IAP caters for a range of swimming stages and abilities and has the following swim squads:
Pre Squad
A pre squad program is run during the school holidays. This program is open to all swimmers who are assessed as meeting the pre-squad entry criteria. As a rough guide, swimmers need to be able to swim 50m of freestyle and backstroke, and some breaststroke/butterfly. At the completion of the school holiday program swimmers that are ready are offered a place in the appropriate IAP squad.
Junior Squad
Providing a smooth transition from completion of Learn to Swim or Pre-squad, our Junior squad is a development program for swimmers who have a desire to continue their swimming journey, increase their skills fitness and/or swim competitively in the future. All four strokes, turns, and starts will be developed. Endurance and speed will improve.
Training requirement: 2 sessions per week is encouraged.
Kit bag: IAP cap, goggles, drink bottle. Optional: kickboard and fins.
Participation in the listed coach-supported meets is optional and can be discussed directly with the coach.
Intermediate Squad
Intermediate swimmers continue to develop all four strokes and their racing skills. Swimmers continue to build their fitness and their endurance and speed are further advanced.
Training requirement: 3 sessions per week is encouraged.
Kit bag: IAP cap, goggles, drink bottle. Optional: kickboard and fins.
Participation in the listed coach-supported meets is optional and can be discussed directly with the coach.
Target Squad
Target squad is the entry to IAP’s competitive pathway program. This squad provides opportunities for athletes to plan, prepare and perform at competitions (State, Club, District or School). The training is focused on further development of stroke technique and skill development, including race specific training in preparation for competitions. Swimmers start to develop their aerobic system.
Athletes will begin to set goals around training and competition with the help of their coach and continue to develop their positive-learning attitude and character.
Training requirement: Swimmers find optimal improvement in speed and endurance by consistently training a minimum of 4 pool sessions per week along with a minimum 1 dryland/gym session.
Kit bag: IAP cap, goggles, drink bottle, kickboard, fins, pull-buoy, hand paddles.
Athletes should attend at least 50% of the coach-supported meets listed for Target squad.
Junior Performance Session
The purpose of this session is to bring together higher performing youth swimmers to train as a group one session per week. The session is run as a competitive environment, with the goal of race performance and long term development. Attendance at this session is by coach invitation.
Criteria:
12yrs or under*
Member of Target Squad or in the transition to Target program*
Victorian All Junior Semi-Final / Finalist
Metro short course or long course qualifying time
State short course or long course qualifying time
*Swimmers under 12 may not have met this performance criteria but coaches believe they will achieve criteria soon.
Senior Squad
Senior squad is targeted for athletes with the desire to/or are currently competing at State level OR are at a training level consistent with State level. The squad is a medley-based squad where swimmers focus on all four strokes.
Training requirement: Recommended 6 pool and 1-2 gym sessions per week. Athletes are to train consistently throughout the year. Each athlete is expected to maintain their full training load. Athletes in school Year 11 and 12 may have some exemption from the full training load, however this must first be discussed with the Head Coach. Positive-learning attitude and character.
Kit bag: IAP cap, goggles, drink bottle, kickboard, fins, pull-buoy, hand paddles. Optional: Ankle band, snorkel, roller, stretch cords, resistance band
Athletes should attend at least 50% of the listed coach-supported meets for senior squad.
Performance Development Squad
Performance squad will enhance those swimmers who are committed to achieving the highest possible performance at the National Age/Open championships. Both physical and mental preparation for peak performance is a key aim of the Performance Development training program.
Athletes will have achieved multiple National and/or State age qualifying times OR are training at a level consistent with the attainment of a National age qualifying time soon.
Training requirements: Athletes are to meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to a full training load (6-8 pool sessions plus 2 gym sessions per week) throughout the year, including Long Course training. Athletes in school Year 11 and 12 may have some exemption from the full training load, however this is to first be discussed with the Head Coach. Holiday planning is discussed in consultation with the Head Coach at the start of each Long Course and Short Course season. Positive-learning attitude and character.
Kit bag: IAP cap, goggles, drink bottle, kickboard, fins, pull-buoy, hand paddles. Optional: Ankle band, snorkel, roller, stretch cords, resistance band
Athletes should attend all listed coach-supported meets for PD squad unless there is a medical or education reason.
Athlete selection is in consultation with the Head Coach. Athletes are reviewed and/or new athletes may choose to apply for open places at the end of the Long Course (March/April) and Short Course (September/October) season and/or when other circumstances require.
Fit Squad
The purpose of Fit squad is to maintain involvement in squad swimming while managing life’s commitments (e.g. other sport, school, work, or busy times in life).
Swimmers are competent in all 4 strokes, their starts and turns, and can be expected to read the pace clock. Training is up to 3 pool sessions and 1 dryland/gym session per week with Senior Squad.
Swimmers can re-join the regular squad program if they wish, however this needs to be reviewed and discussed with their coach.
Timetable
Our club train during the school term and school holidays, except Public Holidays and a 2-week shut-down over the Christmas/New Year break. Each school term and school holiday timetable is uploaded on Team App in the “Squad Timetable” section.