The Heart of Texas Aquatic Team offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. It is the goal of the Heart of Texas Aquatic Team 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.

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CRITERIA, PLACEMENT & ADVANCEMENT TO THE NEXT PRACTICE GROUP

Swimmers are divided into practice groups within these levels according to ability level, maturity and age. As swimmers progress, the coach will determine when they are allowed to move into more advanced training groups. Swimmers are placed into training groups according to each group’s criteria, verifiable times and coach’s recommendations. Below is a basic description of each group and estimated ages, as well as group criteria and requirements. This is a competitive swim team and swimmers are expected to participate in meets. All new swimmers must try out in order to make the team.

The following criteria are used as guidelines when placing and/or moving a swimmer from one practice group to another:

Group One will consist of beginner to intermediate swimmers, new to the sport, who have little to no competitive experience. This will be considered a learning/technique group with the main emphasis on technical development of all strokes, starts and turns. Group One will also learn basic lane etiquette for practice and acclimation to use of a pace clock. Recommended minimum weekly attendance is at least 2 out of the 3 offered practice sessions. The primary focus of Group One will be positive technical repetition. The amount of time a swimmer may spend in this group varies depending on regular practice attendance and attention, meet participation, and fitness. It is not unusual to spend more than a year working in this group.

To enter in Group One:

• Swimmers must be able to swim 25 Freestyle and 25 Backstroke
• Freestyle must be accompanied with side breathing and backstroke unassisted without stopping
• The swimmer must have the ability to focus for the entire practice session (45min)

Group Two will consist of more intermediate level swimmers. Swimmers in this group will have some competitive experience prior to joining this group. Group Two is also considered a learning/technique group but will have some added emphasis on increased aerobic base swimming as well. Recommended minimum weekly attendance is at least 3 of the 5 offered practice sessions. Group Two will, like Group One, have a lot of repetition in training in order to make sure that the necessary technical emphasis is covered.

To enter and remain in Group Two:

• Swimmers must be able to swim all four competitive strokes legally and with regularity at practice and must be able to demonstrate legal starts, turns and finishes for all strokes
• Swimmers must complete a legal 100 IM (9 years old and younger) or 200 IM (10 years old and older) as well as individual events (100yds) in all 4 strokes in sanctioned USA Swimming competition
• A greater degree of fitness must be demonstrated in this group (Swimmers must maintain the ability to swim longer practice sets – 2000 yards plus)
• Minimum practice set standards: 
  • 10 x 100 @ 2:00 I. + 6 x 100 @ 1:55 I. + 3 x 100 @ 1:50 I.
  • 10 x 100 Back, Breast or Fly @ 2:20 I.
• Swimmers must have competed in USA sanctioned swim meets for The Heart of Texas Aquatics Team (HEAT) prior to advancement to this group (the exception being a swimmer who tries out for the team with previous competitive experience and is deemed ready to start in this group - then attendance at an upcoming meet will be required, including any championship meets qualified for)
• Swimmers must participate regularly with HEAT in USA Swimming competitions, both short and long course

Group Three is the first of two “training” groups. Swimmers will have to achieve and maintain fitness and training set standards to be admitted and remain in this group. Practice set lengths can be up to 3000 yards and overall practice sessions can be 5000 yards or more. Swimmers in this group are required to be internally motivated and display a positive attitude, attention to detail and goal setting and a strong work ethic and training maturity. Swimmers must be proficient in all strokes in practice and competition as well as having the ability to read a pace clock and maintain proper interval at practice. Swimmers in this group should have a solid BB and up record in their current age-group. Good practice attendance (at least 5 sessions per week) and meet attendance is required.

