“Readyyyy… Hup”---“Focus”-- Streamline”--“No breathing in or out of your
turns”-- “Two hand touch”-- “Swim fast”-- “Descend” --“You did it!”

Sound familiar? Yep, it’s time for the Kingfisher season to start up again.
The assistant coaches and I are eager and energetic about the upcoming
season.

Our club practice schedule will be similar to last year’s workout schedule,
except for a few minor changes to some of the groups. I am sure that
each one of our swimmers will fall into a group that will benefit that
swimmer’s ability to improve in his/her swimming, and meet the goals each
has set as a competitive swimmer.

The coaching staff believes in the “well-rounded swimmer.” We are not
talking about a swimmer that can swim all strokes (that’s already
understood); we are talking about developing swimmers in the areas of:
• Understanding swimming as a life long sport
• Learning to set goals and the steps to achieve them
• How to be a graceful winner and loser
• Balancing home, school, and sports

Happy training,
John Lindquist
Kodiak Kingfisher Head Coach

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Team Training Groups

The coaching staff will determine placement of a swimmer in a training group based on
ability, commitment, work ethic, maturity, and sportsmanship all in the best interest of
the swimmer. The following descriptions are general guidelines for each swim group:

Senior Gold is our rigorous and highly competitive training team. This group is expected to be
committed to united excellence. All members of this elite level squad will possess leadership
ability and an unsurpassed work ethic. The swimmer must also be committed to reaching their
highest potential on a daily basis. This training group is not for the weak of spirit. A minimum of
90% of all practices offered is required. Other requirements include: an outstanding attitude
and a willingness to be a role model. The Senior Gold training group will include swimmers who
desire and are committed to the highest standard of excellence.

Senior Blue is the group for the motivated high school swimmer. This group is geared to the
basic knowledge and understanding of the four strokes. Extra time will be taken to ensure that a
quality stroke is understood and achieved by each athlete. Dives, turns and finishes will all be
covered to ensure this squad will be ready and prepared for the upcoming high school season.
The athlete training in this group will gain an aerobic base. 3 practices are offered each week.
NOTE: Senior swimmers should be a minimum of 14 years of age.

Junior Gold is a committed, elite level of junior age group athletes, 11 to 14 years old that are
preparing for the transition from junior age group swimming to senior swimming. A commitment
to 4 out of 5 practices each week is expected. Junior Gold swimmers should have a strong
desire to work hard, set goals, and demonstrate leadership abilities among the younger
swimmers.

Junior Blue is an intermediate level group of developmental swimmers that have a basic
command of the four competitive strokes, but are in need of technique refinement and further
aerobic conditioning. The swimmer will learn how to persevere in challenging workouts with the
help of positive coaching and support from teammates. 3 practices are offered each week.

Age Group Gold is the group for the determined and excited young swimmer who is proficientin all four competitive strokes. Age Group Gold swimmers will be expected to make acommitment to 4 out of 5 practices each week. To be a part of this squad is an honor and theswimmer will be required to display a positive attitude towards work and good sportsmanship inand out of the pool.

Age Group Blue is an intermediate level group of developmental swimmers that have a basiccommand of the four competitive strokes, but are in need of technique refinement and furtheraerobic conditioning. The swimmer will learn how to persevere in challenging workouts with thehelp of positive coaching and support from teammates. They are expected to attend 3 practicesoffered each week.

Puffins are a beginning level group of developmental swimmers who are able to swim a
minimum of 25 yards of any stroke but need to work on basic stroke technique for each of thefour strokes. A focus on enjoying the water, meeting new challenges and gaining endurancebuilds confidence in these young swimmers. Two practices each week are recommended.

Whenever possible, the coach should be informed in advance of an illness or injury.  The coaching staff should be notified of swimmers who will be out of the water for an extended period of time with injury or illness.