Developing great swimmers and great people... Roll Tide!
BTA Practice Group Descriptions
Blue Tide Aquatics strives to create an environment where every swimmer can achieve their fullest potential through structured, age-appropriate training and a supportive team culture. Our group placement philosophy ensures that each athlete is placed in a group that best matches their current abilities, needs, and long-term development goals.
Our mission is to provide exception teaching and training to our competitive swimmers, helping them reach their potential in a positive and challenging environment.
Read more about our group placement philosophy and FAQs here.
View the current practice schedule.
HI-PERFORMANCE
Typical Age: 15 - 18 years old (10th - 12th grade)
Attendance Expectations: 90% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles
Competition Expectations: Hi Performance swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in Sectionals, Futures, Junior Nationals, Nationals, and Olympic Trials.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
-
Take ownership of their swimming
-
Use their athletics goals to maintain intensity and focus in practice
-
Utilize time management skills to keep their lives in balance and their training protected
-
Understand their position as leaders/role models and the impact of their behaviors on the team and in a public setting
-
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
-
Practice mind-numbing consistency
Training Requirements
-
Men
-
10 x 100 Free Swim Holding 1:00 or better @1:10 interval
-
20 x 50 Free Kicking @0:50
-
5 x 200 IM @2:40
-
-
Ladies
-
10 x 100 Free Swim Holding 1:05 or better @1:10 interval
-
20 x 50 Free Kicing @0:50
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5 x 200 IM @2:50
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
IMX scores of 3200 or athletes must have USA Swimming 1 Futures standards
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Athletes must have an extensive training background and meet all test sets required for the group
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Follow BTA Dryland training program
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Hi-Performance is designed to provide the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of national competition. Athletes who meet the criteria will be invited into the group, but not all athletes will choose to be in the group. The Hi-Performance athlete has a strong desire to improve, is looking to compete at a higher level than they are currently at, is thoroughly committed, and has a recent, proven track record of consistency. This group will be rigorous, challenging, and only for the most committed athletes.
PERFORMANCE
Typical Age: 13 - 18 years old (9th - 12th grade)
Attendance Expectations: 85% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles
Competition Expectations: Performance swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in Tags, Southern Zone Championships, Sectionals, Futures, or higher levels of competition.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
-
Take ownership of their swimming
-
Use their athletics goals to maintain intensity and focus in practice
-
Utilize time management skills to keep their lives in balance and their training protected
-
Understand their position as leaders/role models and the impact of their behaviors on the team and in a public setting
-
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
-
Practice mind-numbing consistency
Training Requirements
-
Men
-
10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:10 or better @1:20 interval
-
20 x 50 Free Kicking @0:55
-
5 x 200 IM @2:50
-
-
Ladies
-
10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:15 or better @1:25 interval
-
20 x 50 Free Kicking @0:55
-
5 x 200 IM @3:00
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
IMX scores
-
13 - 14: 2600
-
15+: 2200
-
-
Athletes must have an extensive training background and meet all test sets required for the group
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Follow BTA Dryland training program
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Performance is designed to provide the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of national competition. Athletes who meet the criteria will be invited into the group, but not all athletes will choose to be in the group. The Performance athlete has a strong desire to improve, is looking to compete at a higher level than they are currently at, is thoroughly committed, and has a recent, proven track record of consistency. This group will be rigorous, challenging, and only for the most committed athletes.
SENIOR
Typical Age: 13 - 18 years old (9th - 12th grade)
Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles
Competition Expectations: Senior swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
-
Take ownership of their swimming
-
Utilize time management skills to keep their lives in balance and their training protected
-
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
Training Requirements
-
Men and Ladies
-
10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:25 or better @1:35 interval
-
16 x 50 Free Kicking @1:10
-
5 x 200 IM @3:10
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Follow BTA Dryland training program
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
The goal of Senior is to introduce swimmers to a training group environment where individual goals differ, but everyone strives to reach their own highest swimming potential. This group will work to master the technique in all four strokes and emphasize the underwater dolphin kick. Training methodology and heart rate work will be learned in this group. Swimmers will begin to work more with their coaches on race strategy. Dryland takes on greater importance to the athlete and will be emphasized with 3 - 4 dedicated sessions per week. Swimmers will be prepared for a successful transition to elite-level senior swimming.
