The Highlander Aquatic Club uses a "progressive" age group program designed to develop the child physically, mentally and emotionally in a systematic fashion. A well-defined, long-term approach, gradually increasing degrees of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels.  The emphasis in the early stages of participation must be placed on developing technical skills and a love for the sport. In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge must be introduced to the training program.

Senior Group	For swimmers who attend at least 8 practices per week.
Black Group	For swimmers who practice 5-6 times each week.
Green Group	For the child who has mastered all four of the competitive strokes and attends at least 4 practices per week.
White Group	For the child who has no competitive swimming experience and  is eager to learn the four competitive strokes.
Red Group	For those swimmers of White and Green group levels or Middle School students that would like a later practice time.
Masters Group	For those swimmers 18 years old and over.
SwimAmerica Lessons	A learn-to-swim program for swimmers of any age, infant to adult.

In this respect, "too much too soon" is most often the cause of failure to achieve maximum potential in senior swimming.  Groups emphasize long-term rather than short-term results, by establishing training groups of swimmers who are compatible in respect to ability, commitment and goals.  This is not always the most convenient approach to take, but it is always the most productive.  At each level, the goals and objectives are specific towards meeting the needs of the swimmer.

The long term goal of total excellence is always in mind.  As each child is different, he/she will progress at his/her own rate. The coaching staff recognizes this fact by making team assignments based on a swimmer's physical, mental, and emotional level of development.

Practice Procedure

It is important at the age group level that the swimmers learn a number of things
pertinent not only to swimming but LIFE.

One of these is discipline - swimmers must learn that they should be on time to
practice and promptly line up when asked to do so.

Although practice is meant to be enjoyable, the swimmer must learn to listen
when the coach is talking and refrain from horseplay.

Swimmers must learn to train properly.  This means doing their starts and
turns correctly and watching the clock for the proper send off.

Swimmers should:

Give 100% everyday, never give up!
Be on time 
Listen when the coach is talking
Encourage themselves and their teammates to work hard
Challenge themselves
Bring dryland clothes to every practice
Respect the pool and locker room facilities
Always put away equipment after use (kickboards, fins, etc.)
Have FUN and enjoy yourself!

Swimmers shouldn't:

• Be disrespectful to any members of the aquatic club or the coaching staff
• Go to the bathroom during practice--always before, unless there is an emergency
• Stand on the bottom before touching the wall at the finish
• Turn around in the middle of the pool
• Miss a send off
• Take a break or get out without addressing the coach first
• Breathe inside the flags on their finish
• Breathe the first stroke off a start or turn
   

Parents shouldn't:

• Talk to the coach during practice
• Talk to your child or correct them during practice
• Take your child early for no reason
• Parents--please have your child to the pool on time for practice and meets