Our Squads
Every swimmer's pathway looks different, and we've built ours to support that. From your first squad session through to state and national competition, our programs are progressive, supportive, and built around your swimmer's own pace.
From junior development squads to state and national training groups, we provide a pathway for every aspiring athlete. Our daily programs are crafted to challenge you, focusing on technique, fitness, and strength development. To enhance your performance, we integrate group strength and conditioning sessions tailored to each athlete's specific needs.
Which squad is right for my swimmer?
Every swimmer’s journey is different. Squads are based on skills, confidence, and readiness, not age alone.
​
-
new to squads → start in Development or Future Waves (pre-squad)
-
ready for your first racing → District
-
racing regularly → Junior Performance
-
aiming for higher competition → Target National or National
-
swimming for fitness → Mavericks or Masters
Not sure? Book an assessment and our coaches will guide you to the best fit.
Explore your competitive potential with our development and district squads. These squads provide a supportive introduction to competitive swimming, focusing on skill development, confidence, and enjoyment of racing.
Development
The development squad builds strong technique, endurance, and early competitive skills, preparing swimmers for their first swim meets.
Ages: typically 7–11 (male and female)
Training Required:
-
Two swimming sessions per week
-
Each session runs for 1 hour, plus dryland
​
What Swimmers Will Be Able To Do: Swimmers in the development squad are introduced to squad training and competitive swimming. Over time, they will:
-
Become comfortable swimming all four strokes in a squad setting
-
Build the fitness to swim continuously during a one-hour session
-
Learn basic starts and turns in a supportive environment
-
Gain confidence swimming short race distances
-
Understand how squad sessions work, including lane etiquette and listening to coaches
-
Experience encouragement and club swim meets in a positive and enjoyable way
​
Skills and Performance Focus:
-
Legal starts and turns
-
All four strokes, including developing butterfly and breaststroke
-
Improving endurance and learning basic race skills
​
Racing Expectations:
-
Compete regularly at encouragement and club swim meets
-
Gain confidence racing in a supportive environment
​
Strength and Conditioning: Age-appropriate dryland activities focus on balance, coordination, and general movement skills. Sessions use simple exercises and games.
District
The district squad prepares swimmers for regular competition, with an increased focus on race skills, efficiency, and performance across all four strokes.
Ages: typically 9–13 (male and female)
Training Required:
-
Three to four swimming sessions per week
-
Each session runs for 1.5 hours, plus dryland
​
What Swimmers Will Be Able To Do:
-
Swimming all strokes over longer distances
-
Swimming at steady and faster speeds
-
Kicking and pulling exercises to build strength and technique
Training sessions may include longer swimming blocks (up to 30 to 45 minutes) to improve endurance, speed, and race readiness.
​
Skills and Performance Focus:
-
Swimming all four strokes correctly over race distances
-
Completing longer individual medley events
-
Strong starts, turns, and finishes
-
Efficient underwater skills after starts and turns
-
Maintaining good technique and breathing during races
​
Racing Expectations:
-
Compete regularly at club and district swim meets
-
Attend recommended competitions and warm-ups
-
Learn how to prepare for races and meet entry standards
​
Strength and Conditioning: Dryland activities support overall athletic development, including balance, coordination, flexibility, and movement. Sessions use age-appropriate exercises and games.
Squad Standards
At Yarra Plenty Waves, we strive to create a safe, supportive, and high-performing environment where every swimmer reaches their full potential. Our Squad Standards guide swimmers of all levels towards success.
Lane Etiquette
-
Safety First: Yield to faster swimmers and overtake cautiously. Maintain a minimum of 10 meters or 10 seconds between you and the swimmer ahead (or as instructed by your coach).
-
Clock Awareness: Be responsible for starting and finishing sets on time. Learn how to use the clock effectively.
-
Teamwork: Support and encourage your teammates. Prioritise perfect technique over excessive speed.
-
Respect the Flow: Swim clockwise and be mindful of your surroundings. Toilet breaks only between sets.
-
Ask & Listen: Clarify any doubts with your coach or teammates. Always wear your YPW training cap swim cap.
All Squads
-
Maximise your Time: Arrive early for activations (with or without teammates) and come prepared to give your best.
-
Be Informed: Read and understand the whiteboard instructions before starting.
-
Technical Focus: Execute turns when necessary and streamline off every wall.
-
Integrity: Don't cheat sets; train hard for personal growth. Race how you train, train how you want to race.
-
Team Spirit: Support, encourage, and respect each other. No negativity or bad language tolerated.
-
Open Communication: Keep your coach informed about absences, feelings, and any other relevant information. This helps them gauge your well-being and optimise training.
Equipment
-
Hydration is Key: Bring a water bottle to every session.
-
Be Prepared: Invest in a kit bag and recommended equipment from the Squad Equipment List. Take responsibility for your belongings.
-
Professional Appearance: Wear your YPW training cap during all sessions.
Remember: Your coach is your partner in progress. Be positive, helpful, and enthusiastic. Embrace these standards and achieve your swimming goals!