Minnows
This program for swimmers aged 4-6 or those who wish to gain more confidence (up to 8) before entering the competition stage. They have practice Monday through Friday (just like the whole team). They will be split into groups based on their ability and will be with other kids who are learning the same skills they wish to accomplish. They do not usually swim in meets, but are not restricted from doing so. If they feel comfortable enough to complete and can swim a length of the pool, they will be able to sign up. The goal of this program is to help these kids complete one length of the pool by the end of the season with a quality freestyle stroke and no help from the coaches. If you have any questions regarding if your son/daughter is right for this program, feel free to call the parent reps or email us at [email protected].
Thank you and we hope to see you on the team this summer!
What is the minnows program?
The minnows program is designed as an introduction to swim team. It is targeted for young swimmers who haven’t had much experience with swimming and are ready to develop a range of skills, including eventually swimming the length of the pool. The minnows program is for children ages 4-6.They must be 4 years old by June 1st. Coaches will work with the parents to decide when they are ready to advance out of the minnows program and swim in meets. Meets are definitely optional for this age group.
Is the minnows program right for my swimmer?
The minnows program is a friendly, fun, and exciting environment. The minnows form friendships with all other swimmers and are treated as part of the team. Our program helps kids get adjusted to the pool and the sport while having fun. We have a wide range swimmer ability so no matter how your child swims, he/she will always have another swimmer to work with.
NOTE: For swimmers who are 6 but already swimming the length of the pool, the coaches and parents will work together to decide if they should be swimming with the 8 & Under group.
How can the minnows program help my swimmer?
The minnows program is designed to move your child through many stages of swimming so he/she can eventually advance to the 8 & Under swim team practice. Each swimmer will be assessed at the beginning of the season so we can evaluate which level they fit in. Throughout the season, we will reevaluate all the minnows on important swim skills. They will be moved to higher levels as they gain more skills. Minnows will work on things such as: feeling comfortable with their head in the water, laying on their back, jumping/diving in the water, how to stay afloat, freestyle for any distance their comfortable with, etc.
When is the minnows program?
Minnows practice is held Monday through Friday for 45 minutes each day, with 10-15 minutes for gathering the children and stretching, and at least 30 minutes in the pool. During our Saturday swim meets, we have a “minnows race”, where the minnows can practice swimming a 25-yard race, while having the coaches in the water with them (if necessary). This gives the minnows a chance to see what a swim meet is like, without having the intensity of a race. Participation is optional, but the kids love it! It is held during a “shift change”.
What does a minnows practice look like?
Each minnow practice will be structured similar to a swim practice for older kids. We will start with stretching and warm ups, then we will split into different levels based on how many skills they passed in their assessments. The 4-5 coaches will rotate through levels, so all swimmers get a chance to work with all the coaches. Swimmers will take turns working with the coach individually – to perfect skills they need additional work on.If your child is not able to consistently and safely hold onto the wall during their waiting periods, parents are required to STAY with their child during practice (not in the water, but at least on the pool deck). We will try to have approximately 4-5 children to each coach (depending on registration numbers this year). The coaches will give the children a nice balance of swimming education and fun! When practices are cancelled due to cold temperatures, the coaches may choose to hold “dry land” practices and play games at the park, etc.
