At IAP we offer five squad levels as well as Fit Squad:
Junior Squad
Providing a smooth transition from completion of Learn to Swim, our Junior squad is a development program for swimmers who have a desire to continue their swimming journey, increase their skills fitness and/or swim competitively in the future.
All four strokes, turns, and starts will be developed. Endurance and speed will improve.
Training requirement:
2 sessions per week is encouraged.
Kit bag: Kickboard and fins.
Participation in the listed coach-supported meets is optional and can be discussed directly with the coach.
Athletes are reviewed at the end of each Long Course and Short Course season and/or when other circumstances require.
Intermediate Squad
Intermediate swimmers continue to develop all four strokes and their racing skills. Swimmers continue to build their fitness and their endurance and speed are further advanced.
Training requirement:
3 sessions per week is encouraged.
Kit bag: Kickboard and fins.
Participation in the listed coach-supported meets is optional and can be discussed directly with the coach.
Athletes are reviewed at the end of each Long Course and Short Course season and/or when other circumstances require.
Target Squad
Target squad is the entry to IAP’s competitive pathway program.
This squad provides opportunities for athletes to plan, prepare and perform at competitions (State, Club, District or School).
The training is focused on further development of stroke technique and skill development, including race specific training in preparation for competitions. Swimmers start to develop their aerobic system.
Athletes will begin to set goals around training and competition with the help of their coach and continue to develop their positive-learning attitude and character.
Training requirement:
Swimmers find optimal improvement in speed and endurance by consistently training a minimum of 4 pool sessions per week along with a minimum 1 dryland/gym session.
Kit bag: Kickboard, fins, pull-buoy, paddles.
Athletes should attend at least 50% of the listed coach-supported meets.
Athletes are reviewed at the end of each Long Course and Short Course season and/or when other circumstances require
Senior Squad
Senior squad is targeted for athletes with the desire to/or are currently competing at State level OR are at a training level consistent with State level. The squad is a medley-based squad where swimmers focus on all four strokes.
Training requirements:
Recommended 6 pool and 1-2 gym sessions per week. Athletes are to train consistently throughout the year.
Each athlete is expected to maintain their full training load. Note: Athletes in school Year 11 and 12 may have some exemption from the full training load, however this must first be discussed with the Head Coach.
Positive-learning attitude and character
Kit bag: Kickboard, fins, pull-buoy, paddles.
Athletes should attend at least 50% of the listed coach-supported meets.
Athletes are reviewed at the end of each Long Course and Short Course season and/or when other circumstances require.
Performance Development Squad
Performance squad will enhance those swimmers who are committed to achieving the highest possible performance at the National Age/Open championships.
Both physical and mental preparation for peak performance is a key aim of the Performance Development training program.
Athletes will have achieved multiple National and/or State age qualifying times OR are training at a level consistent with the attainment of a National age qualifying time soon.
Athletes are to meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to:
Full training load (6-8 pool sessions plus 2 gym sessions per week) throughout the year, including Long Course training. Note: Athletes in school Year 11 and 12 may have some exemption from the full training load, however this is to first be discussed with the Head Coach.
Holiday planning is discussed in consultation with the Head Coach at the start of each Long Course and Short Course season.
Positive-learning attitude and character.
Kit bag: Kickboard, fins, pull-buoy, paddles.
Athletes should attend all listed coach-supported meets unless there is a medical or education reason.
Athlete selection is in consultation with the Head Coach. Athletes are reviewed and/or new athletes may choose to apply for open places at the end of the Long Course (March/April) and Short Course (September/October) season and/or when other circumstances require.
Fit Squad
The purpose of the IAP Fit squad is to sustain involvement in squad swimming while managing life’s commitments (e.g. other sport, school, work, or busy times in life).
Swimmers are competent in all 4 strokes, their starts and turns, and can be expected to read the pace clock. Training is up to 3 pool sessions and 1 dryland per week.
Swimmers can re-join the regular squad program if they wish however this needs to be reviewed and discussed with their coach.
Club Expectations
Swimmers in all squads are expected to:
1. Be punctual and arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the session to complete their activation and stretching exercises.
2. Bring their swimming equipment including cap and goggles.
3. Bring a full drink bottle.
During the warmer seasons, swimmers without drink bottles may be refused training as a strenuous session may put them at risk of dehydration.
Should a swimmer arrive late, it is at the discretion of the Coach whether the swimmer can join the session.
Swimmers are expected to contribute to the Club’s activities and social functions and attend all Club Personal Best (PB) Events, and external meets and competitions as scheduled by the Head Coach.
Session Times
Term timetable, Meet timetable and School Holiday training timetables are available to members only via Team App.
IAP’s timetables are subject to change due to events or the Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School’s use of the pool. Prior notice will be given in advance as much as possible. There is no training on any Victorian Public Holidays.
Holiday Training
We also offer holiday training during school holidays, included in our term fees. The school holiday schedule is available to members on Team App.