Fran Crippen
1984-2010

Training Group Advancement

            In order for a swimmer to advance from one training group to the next a few areas must be covered:

1. Is the athlete succeeding in their present group?
   1. They must be making the send off times successfully.
   2. Their technique must be improving and comparable to the high group’s standards.
2. Have they been succeeding in their present group for an extended period of time?
   1. They must have had a significant period (at least 3-4 weeks) where they have had the opportunity feel “successful” in their present group.
      1. I do not want a swimmer to feel as if they have just worked to reached the top of their group and then put right back to the bottom of the higher group.  They must have had an opportunity to feel the “high” of being the top of their group for a stretch of time before moving up.

3. Are they capable of attaining the standards of the high group?
   1. Are the send off times of the higher group too fast for the swimmer to attain, while still being able to focus on their technique?
   2. If they are “just” making the times of the group then they are simply “survival” swimming, and that does not help them improve.
4. Are they mentally mature to handle the higher group at this time?
   1. The make up of the higher group may stunt a younger swimmer if they are practicing with athletes that are much older.  This may not be a factor, but it must be considered.