Atlantis has several squads geared to developing swimmers for competition. Swimmers will be placed in the most appropriate squad based on their age, ability, enthusiasm, motivation and dedication for the sport. The Atlantis coaches will make their decisions in accordance with the relevant squad criteria set out below. Movement between squads will also be guided by whether or not swimmers are able to meet the relevant criteria and with some discretion from the Head Coache who may identify a particular strength in a swimmer whose potential can be best accommodated in a particular squad. This is important so that all parents and their children can be assured that the club is being objective and that all swimmers are being treated in a fair and even-handed way. Final decisions on the make-up of squads will rest with our Head Coach.
Atlantis also provides two fitness squads to provide high quality training opportunities and the social involvement for existing members who can no longer commit to the regularity or time required by the competitive squads.
The squads are as follows:
Lead Squad Coach: Andy Lobley
Swimmers selected to train in these squads will benefit from morning and evening training over 7 days of the week, plus land training sessions. As appropriate, they may be invited to attend 2 hours of long course training at the discretion of the coaching team. They will have shown the appropriate level of commitment, dedication, experience and talent. The training in this squad is demanding. The emphasis is on distance training to maintain aerobic fitness combined with the fine tuning of technique. Swimmers in this squad will be expected to attend all their sessions and have regular one to one training updates with the coach. Training for this squad is for National competition.
Total hours available per week -
Senior Squad, 6 Hours
National Development, 11.5 Hours incl 2 hours long course training + 1 hour land training
Lead Squad Coach: Becky Harrison
Swimmers selected to train in this squad will benefit from morning and evening water-based sessions, plus land training sessions over the week. They will have shown the appropriate level of commitment, dedication, experience and talent. The training in this squad is demanding. The emphasis is on distance training to maintain aerobic fitness combined with the fine tuning of technique. Training for this squad is for high level South East Regional competition.
Total hours available per week: over 10 hours + 1 hour land training per week.
Lead Squad Coach: Jane Holden
Swimmers selected to train in this squad will benefit from 6 sessions per week in the pool and 1 session of land training. They will have shown the appropriate level of commitment, dedication, experience and talent. The training in this squad is challenging. The emphasis is on distance training to improve aerobic fitness combined with the fine tuning of technique. Training for this squad is for Sussex County qualifying and beyond.
Squad Guidelines: 8.5 Hours + 1/2 hour land training per week.
Swimmers selected to swim in this squad will benefit from 4 one-hour sessions in the pool each week, and are expected to attend as many sessions as possible. Squad members will have shown a commitment to improve their stroke technique and stamina. A certain level of dedication will be expected.
Squad guidelines: 4 hours per week
Swimmers selected to swim in this squad will benefit from 3 sessions per week. You will be expected to attend all sessions and you will be introduced to competitive swimming with regular race nights. Swimmers will see improvement of water skills by concentrating on stroke technique by use of drills. The emphasis in this squad is on skill development for all four strokes, together with learning to train. This is a transitional phase with the emphasis changing from teaching to a more equal balance of technique work and physical conditioning.
When your coach has identified that you are ready to move up to the Junior Development squad, you will be offered an extra hour of training on a Sunday evening in lane 1 of the Junior Development squad. This will build your confidence and ease the transition from Foundation squad to the faster pace of the Junior Development squad.
Total hours available per week - 3 hours.
The Club squad is for Atlantis swimmers that can no longer meet the full commitments of the main competitive squads. It offers structured training to help swimmers maintain their fitness and technique. It is not possible to join Atlantis as a Club Squad member.
The Masters squad is for swimmers over 24 who cannnot commit to the full training programme.