meet Competitions:  attend HWSA hosted meets, local away meets at least 3
  • Know how to use the pace clock.
  • Must attend Illinois Championship meets when qualified
  • Must want to swim in the group and have a positive attitude.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Group 4

Includes swimmers between 11 years of age and older whose goals are to swim in the Age-Group Champ Meet, Illinois Senior Meet, Junior/Senior Nationals, and High School Championships. Emphasis is placed on stroke technique, and a major commitment to training with an intensity that allows them the best chance for success at the higher levels of swimming. Participate in both dryland and swim workouts; total time involved averages between 1 hour & 45 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes per workout.

Criteria for being in this Group:

  • Ability to swim all 4 strokes legally
  • Be able to swim 1000 yards in under 15 minutes.
  • Know how to use the pace clock.
  • Attendance:  attend at least 4 practices a week, more practices are highly encouraged
  • Goals:  to be able to swim all distances FR & BK, 50, 100, 200yd BR & FL, 100, 200, & 400 IM
  • Practice Goal:  12 x 100's FR @ 1:45 / 8 x 100 IM's @ 2:00 / 8 x 100 Kick FR @ 2:10
  • Swim Meet Competitions:  attend HWSA hosted meets, local away meets at least 3 are required
  • Must attend Illinois Championship meets when qualified
  • Have a desire to train hard and to do what it takes to be the best you can be.
  • Must want to be in the group and have a positive attitude.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Group Elite

Our high school group which could include our very top age-group swimmers 12 years of age and older whose goals are to swim in the Age-Group Champ Meet, Illinois Senior Meet, Junior/Senior Nationals, and High School Championships. Emphasis is placed on stroke technique, and a major commitment to training with an intensity that allows them the best chance for success at the higher levels of swimming. Participate in both dryland and swim workouts; total time involved averages between 1 hour & 45 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes per workout.

Criteria for being in this Group:

  • Ability to swim all 4 strokes legally
  • Be able to swim 1000 yards in under 13 minutes.
  • Know how to use the pace clock.
  • Attendance:  attend at least 4 practices a week, more practices are highly encouraged
  • Goals:  to be able to swim all distances of all strokes
  • Practice Goal:  14 x 100's FR @ 1:25 / 8 x 100 IM's @ 1:45 / 8 x 100 Kick FR @ 1:50
  • Swim Meet Competitions:  attend HWSA hosted USS meets, local away meets at least 3 are required, travel meets highly encouraged to attend
  • Must attend Illinois Championship, Regional USA, JR/SR Nationals meets when qualified
  • Have a desire to train hard and to do what it takes to be the best you can be.
  • Must want to be in the group and have a positive attitude.