IT TAKES 10 YEARS OF EXTENSIVE PERFECT PRACTICE TO EXCEL IN ANYTHING – H.A SIMON
SKILL LEARNING CAPACITY VARIES WITH CHRONOLOGICAL & MATURATIONAL AGE. ONE AFFECTS LEARNING IN A DIFFERENT WAY FOM THE OTHER. TWO PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CHRONOLOGICAL AGE, BUT DIFFERENT MATURATIONAL AGE WILL LEARN AT DIFFERENT RATES. THAT IS WHY THE FOLLOWING ARE GUIDELINES ONLY & EACH ATHLETE IS JUDGED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.
STAGE 1 FUNDAMENTAL
GIRLS 5-8 YRS BOYS 6-9 YRS
Emphasis on developing basic movement literacy & fundamental movement skills. In order to do this, participation in as many different sports as possible should be encouraged
STAGE 2 SWIMSKILLS
GIRLS 8-11 YRS BOYS 9-12 YRS
Building Technique, learning how to train & develop skills in a specific sport, Skill development. If a young swimmer misses this stage of development, they may never reach their full potential. One of the main reasons athletes plateau during the later stages of their careers, is because of an over emphasis of competition, instead of optimised training during this very important stage.
STAGE 3 TRAINING TO TRAIN
GIRLS 11-14 YRS BOYS 9-12 YRS
Building the engine with an emphasis on aerobic conditioning. At this stage, there is greater individualisation of fitness & technical training. Focus should still be on training rather than competition & should predominantly be high volume low intensity. Any competition entered should have a specific target, with a view to learning basic tactics and mental preparation. If insufficient time is devoted to this stage or it is missed,then the young swimmer may never reach their full potential.
STAGE 4 TRAINING TO COMPETE
GIRLS 14-16 YRS BOYS 15-18 YRS
Optimising the engine. Continued emphasis on physical conditioning with high volume workloads but increasing in intensity. Developing individual strengths and weaknesses through modelling & nurturing technical & tactical skills. Also developing maximum strength gain, through the use of land training, core body strength and maintaining flexibility.
STAGE 5 TRAINING TO WIN
FEMALES 16+ MALES 18+
Final stage of preparation and is about top performance with an emphasis on specialisation and performance. Enhanced physical, technical, tactical and mental capacities should be established, and focus should be shifting to the optimisation of performance. Athletes should be training for specific competitions & major events. All aspects of training should be individualised for specific events.