The Webster BlueFins offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. It is the goal of the BlueFins to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging each individual and developing each individual to the best of THEIR abilities.

BlueFins competitive swimming program has the following Practice/Roster group offerings:
(Updated for 2023-24 Season)

14 and Under - Developmental

Age Group # Hours/Day # Days Offered Minimum # of
Recommended # Days
Pups (7-8 ) 1 5 2
Sharks (9-10) 1.25 5 3
Fins (11-14)              1.5 5 3-4


12 and Over

Group # Hours/Day # Days Offered Minimum # of
Recommended # Days
SR Prep (12-14)  5 5 4-5
Senior (15&O) M-Th 2.5*
F 2
5 5
Performance (13&O)  M-Th 2.5*
F-Sat 2
6 5-6

*Includes 30 min drylands

Note - swimmers may attend any of the scheduled practice times offered for their group each week.


Group Descriptions
 

14 and Under – Developmental

The main goal of the 14 and under program is to develop stroke technique, ready swimmers for competition, teach training strategies, and have fun! Practice groups will be based on age in order to allow swimmers to practice with peers of the same age. Our 3 age groups are:

  • 7 & 8
  • 9 & 10
  • 11 - 14 

Within each group there will be differentiated support based on skill level and ability. 

Stroke technique will be offered in a progressive manner. Consistency in this approach will foster efficient strokes as swimmers develop competitively.   

Competition, including setting individual and team goals, is one of the primary goals of the BlueFins. Learning how to compete starts with practice. The focus here will be to learn how to compete as swimmers progress in strength and skill level. This will start with our youngest swimmers and continue as they develop technique and strength as they get older.

As swimmers mature and develop stroke technique there will be increased focus on teaching how to train at a higher level. This will give them the strength and conditioning to be ready to move on to one of the Senior program groups when they meet the age requirement.

Having fun is a key element of doing our best! Another goal of the 14 and under program is to foster a group dynamic where athletes can make friends and work toward meeting their own as well as team goals. Working together with common goals amongst friends will create a fun atmosphere.

In an effort to keep swimmers together and have peers with them when they transition up groups, we have set periods during the year that we do this. Early January, Early April and Early June. Actual dates are determined each year based on the calendar.

 

12 and Over - SR Prep, Senior, & Performance

These swimmers are organized into 3 groups:

  • SR Prep
  • Senior*
  • Performance

*Swimmers achieving time standards for the Performance group mid-season are eligible for promotion if recommended by the coaching staff.

Practices for each group will be designed to promote skill and performance development for all swimmers. Both groups offer the same number of practice opportunities each week comprising a mix of water and dryland activities.

Below are the eligibility, goals and expectations of these groups:
 

SENIOR PREP

Eligibility:

  • Must be 12 to 14 years of age (exceptions made on very limited basis)
  • MUST be able to:
    • Swim 10 X 100 @ 1:45 
    • Swim 6 X 100 @ 2:00 IM
    • KICK 10 X 50 @ 1:10  no board (dolphin and flutter)
  • Appropriate level of maturity.
  • Recommendation by coaching staff.
  • Coaches reserve the right to reassign swimmers to the 11-14 Fins group when expectations below are not consistently met.

Goals:

  • Swimmers will LEARN to TRAIN
  • Consistently improve commitment level and training ability from season to season.
  • Develop advanced stroke technique.
  • Learn competitive spirit, leadership skills, and the work that is required to meet their individual goals
  • Prepare athletes for meet competition at the LSC Championship, High School State and National levels.
  • Establish goals for all individuals to aid in their training purpose.
  • Prepare athletes for movement to the Senior Performance group (if desired).

Expectations:

  • Develop a strong work ethic.
  • Be committed to coming to practice to train for specific meets.
  • Attend, participate, and lead dryland activities.
  • Participate in all targeted SCY and LCM meets for this group.

Target Meets:

  • Pentathlon (December)
  • Niagara Junior/Senior Power Point (January)
  • Niagara LSC Championship Qualifier (Silvers) (February)
  • Niagara LSC SCY Championships (March)
  • Eastern Zone Age Group Championships (April)
  • 585 Team Challenge (April/May)
  • Niagara Super Circuit (May – July)
  • Niagara LSC LCM Championships (July)

SENIOR
 (This is the old “gold” group that was in place prior to the 2022-23 season)

Eligibility:

  • Must be at least 15 years old. No other eligibility criteria applies.

Goals:

  • Prepare athletes for meet competition at the High School, LSC qualifier, and LSC championship levels.
  • Prepare athletes for movement to the Performance group (if desired).
  • Consistently improve commitment level and training ability from season to season.
  • Consistently improve technique.
  • Learn competitive spirit.

Expectations:

  • Learn the value of consistent attendance.
  • Learn to train at a performance level.
  • Learn the value of participating in meets.
  • Learn the value of goal setting.

Target Meets:

  • Pentathlon (December)
  • Niagara Senior Power Point (January)
  • Niagara LSC Championship Qualifier (Silvers) (February)
  • Niagara LSC SCY Championships (March)
  • Eastern Zone Age Group Championships (April)
  • 585 Team Challenge (April/May)
  • Niagara Super Circuit (May – July)
  • Niagara LSC LCM Championships (July)

PERFORMANCE

Eligibility:

  • Must be at least 13 years old.
  • Must have qualifying standard times as follows:
    • 15&over: 
      At least 1 Niagara LSC SCY or LCM Open Championship time.
    • 13-14: 
      At least 4 different events with Niagara LSC SCY and/or LCM 13-14 Championship times.
      (Same SCY / LCM event counts as one event.)
  • Appropriate level of maturity.
  • Recommendation by coaching staff.
  • Coaches reserve the right to reassign swimmers to the Senior group when expectations below are not consistently met.

Goals:

  • Prepare athletes for meet competition at the LSC Championship, High School State and National levels.
  • Establish goals for all individuals to aid in their training purpose.
  • Consistently improve commitment level and training ability from season to season.
  • Consistently improve technique.
  • Prepare for college swimming

Expectations:

  • Have a strong work ethic.
  • Establish and conduct themselves towards meeting their individual and team goals.
  • Learn and display leadership skills.
  • Be committed to coming to practice to train for specific meets.
  • Attend, participate, and lead dryland activities.
  • Participate in all targeted SCY and LCM meets for this group.
  • Possession of all required personal training equipment.

Target Meets:

  • Pentathlon (December)
  • Niagara Senior Power Point (January)
  • Niagara LSC SCY Championships (March)
  • NCSA Age Group or Junior Nationals
  • Speedos (March)
  • Niagara Super Circuit (May – July)
  • Niagara LSC LCM Championships (July)
  • USA Swimming Futures (July/August)
  • USA Swimming Junior Nationals
  • USA Swimming US Open
  • TYR Pro Series (multiple)
If you have further questions about joining our team and the practice groups that you are unable to find answers to on our Website, please contact the head coach.