BDA Group Descriptions

Group Placements:

• Swimmers must complete an evaluation for group placement before enrolling.
• Group Placement are based on a combination of age, skill, speed and endurance. 
• The speed and endurance portion of the requirements may be increased for those joining mid-school year to ensure that new swimmers can keep up with those who have participating on the team since the fall. 
• Placements made at evaluations are only good for one month, anyone not joining the program within one month of the evaluation may be asked to do an additional evaluation. 
• Exceptions to the requirements below must be approved by the BDA staff. 

Group Requirements:

Grey Group 

Emphasis on refining freestyle and backstroke, learning basics of breaststroke and butterfly, and building endurance
Ages 5-9
45-60 minute practice (depends on location)

Requirements:

• Complete 25 yards freestyle (1 length) with knowledge of rotary breathing (turning head to side to breathe)
• Complete 25 yards backstroke (1 length)
• Be able to listen and follow directions
• Have endurance to complete a 60-min practice consisting of multiple 25-yard lengths

Swimmers not ready for Grey Group are encouraged to take Swim Lessons

Sample Evaluation Set:

• 25 Freestyle Kick
• 25 Freestyle
• 25 Backstroke Kick
• 25 Backstroke
• 30 seconds rest between each 25

White Group

Emphasis on stroke technique, improving all 4 strokes and starting speed work
Ages 7-13
60 minute practice

Requirements:

• Complete a legal 50 yard freestyle (2 lengths) with rotary breathing (turning head to side to breathe)
• Complete a legal 50 yard backstroke (2 lengths)
• If joining September - December
  • Demonstrate basic breaststroke for 25 yards (1 length) 
  • Demonstrate basic dolphin kick
• If joining January - May
  • Complete a legal 25 yard breaststroke (1 length) 
  • Perform a legal butterfly kick for 25 yards
• Have the stamina and attention span to swim and focus for a full practice
• Have endurance to complete a set of 4 x 50 yards freestyle with 30 seconds rest in between while maintaining form

Sample Evaluation Set:

• 50 Freestyle Kick
• 50 Freestyle
• 50 Backstroke Kick
• 50 Backstroke
• 30 seconds rest between each 50

Blue Group

Emphasis on stroke technique, endurance and training
Ages 12-18
60-90 minute practice (depends on location)

Requirements:

• Complete legal 50 yards of all four strokes
• Complete a 200 yard freestyle
• Have the stamina and attention span to swim and focus for a full practice

Sample Evaluation Set:

• 100 Freestyle
• 50 Butterfly 
• 50 Backstroke 
• 50 Breaststroke 
• 30 seconds rest between each 50/100