BWSC Level Testing

Level testing will be done at the start of each session (Christmas time and start of Fall session), for swimmers who would like to attempt to change levels. Coaches may choose to do additional testing for swimmers who may be prepared to move up a level or who are struggling in their present level.

Parents, please do not ask to have your swimmer tested. If a swimmer would like to be tested they may ask their coach. Coaches reserve the right to explain to a swimmer why they are not ready to be tested, what they need to work on, and when they can ask again.

Beginners: 

Brand new swimmers who have never been on a team before.  They may have some experience from the YMCA or City Recreation Swimming program. BWSC requires these swimmers to be able to complete one length of the pool unassisted and must be able to put their face in the water comfortably.    

To advance to the next level: These swimmers must be able to swim 4 x 25s –one length of the pool (25 yards) of each of the four strokes legally.

Level 1:      

Refine basic stroke technique for all four competitive strokes. Learn the rules as they pertain to each of these strokes. Be introduced to the proper start and turn combination for each of the strokes. This level will consist mainly of drills and individual instruction with emphasis on body position and learning basic use of the pace clock (rest intervals).

To advance to the next level: Swimmer must successfully swim 4 x 50s – one 50 each stroke legally, and be able to swim a 100 IM legally.

Level 2:       

Detailed instruction of the four competitive strokes with emphasis on core stability, kicking strength, and body position. Reinforcement of the rules as they pertain to each stroke, turns and start. Stroke modification with more detail orientated instructions: Laws and physics of getting from point A to point B with the fastest most efficient stroke possible. Learn to use the pace clock for set specific send offs (ex: 6x 50's on 2:00). 

To advance to the next level: Swimmer must be able to legally swim 4 x 200s - one 200 of each stroke.  Must attend 3 practices a week. Testing times: 10x100's freestyle of 2:00; 10x50's kick on 1:05; 200's freestyle on 3:45; 10x100 IM's on 2:15.

Level 3:       

Swimmer must have mastered all 4 strokes. It will include stroke reminders but the emphasis will be put on the learning how to do/use interval training "SETS". Swimmers will be expected to complete sets with proper stroke and turn combinations and be able to understand and follow pace times. The drills and instruction will be included in the sets not as freestanding instruction. Swimmers will learn different race strategies for different races, depending on stroke and distance. 

To advance to the next level: Swimmers may attend drylands by invitation only and  attend practice at least three times a week. Also swimmer must compete either a 400 IM or 500 free at a meet. Testing times: 10x100's freestyle on 1:40; 10x50's kick on :55; 200's freestyle on 3:20.  

Level 4:       

This level will focus on more defined sets with competitive pace times. Stroke technique will be incorporated into the sets with an emphasis on improving speed. Swimmers will discover what they need to focus on and learn to incorporate it into workouts with the help of their coaches. Swimmers will learn goal-setting strategies. More focus will be placed on what they need to do to improve their individual times and achieve their long-term goals.  

To advance to the next level: Swimmers should attempt to attend drylands a minimum of one time weekly, and attend practice at least four times a week. Swimmers at the next level are encouraged to own fins, paddles, and kick board. Testing times: 10x100's freestyle on 1:20; 10x50's kick on :45; 200's freestyle on 2:45.

Elite:            

Swimmers and Coaches will focus on training to obtain goal times such as Q2 or JO, Q1 or States, Zones, Sectionals, Junior or Senior nationals. Training will be intense sets with threshold/ VO2 pace times. These sets will incorporate needed technique to improve strength endurance, and aerobic thresholds. There will be more responsibility placed on the swimmer to know what he or she needs to focus on to succeed in each particular race, set, or stroke.

Swimmers may be required to complete dry lands at home and are expected to attend drylands practices. Swimmers are expected to attended at least five practices a week. Swimming 10x100's Fr on 1:20; 10x50's kick on 0:45; 200's freestyle on 2:45 may be required at any given practice.