BDA Group Descriptions

Group Placements:

  • Group Placement are based on a combination of age, skill, speed and endurance. Exceptions to the requirements below must be approved by the BDA staff. 
  • Swimmers must complete an evaluation for group placement before enrolling. 
  • If evaluations are not being held then parents should confirm swimmer's abilities and group requirements before enrolling.
    • If your swimmer is not able to meet the group requirements on the first day, we will switch the swimmer to the appropriate group if space is available.
    • If there is no room, then enrollments for future practices/sessions will be cancelled and no refund will be given.


Group Requirements:


Grey Group 

Emphasis on refining freestyle and backstroke, learning basics of breaststroke and butterfly, and building endurance
Ages 5-8
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 8-12
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