Dippers

Ages: 7-10 years old

Coaches: George Mersinger, Rose

Goals: To introduce young swimmers to competitive swimming through structured daily practices and participation at swim meets. Swimmers will learn how to effectively swim all four strokes along with the drills that serve to reinforce proper technique. Swimmers will get their first exposure to interval training and will learn the value of teamwork, goal setting and responsibility. They will also learn flip-turns, race starts and finishes for all four strokes. Swimmers are expected to compete in at least one competition per month in order to reinforce what is learned at practice and to develop race experience. Good attendance is important.

Competitions: Swimmers at this level will generally participate in Sizzler meets designed specifically for 8 & under swimmers. Sizzler meets consist of four individual events per swimmer (each race is 25-yards long) and one relay. Those swimmers that are of the ages 9 & over (and designated 8 year olds) will participate in higher level BC, ABC, Sub-JO, and J.O. (Junior Olympics- if they qualify) level meets.

Required Training Equipment: Kick board, pull-buoy, fins, goggles and running shoes (for rainy days when swimmers do indoor calisthenics and dry-land exercises).

Required Meet Equipment: Team suit, Comets yellow t-shirt, yellow team cap (if cap is desired) and goggles that are appropriate for use when diving from the competition blocks.