The Waukesha Express Swim Team offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. It is the goal of our team to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging each individual and developing each individual to the best of THEIR abilities.  We have a place for everyone!

Our Age Group (AG) Program has a group for all young children, ages 4 - 12, that can swim 25 yards freestyle.  We do have some 13 year olds in these groups as they transition to senior swimming.  The focus of our age group program is technique and efficiency.  A quote from The Importance of Technique For Swimmers, an article written by John Leonard, American Swimming Coaches Association Executive Director, sums it up: "A swimmer with good technique has no limits,  A swimmer with poor technique has nothing but limits."  Our Age Group program believes in creating good habits, preparing kids to be successful in and out of the pool, and most importantly having fun!

As our swimmers transition to our Senior program (usually around age 13), they will choose a group based upon their swimming experience and level of commitment.  We have several senior groups to accommodate the varying degrees of both.

NEW BEGINNING FALL 2019!  Our new Middle School and High School Training group that is designed for swimmers that aren't ready for the full schedule of the swim team but want to continue skill work and maintain fitness in preparation for the high school swim season.  Click here for more details on this group.

Click here to be contacted by a coach for a new swimmer evaluation, or if you have swim team questions.  If you know your swimmer's group and want to contact your child's coach, see the Contact Info tab (located at the top of our website).

Express Super 8‘s: This group is for our swimmers that are 8 and under, and new to competitive swimming. Swimmers should be able to swim 25 yards freestyle to join this group. Our coaches teach the four competitive strokes, starts, and turns - all the basics of competitive swimming. Recommended practice attendance is 2 - 3 times per week. Meet participation will be encouraged as swimmers are ready.  Swimmers will progress to AG White group at age 9, legal in all four strokes, or at coach recommendation.  Practice equipment: Fins (long), Kickboard. 

 

Age Group White: This is an instructional group for our swimmers that are 9 - 11 years in age.. The focus is on the four competitive strokes, and the basics of competitive swimming. Recommended practice attendance is 2 - 3 times per week. Meet participation will be encouraged as swimmers are ready. Swimmers will progress to AG Black when legal in all four strokes, and individual medley in competition setting.  Must show leadership in the AG White group, and willingness to compete in longer events (100 yards freestyle and 100 individual medley), establish an IMR score, and coach recommendation.  Practice Equipment: Fins (long), Pull buoy, Kickboard.

 

Age Group Black: This group is for 9 - 12 year olds that have the basic competitive skills.  Emphasis is on fine tuning stroke technique and efficiency in the water.  Training will increase, but at an appropriate level for this age group.  The group will be divided into two groups based on ability.  One major goal is to prepare swimmes to the AG Performance group.  Recommended practice attendance is 2 - 4 times per week.  Swimmers should compete in at least one meet per month (in season) and championship meet at the end of the season.  Practice equipment: Fins (long), Pull buoy, Snorkel, Kickboard, and Paddles (optional).  

 

Age Group Performance: This group is for experienced swimmers ages 10 - 13 with that have reached the BB time standard. State and zone meet performances are the focus for the swimmers in this group. Skills and stroke technique are a focus along with training at an appropriate level. Swimmers must be committed to attend practice 3 - 4 times per week, compete in a minimum of one meet per month, and compete at the championship meets at season end.  Practice equipment: Fins (long or short), Pull Buoy, Snorkel, FINIS Agility Paddles, Kickboard.

 

TRANSITION TO SENIOR SWIMMING AT AGE 13 or 14

Senior White (12 - 18 year olds): The focus of this group is both technique and training to lead to improved performance. This group does not have practice or meet requirements, however swimmers wishing to move into the Senior Black group must demonstrate consistent practice, attending at least 66% of practices, and attend at least one meet each month to be considered along with coach recommendation. Practice equipment: Fins (short), Pull buoy, Snorkel, Kickboard.

 

Senior Black (13+ years): The swimmers in this group are committed to swimming at a high level, and are willing to meet the practice and meet requirements as set forth below, and able to train on 1:30 base/100 yards. Note: swimmers must swim in this group and demonstrate commitment level prior to being invited to the National Team group. Swimmers will be assigned training groups based on development and previous training experience. Practice attendance during the school year: 5 - 7 practices/ week. Meet attendance: minimum of one meet per month, and championship meet at end of season is required.  Practice equipment: Short fins, Pull buoy, Snorkel, Nose plug (optional), Tempo Trainer, Stretch Cord (optional), Kickboard.

 

National Team: Swimmers must compete beyond state championship level and/or be invited to join the group by Coach Blaine Carlson. Meet schedule will be determined by the coach. Practice attendance during the school year: 6 - 8 practices/week.  There is also a strong emphasis on giving back to and being good leaders of Express.  Practice equipment: Short fins, Pull buoy, Snorkel,  Nose plug (optional), Tempo Trainer, Stretch Cord (optional), Kickboard. 

Our practice schedule can found under the SwimTeam tab, Practice Schedules or click here.

  For more information on group fees and payment options see Registration Info under the SwimTeam tab or click here.