ELIT AGE GROUP PROGRAMS

The ElitSwim Club's practice groups fit the needs of swimmers of all ages and ability levels. Please keep in mind that age ranges are not absolute. Sometimes, an older swimmer who is new to the sport may have to start with a predominantly younger group, and that is perfectly okay and normal. Occasionally a very advanced younger swimmer may be moved into a group of older athletes.

These group descriptions are provided to give you a sense of our team's construction and the progression your child is likely to follow as they move through our program.

Standards for EVERY athlete include being prompt, having good posture, being polite, acting purposefully, and arriving prepared. These are expected of swimmers of all ages and levels within the program.

Expectations for attendance and competition participation are based on the goals of each athlete. A great attitude, work ethic, attention to detail, and competitive drive should build on a foundation of consistent attendance.

Mental Goals:

  • Successfully balance academic and extracurricular schedules.
  • Understand long-term goal setting.
  • Promote teamwork.
  • Develop self-confidence.

Lead Age Group Coach - Hope Ernhart

ELIT 1

This is where it all starts! This group comprises the youngest competitive swimmers in the ELIT program. We emphasize the fundamentals of efficient, competitive, and enjoyable technique. Our objective is to provide a solid foundation for these young swimmers to advance through our practice groups by teaching them good stroke technique and mindset from the very beginning. This comprises kicking, stroke drills, body positions, and synchronization drills that are done both in and out of the water. More significantly, we want to cultivate a passion for swimming and ElitSwim that will last a lifetime.

Minimum Requirements: Legal technique in all four competitive strokes.

AGE: 5–10 years
DAYS: M–F (5 practices)
DURATION: 45 min practice

Required Equipment

  • Black ELIT swim cap
  • Goggles
  • ELIT Parka
  • Junior Kickboard
  • Junior Pull Buoy
  • Fins (one pair long soft blades)
  • Mesh Equipment Bag
  • Water Bottle
Purchase Equipment

ELIT 2

The next level of training. All swimmers within this group must be able to successfully swim each of the four competitive strokes in a legal manner as deemed by USA Swimming rules. This group is where swimmers of younger ages will progress with more advanced fundamental skills, stroke technique, and instruction. They will learn a variety of progressive skills, drills, and stretches to enhance their current capabilities towards a higher level. They will begin learning race strategies and build healthy practice and meet habits.

AGE: 9–13 years old
DAYS: M–F (5 practices)
DURATION: 75 min practice

Required Equipment

  • Black ELIT swim cap
  • Goggles
  • ELIT Parka
  • Junior Kickboard
  • Junior Pull Buoy
  • Fins (one pair long soft blades)
  • Mesh Equipment Bag
  • Water Bottle
  • Running Shoes
  • Exercise Mat
Purchase Equipment

ELIT 3

This program will have increased yardage and dry land practices compared to our ELIT 2 program and is designed to prepare swimmers for advancement into our Senior ELIT programs.

Emphasis on mental training/strength, self-confidence, and self-awareness will be introduced and worked on within the group. Swimmers are assigned to the same lanes according to age and physical capabilities. Practices in this group also range in yardage. It is expected that 12-15-year-olds will be in a position to perform a more rigorous training load than younger swimmers while continuing to build upon racing skills, character ownership, and strength.

Performance prep includes nutrition, rest, recovery, and mental focus. Consistent practice attendance is necessary for continued improvement and advancement.

AGE: 12–15 years old
DAYS: M–F (5 practices)
DURATION: 120 min practice

Required Equipment

  • Black ELIT swim cap
  • Goggles
  • ELIT Parka
  • Junior Kickboard
  • Pull Buoy
  • Fins (one pair long soft blades)
  • Front-Mount Swim Snorkel
  • Jump Rope
  • Two Tennis Balls
  • Mesh Equipment Bag
  • Water Bottle
  • Running Shoes
  • Exercise Mat
Purchase Equipment

Dryland Program — ELIT 2 and 3

Dryland is a swimmer's conditioning program and is considered part of practice. Dryland focuses on core strengthening, flexibility, and reactivity. Training supports each swimmer's physical growth and stroke/distance-specific needs without overworking muscles, joints, or the spine.