Assessment is required in order to determine group placement. Our program is designed for ages 5 and up and most skill levels. SMAC training groups are designed to be age and skill appropriate. The program is designed so that each swimmer will be able to progress from one level to the next as their age, knowledge requirement, and ability levels are met. 

Stroke School

This is our introductory group to the sport of swimming. This group has a blast learning drills and proper mechanics. Stroke School athletes enjoy all the spirit and energy that comes with being on a team. 

Requirements to join Stroke School: 

1. Comfortable submerging full body including head underneath the water
2. Demonstrates ability to blow bubbles
3. Floats on back and stomach unassisted
4. Ability to flip from stomach to back and back to stomach
5. Basic understanding of kicking

Suggested Age: 5+

Practice: 2x/week

Meets: Encouraged (1x per quarter)

Advancement requirements for Bronze:

-Awareness of all 4 strokes and what they entail OR coach approval

-Dive comfortably off of the block

Bronze

This group bridges the gap between Stroke School and Silver and continues to build on fundamentals and mechanics learned in Stroke School while preparing athletes to transition to Silver. This group introduces athletes to a competitive mindset and is designed to help them develop focus and determination needed for competition.

Suggested Age: 7-12

Practice Attendance: 3x/week & Optional monthly clinic on Saturdays

Meets: Highly Encouraged (1x per quarter)

Advancement requirements for Silver:

-Understanding of how to read the markerboard and interpret sets

-Understanding of how intervals work and how to use the clock

-Demonstrates an ability to work hard and pay attention

-Must have attended at least 1 travel USA swim meet (outside of Haywood County) in the past season

-Must be able to complete the following set: (or have coach approval)

8 x 50 choice on 1:30 AND complete a LEGAL 100 IM (correct order and correct turns)

Silver

This group is largely for athletes seeking to train harder, with the intent of qualifying for State & National Level meets. Members of Silver are focused on building their aerobic base and gaining the mental toughness and stamina needed to reach the next level. This group follows a more rigorous training plan designed to help athletes qualify for the next level meets and prepare them for success. 

Suggested Age: 9-13

Practice attendance per week: 3-5x

Meets: Expected (1x per month)

Advancement Requirements for Gold:

-Mastery of reading and interpreting sets and intervals provided

-100% Legal in all 4 strokes

-Demonstrates a desire to work hard and begin to be autonomous (can complete a full set with intervals without any assistance from the coach)

-Must be able to complete the following sets: (or have coach approval)

4 x 100 IM on 2:15

AND

8 x 50 Free or Choice on 1:05

Gold 

This group is open for Middle & High School aged athletes looking to improve in the pool and advance their swim career. The group builds on the principles of learning and mastering proper technique across the four strokes, racing starts, and turns while building and increasing aerobic capacity and endurance. The group also focuses on developing the mental drive and focus required for next level success.

Suggested Age: 11-18

Practice attendance per week: 4-5x

Meets: Mandatory (1x per month)

Advancement Requirements for Elite:

-At least 1 USA Swimming “BB” time or Coach Approval

-Agreement from athlete & family that they understand the practice & meet expectations

Elite 

The Elite group is for athletes searching to achieve their highest peak potential. These athletes follow SMAC’s most extensive training plans and are focused on doing what it takes for success at Senior Champs, High School States, Sectionals, Futures, Junior Nationals and beyond. Athletes in this group work to continue to develop a committed lifestyle. Elite athletes develop the mindset that through hard work, focus and proper preparation, anything is possible. These athletes have aspirations of swimming in college and beyond.

Suggested Age: 14+

Practice attendance per week: 6x + AM lifting (age 14+ only)

Meets: Mandatory (number of meets depends on qualifying times met)