To enter and remain in Group Three:

• Minimum age (with very few exceptions) will be 10.
• Minimum practice set standards: 
  • 15 x 100 @ 1:50 I. + 10 x 100 @ 1:45 I. + 5 x 100 @ 1:40 I.
  • 10 x 100 Choice Kick @ 2:10 I.
  • 10 x 100 Back, Breast or Fly @ 1:50
  •   6 x 200 IM @ 3:45 I. 
  Flip turns for freestyle and backstroke with correct technique and breakouts
• Open turns for butterfly and breaststroke with correct technique and breakouts/pullouts
• Swimmers must have competed in USA sanctioned swim meets for The Heart of Texas Aquatics Team (HEAT) prior to advancement to this group (the exception being a swimmer who tries out for the team and is deemed ready to start in this group - then attendance at an upcoming meet will be required)
• Swimmers must participate regularly with HEAT in USA Swimming competitions, both short and long course and attend the championship meet(s) that they qualify for

Senior Group is the highest and most intense training group on the team. The swimmer must have coach approval to be in this group. Swimmers will have to achieve and maintain fitness and training set standards to be admitted and remain in this group. Practice set lengths can be up to 4000 yards plus in length and overall practice sessions can be 7000 yards or more. Positive attitude, maturity, goal setting, strong work ethic, a high priority placed on sport of swimming and the swimmer’s training (both at and away from the pool) and a motivation to being the absolute best one can be is absolutely required in this group. A strong desire to take their training and competition to the highest level possible is also required. Swimmers in this group will have achieved some “A” times in their current age-group. Very good practice attendance is mandatory (90% monthly). Absence requires prior (when possible) notification to the head coach. Regular meet attendance is required.

To enter and remain in Senior Group:

• Minimum age (with very few exceptions) will be 13.
• Minimum practice set standards:
  •      20 x 100 @ 1:30 I. + 10 x 100 @ 1:25 I. + 5 x 100 @ 1:20 I.
  •      10 x 100 Choice Kick @ 2:00 I.
  •      10 x 100 Back @ 1:40 I. or 10 x 100 Breast or Fly @ 1:45 I.
  •      6 x 200 IM @ 3:20 I.
• Swimmers must have competed in USA sanctioned swim meets for The Heart of Texas Aquatics Team (HEAT) prior to advancement to this group.
• Swimmers must participate regularly with HEAT in USA Swimming competitions, both short and long course and attend the championship meet(s) that they qualify for.

AM Practice Group (not including USMS) Swimmers in this group have to be in the Senior practice group or be in high school and able to achieve and maintain the workout set standards established for Group Three swimmers.

USMS (Masters) is our adult competitive swimming team. This program is open to all adults (18 +): fitness, triathletes, competitive, or non-competitive. Members participate in a variety of swimming workouts designed to fit your individual ability level and to meet your personal goals. Our workouts are organized and structured with ondeck coaching, and offer well-thought-out training assistance. The program is designed to help swimmers improve fitness and train for specific goals, as well as support a healthy lifestyle through friendship and camaraderie.

CRITERIA EXPLANATION

These criteria were developed carefully and critically for several reasons. First, it is important to have set standards that must be achieved before a swimmer moves to the next level. This will ensure his/her success at the new level and sets an equal playing field for everyone. Second, when swimmers know what they need to achieve in order to progress in the program, they have an easier time setting goals for themselves. Third, this will help the team improve as a whole as each swimmer strives for specific standards. As each individual improves, the team improves. Finally, it is a goal of the program that each swimmer reaches his/her full potential. By focusing on self-improvement through technique training, each swimmer should attain this goal. When moving a swimmer from one practice group to another, the coaches will also take into account the swimmer's level of commitment to the sport, the swimmer's maturity and make sure that the swimmer is mentally ready for the next level. Swimmers may be promoted to the next training group at any time during the season and ultimately the coach has the final say as to when a swimmer is ready for the next level. An important point to remember is that the coaches want to insure the success of each swimmer as they move from one practice group to another. It not advisable to move a swimmer up to the next level when that swimmer is not ready, regardless of mastering the above outlined skill requirements. Remember that each swimmer is also responsible for the criteria listed above. If a swimmer cannot maintain the standards listed for his/her practice group within the first four weeks of the season, he/she will be assigned to another practice group.