Swim Levels

All members of the South Middleton Swim Club are member of the Age Group Swim Team. The team itself is divided into five levels. The levels are determined by the swimmer's ability and experience. The use of levels allows the coaches to separate swimmers and define the practices based on the needs.

Sand Shark Level – Practice three one-hour sessions a week

The Sand Shark level is for members who are generally between the ages of 5-9.  The pre-requisite to enter this level is demonstration of the ability to swim one half the length of a 25-yard pool and coaches discretion. 

Swimmers must be able to swim 50 yards continuously using the freestyle stroke and 50 yards continuously using the backstroke, unassisted to advance to the next level.

Hammerhead Level – Practice three one-hour sessions a week

The Hammerhead Level is primarily for the young swimmers 6-10 years old and the 9-13 year old swimmers who have entered the swimming arena at a later age or need refinement of skills.  The objective of the Hammerhead Level is to demonstrate, instruct, teach, and refine the proper stroke mechanics of competitive swimming.

Swimmers will be required to demonstrate 50 yards of each individual stroke as well as the 100 IM to advance to the next level.

Tiger Shark Level – Practice four one-and-a-half-hour sessions a week

The Tiger Shark Level is for the competitive swimmer that is ready for the introduction of training.  The Tiger Shark Level is the final molding stage.  Emphasis is still placed on teaching and the refinement of all four strokes.  Swimmers will learn interval training, race strategy, various stroke drills, stroke efficiency, goal setting and much more.  The practices consist of about half stroke work and half aerobic training.

Swimmers will be required to swim a 200 IM and a 200 Free combined time of 6:15.00 or less to advance to the next level.

Mako Level – Practice four to five two-hour sessions a week

The Mako Level is for the upper age group swimming working for the next level of competition.  Swimmers in the Mako Level are encouraged to join USA Swimming.  The swimmer must be attentive throughout workouts and be able to manage the training intensity.  The practices consist of 25% stroke work and 75% high aerobic training.

Swimmers will be required to swim a 200 IM and a 200 Free combined time of 5:30.00 or less to advance to the next level.

Great White Level – Practice five two-hour sessions a week

The Great White Level is for the upper level senior swimmer and the high school swimmer who wants continued training and conditioning.  These swimmers train for the highest level of competition.  The top goal of this group is to reach the collegiate level of swimming.  Swimmers in the great white level should be members of USA Swimming.  The practices consist of 25% stroke work and 75% high aerobic training.