Dolphins

Dolphin Level

This is the second step within the UDASC teaching structure. Swimmers may be accepted into this squad after successful completion of the Tadpole programme or as a direct entry. The aim is to continue the development of stroke technique in four competitive strokes, build aerobic endurance & introduce competitive skills. Educational fun & accepting a challenge should be an important part of this squad programme. Swimmers are encouraged to attend Technique Nights & Performance Nights as part of their development and may be introduced to competitive swimming as part of the UDASC team at SAS league matches or friendly meets. Swimmers in this squad are usually age 8 - 12 years. 

Swimming Curriculum

• Consolidate skills achieved in Tadpole squad

• Curriculum based on SAS Development guidelines

• Continued development of sculling

• Continued development of stroke technique on all four competitive strokes

• Develop individual medley swimming

• Develop ability to swim distance : holding stroke technique, even paced, steady swim

• Introduce : basic speed 2m - 5m

• Introduce competitive skills : starts, turns, finishes

• Introduce : correct use of equipment, basic use of pace clock

• Introduce : awareness of perceived effort

• Achieve skills based on Core Awards Developer 2 & Aqua Skills Platinum

Training test sets

• Timed 200m f/c kick

• Timed 100m IM kick

• Timed 200m f/c swim

• Distance 10 minute continuous swim

General Education & Expectations

• Consolidate subject covered in Tadpole squad

• Basic nutrition

• Knowledge of swimming rules

• Importance of perfect technique

• Understanding of squad promotion standards

Promotion Criteria to Sharks Level

Swimmers will normally be considered for promotion to Sharks after 6 - 18 months in Dolphins.
The following should be achieved to a good standard. Promotion is at the discretion of the coach. If Dolphin squad swimmers reach academy age and have not acquired the necessary skills, or do not wish to join the competitive squads, they should be recommended for Killerwhales squad.

• Swim 100m of 3 strokes using legal technique throughout

• Swim 50m of Butterfly using legal technique

• Swim 200m IM as above

• Legal and technically correct starts for all above - streamlined entry past flags

• Legal and technically correct turns for all 4 above - hold streamline past flags

• Demonstrate 4 different sculls - on back: feet first/head first/stationary

                                                  - on front: choice

• Knowledge of the pace clock

• Correct use of equipment

Target Performance Levels

• 3 x 50m strokes = Silver

• 100m IM/200m Fr = Bronze

• Timed 200m Fr/100 IM kick (Logged and dated)

• Continuous 10 Min Fr swim (Logged and dated)