Orange Beach Swim Team

The progression of the following groups is to be taken athlete-by-athlete. This is our team’s basic function and developmental outline and group placement/advancement depends on a multitude of factors including ability, maturity, age/grade, attendance, work ethic, etc. We ask to please respect a coach’s decision as placement is made with your child’s best interest at heart.

BLUE
Typically 8 y/o and under athletes who have graduated from Junior Makos or are just beginning the sport. Practices are 80% instructional and 20% conditioning while encompassing early instruction of stroke technique, competitive skills (starts, turns, etc.), and USAS guidelines. At this age, swim meets are encouraged to introduce the competitive environment and measure progress, however, not mandatory.

• Average Practice Yardage: Up to 1,500
• Equipment Needs: OBST cap, mirrored goggles (outdoor facility), training suit, OBST meet suit, short blade fins, mesh bag, water bottle

• Requirements:
  • hold a back float for at least 1 minute
  • perform a legal freestyle and backstroke
  • show working knowledge or elementary stages of butterfly and breaststroke
  • ability to swim 50 yd freestyle without stopping

ORANGE
Typically 9-12 y/o athletes that have progressed from the Blue group, are joining with advanced experience, or have/aspire for Age Group SES cuts. Practices are 60% instructional and 40% conditioning with an emphasis on stroke refinement and extended yardage. These athletes will also begin body-weight dryland exercise. At this age, attending practice is crucial in order to build team camaraderie, learn to set goals, measure progress, and achieve time standards. Being a USAS-registered athlete is highly encouraged for continuous growth in the competitive environment.

• Average Practice Yardage: 2,500-3,500
• Equipment Needs: OBST cap, mirrored goggles (outdoor facility), training suit, OBST meet suit, short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip paddles, mesh bag, water bottle

• Requirements:
  • hold a back float for at least 1 minute
  • legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle)
  • ability to swim a 200 yd freestyle without stopping OR 4 x 50 freestyle @ 1:00

JUNIOR
Typically 11-14 y/o athletes that have progressed from Orange I or II, are regularly competing at the USAS level, or have/aspire for elite time standard cuts. Practices are 40% instructional and 60% conditioning while also paired with light weight dryland exercise twice a week. At this age, participating in practice and competition as a committed athlete is expected in order to contribute as a teammate, measure progress, and achieve time standards.

• Average Practice Yardage: 3,000-4,500
• Equipment Needs: OBST cap, mirrored goggles (outdoor facility), training suit, OBST meet suit or tech suit (optional), short blade fins, training snorkel, hand paddles, ankle band, mesh bag, water bottle

• Requirements:
  • hold a back float for at least 1 minute
  • legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle)
  • ability to swim a 200 yd freestyle OR 2 x 100 freestyle @ 1:30
  • ability to swim a 200 yd individual medley without stopping

SENIOR
15-18 y/o athletes that have progressed from the Junior group with a heightened sense of commitment and dedication to the sport, whether that be High School State, Southeastern or USA Junior National/National time standards. Practices are 20% instructional and 80% conditioning while also paired with light weight dryland exercise twice a week. At this age, appreciating the opportunity to excel, push oneself, and grow as an athlete/individual is evident in character. Athletes are expected to attend practice and compete in swim meets consistently and share pride in what they accomplish.

• Average Practice Yardage: 3,500-5,000+
• Equipment Needs: OBST cap, mirrored goggles (outdoor facility), training suit, OBST meet suit or tech suit (optional), short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip and/or hand paddles, ankle band, mesh bag, water bottle

• Requirements:
  • hold a back float for at least 1 minute
  • legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle)
  • ability to swim a 500 yd freestyle and or 5 x 100 freestyle @ 1:20
  • ability to swim a 200 yd individual medley without stopping

EQUIPMENT/APPAREL

We kindly ask that efforts are made to have all required equipment in-hand by the third week after joining the team (in other words, a two-week grace period is offered). All kickboards and pull buoys are available onsite at our facility for athlete use. As for fins, snorkels, etc. it is acceptable to purchase gear from your brand of choice, however, Arena is preferred. We partner with Agon Sport for the ordering and distributing of swim suits & apparel. Otherwise, you may purchase equipment through SwimOutlet or a distributor of choice. 

All athletes will receive a team t-shirt and a silicone team cap included with their registration. Please make sure your athlete’s size is up to date. These items will be distributed to athletes on the first day of a new season. Additional t-shirts and caps are available for purchase at our facility's front desk.

ORDERING LINKS
Team Suit & Apparel (Agon Sport): https://www.agonswim.com/teams/140134
Equipment (SwimOutlet): https://www.swimoutlet.com/collections/obstmakos