Minnetonka Swim Club Group Placements

All group placements are at the coach's discretion. Our coaching staff focuses on each athlete's best interests, prioritizing long-term development over hasty advancement. We want athletes to thrive in their new group, not just survive!

Training Groups

Developmental Training Group (Ages 5-9)

A novice group emphasizing basic stroke technique. Entry requirements: Ability to swim 25 yards of freestyle with bilateral breathing, 25 yards of backstroke, and have a working knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly (dolphin and breaststroke kick). Focus areas include introduction to drills, correct body balance positions, proper breathing techniques, streamlining, shoulder/hip roll, kick development, flip turns, and workout habits. Educational goals include learning drill names, basic swim and safety rules, lane etiquette, ready position, meet procedures and warm-up, team rules regarding respect, team identity (name, colors), and recognizing teammates and coaches.

White Training Group (Ages 8-14)

A novice group emphasizing basic stroke technique. Entry requirements: Ability to swim 50 yards of all four competitive strokes. White swimmers usually attend two to three practices per week. Focus areas include introduction to drills, body balance positions, breathing techniques, streamlining, shoulder/hip roll, kick development, shallow diving, flip turns, and workout habits. Additional elements include a limited dryland program (stroke simulations, games, basic stretching) and introduction to sports psychology (concentration, muscle awareness, listening skills, group work, confidence).

Blue Training Group (Ages 9-13)

Focuses on refining technique while introducing training skills. Entry requirements: Multiple MN Silver time standards in 12&U or 10&U age groups. Focus areas include stroke mechanics refinement, beginning aerobic development, drill progressions, communication with coach, basic race planning, and positive attitude toward distance training. Educational goals include stretching techniques, team rules, basic nutrition, meet preparation, reading the pace clock, and understanding time standards. Additional elements include dryland activities and sports psychology concepts like effort over outcome, mind/body connection, pre-race routines, positive attitude, and team pride.

Black Training Group (Ages 9-12)

For state-level swimmers who have mastered basic age group development. Entry requirements: MN State Championship standards in 12&U or 10&U age groups. Focus areas include energy system training, maintaining skill base through drill progression, aerobic base expansion, and developing training ethic for senior program advancement. Additional elements include expanded dryland training and advanced sports psychology concepts including respect, goal setting, handling setbacks, training ethic, visualization, and positive self-talk.

Junior Prep Training Group (Ages 13-14)

A stepping stone to Junior or Senior groups, focusing on technique refinement before increasing training intensity. Expectations include following the meet plan, representing Minnetonka Swim Club at qualifying Championship meets, and strong attendance at most practices.

Junior Training Group (Ages 13-14)

A transitional level from Age Group to Senior swimming, developing high-level skills and preparing for advanced competitive training. Focus areas include high-level swimming skills, goal setting, and ownership of swimming career. Expectations include following coach's swim meet and dryland plans, representing Minnetonka Swim Club at qualifying Championship meets, and strong attendance at most practices.

Senior Training Group (Ages 14+)

For experienced high school swimmers who qualify for Minnesota LSC Championships and are working toward ISCA & USA Swimming Sectional cuts. Program includes six weekly practices with dryland with equal emphasis on conditioning and fundamentals. Competition includes local Minnesota Swimming events, Minnetonka Swim Club hosted events, and limited travel meets.

Senior Plus Training Group (Ages 14+)

For experienced high school swimmers who qualify for Minnesota LSC Championships, USA Swimming Sectionals, and are working toward Futures Championship level and beyond. Program includes six afternoon workouts, dryland training, and increased conditioning focus. Competition includes local Minnesota Swimming events, Minnetonka Swim Club hosted events, and an increased number of travel meets.

Senior Elite Training Group (Ages 14+)

For highly dedicated swimmers with at least one Speedo Sectional qualifying time who are committed to year-round swimming. Program includes two morning practices weekly, six afternoon swims weekly, and dryland three times weekly with a technical training focus to improve speed and strength. Expectations include representing Minnetonka Swim Club at travel competitions and being outstanding role models for younger teammates.

Masters