Richfield’s group structure offers training for the competitive swimmer ages five and up. Each group is designed to benefit swimmers who are grouped together by age, competitive experience, and ability and training commitment. The number, duration and intensity of the practices are geared to the elements described below that define each group. The aim of the coaching staff is to move swimmers through the groups to the best of their ability and desire. All moves up are to the coach’s discretion.

Novice is designed for children ages 5 to 12 that are new to the sport of competitive swimming and are able to swim one length of a 25 yard pool. Swimmers are taught the basics of the four competitive strokes and competition starts and turns, while building endurance.

Swimmers in this group experience the fun of competition in developmental team swim meets. Emphasis is placed on developing positive self-esteem, making new friends and having fun! The Novice group swims year-round and practices are 45 minutes, four days per week. Two to three practices a week are recommended for Novice.

Mercury is for swimmers that are 6 to 11 years-old and can complete 25 yards/meters of all four competition strokes. Swimmers in this group have a basic understanding of swimming skills. Swimmers will concentrate on developing a solid technical background while learning to do consistent interval training and endurance work. There will be a major focus on the techniques for each of the four competitive strokes including turns and IM transitions. There will be intensive work done on starts, turns, finishes, stroke drills and techniques.

All of the swimmer’s other activities, such as baseball, soccer, dance, etc. are encouraged. Swimmers are expected to compete in one competition per month. Mercury swims year round and offers five practices per week. Three to four practices a week are recommended for Mercury.

Apollo is for swimmers 9 to 14 year-old. This group is designed to transition swimmers from age group swimming to senior swimming through an increased volume and intensity of training. The focus is to improve cardiovascular fitness, refine stroke skills and gain competitive experience.

In addition, race strategy, competitive skills, goal setting and an understanding of time standards are introduced and emphasized. Swimmers are expected to compete in at least one competition per month. Apollo swims year round and offers six practices per week. Four to six practices a week are recommended.

The Senior Development is a group for 12 to 15 year-old swimmers committed to reaching their full potential. Group members must show the ability to train IM and distance freestyle on rigorous cycles. They must have the ability to handle the physical demands to uphold a demanding training regimen to allow them the opportunity to move up to the Senior group. Swimmers are expected to compete in at least one competition per month. Five practices a week are highly recommended for swimmers in this group.

The Senior group is a group for athletes fully committed to reaching their maximum potential. Year-round training is highly required. This is a high-level training group. Training will be geared toward preparing the swimmer for national competition, a collegiate career (the coaching staff feels all level of swimmers can swim in college) and gearing swimmers for high school competition. In addition, weights and dry land exercises are essential to training in the Senior group.

Good practice and meet attendance is required in order to reach maximum potential. It is also important to lift weights and participate in dry land exercises in this group for the prevention of injuries. Good behavior and strong workout habits will be strongly encouraged. Swimmers are expected to compete in at least one competition per month. No less than six to nine practices a week are recommended from the swimmers in the Senior group.

The Masters group is designed to promote adult fitness and health by offering a year-round fitness/competitive swimming program for all levels and abilities. The focus is to attain the best possible level of fitness for triathlon training, competitive masters swimming, or to stay in shape and have fun! This program is for anyone 18 and older who can swim.