PERFORMANCE PREP
Typical Age: 13 - 14 years old
Attendance Expectations: 80% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles
Competition Expectations: Performance Prep swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in the Age Group Championship, Tags, Southern Zone Championships, and Sectionals.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
-
Take ownership of their swimming
-
Use their athletics goals to maintain intensity and focus in practice
-
Utilize time management skills to keep their lives in balance and their training protected
-
Understand their position as leaders/role models and the impact of their behaviors on the team and in a public setting
-
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
-
Practice mind-numbing consistency
Training Requirements
-
Athletes
-
10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:15 or better @1:25 interval
-
20 x 50 Free Kicking @1:00
-
4 x 200 IM @3:10
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
IMX score of 2400 or one individual Tags standard
-
Athletes must have an extensive training background and meet all test sets required for the group
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Follow BTA Dryland training program
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Performance Prep is designed to provide the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of national competition. Athletes who meet the criteria will be invited into the group, but not all athletes will choose to be in the group. The Performance Prep athlete has a strong desire to improve, is looking to compete at a higher level than they are currently at, is thoroughly committed, and has a recent, proven track record of consistency. This group will be rigorous, challenging, and only for the most committed athletes.
SENIOR PREP
Typical Age: 13 - 16 years old (7th - 10th grade) [JV Level Swimmers]
Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles
Competition Expectations: Senior Prep swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
-
Take ownership of their swimming
-
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
Training Requirements
-
Athletes
-
10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:35 or better @1:45 interval
-
16 x 50 Free Kicking @1:15
-
3 x 200 IM @3:45
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Follow BTA Dryland training program
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Senior Prep is designed to provide the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group and senior competition.
SILVER 1
Typical Age: 11 - 12 years old
Attendance Expectations: 75% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts
Competition Expectations: Silver 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in the Age Group Championship, Tags.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
-
Take ownership of their swimming
-
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
Training Requirements
-
Athletes
-
8 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:25 or better @1:35 interval
-
12 x 50 Free Kicking @1:05
-
3 x 200 IM @3:50
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
IMX score of 1200 or one individual Tags standard
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Follow BTA Dryland training program
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Silver 1 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.
SILVER 2
Typical Age: 11 - 12 years old
Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts
Competition Expectations: Silver 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
-
Take ownership of their swimming
-
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
Training Requirements
-
Athletes
-
6 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:45 or better @1:55 interval
-
10 x 50 Free Kicking @1:20
-
3 x 100 IM @2:10
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Follow BTA Dryland training program
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Silver 2 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.
BRONZE 1
Typical Age: 8 - 10 years old
Attendance Expectations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts
Competition Expectations: Bronze 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and USA Swimming local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in the Age Group Championship, Tags.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
Training Requirements
-
Athletes
-
6 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:45 or better @1:55 interval
-
12 x 50 Free Kicking @1:15
-
3 x 100 IM @2:10
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
IMR score of 800 or one individual age group standard
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Follow BTA Dryland training program
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Bronze 1 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.
BRONZE 2
Typical Age: 7 - 10 years old
Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts
Competition Expectations: Bronze 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and USA Swimming local invitationals.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
Training Requirements
-
Athletes
-
6 x 100 Free Swim holding 2:00 or better @2:10 interval
-
8 x 50 Free Kicking @1:30
-
Legal in all four strokes
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
IMR score of 500 or three individual B time standards
-
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Bronze 2 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.
BRONZE 3
Typical Age: 6 - 10 years old
Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts
Competition Expectations: Bronze 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and USA Swimming local invitationals.
Practice Habits
-
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
-
Understand and support a growth mindset
Training Requirements
-
Athletes
-
Legal Freestyle, Backstroke, Double Kick Breaststroke
-
Understand Dolphin Kick
-
Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)
-
Have all gear required for the group
Group Emphasis
Bronze 3 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.