TRAINING LEVELS
GSSC supports swimmers from their first experience of club training through to State and National-level competition, as well as swimmers who train for fitness, enjoyment and connection with the Club.
We use Junior, Development, State and National to describe broad stages of swimmer development. They help guide training, coaching and competition opportunities, but they are not rigid squads or a pathway every swimmer is expected to complete.
Swimmers may train alongside others at different stages, with session length, training volume and coaching adapted to their needs.
Junior
BUILD THE FOUNDATIONS.
For swimmers beginning club training and learning the skills needed to train confidently in a group environment.
Training has a strong technical focus, building on the foundations developed through learn-to-swim.
The focus is on:
developing efficient technique across all four strokes
starts, turns and underwater skills
learning lane and training skills
confidence in a coached group environment
enjoyment and connection with teammates
introducing racing skills and competition where appropriate.
GSSC welcomes swimmers from 7 years of age, but age alone does not determine readiness. Strong learn-to-swim foundations, confidence in the water and readiness for group training are important.
New to club swimming? COME & TRY
Development
LEARN TO TRAIN.
For swimmers who have established the foundations of club training and are ready to develop greater consistency, capacity and understanding of the sport.
Technique remains important while swimmers begin learning how to train more effectively.
The focus is on:
refining all four strokes
maintaining technique over greater distances
developing starts, turns and underwater skills
pacing and understanding training sets
gradually building fitness and training frequency
developing race skills and competition experience
becoming more independent in training.
Development swimmers may begin introducing morning training as they are ready, sometimes starting with one morning session each week to gradually build familiarity and training frequency.
State
TRAIN WITH PURPOSE.
For swimmers developing towards or competing at State level and ready for greater consistency and training demands.
Training becomes more purposeful, while continuing to protect good technique and long-term development.
The focus is on:
developing greater training capacity and consistency
maintaining technique under increased load
race preparation, pacing and execution
developing speed and endurance
Championship preparation where appropriate
understanding feedback and training purpose
greater independence and responsibility.
Training frequency generally increases at this stage to support the swimmer's goals and competition program.
National
DEVELOP PERFORMANCE.
For swimmers progressing towards or competing at National level and ready for the training demands associated with higher-level performance.
The emphasis shifts increasingly towards refining performance while continuing to develop the swimmer as a whole.
The focus is on:
refining technique under performance demands
greater training volume, intensity and consistency
race execution and performance skills
preparation and recovery
understanding individual strengths and areas for development
performance awareness
increasing ownership of training and competition.
National-level swimmers generally undertake the highest training frequency within the GSSC program, including additional morning sessions where appropriate.
THERE IS NO SINGLE DESTINATION
Competitive swimming does not have to end at State or National Championships to be worthwhile.
Some GSSC swimmers want to pursue performance as far as they can. Others may choose to train and compete at a local or regional level, or continue swimming primarily for fitness, friendship, enjoyment and connection with the Club.
All of those are valid ways to participate.
A swimmer can continue developing their technique, fitness and training skills without needing to pursue the next competition level.
The aim is to help each swimmer find an appropriate level of challenge and continue getting something positive from the sport.
HOW DO SWIMMERS PROGRESS?
Progression is not determined by age or race times alone.
Coaches consider the whole swimmer, including:
technique and skill development
ability to maintain technique as training demands increase
training capacity
consistency
maturity and readiness
training behaviours
independence
competition experience
the swimmer's goals.
Race performance is useful information, but it is only one part of the picture.
When a swimmer appears ready for different training demands, coaches will discuss the next step with the swimmer and their family.
WHERE SHOULD MY SWIMMER TRAIN?
You don't need to decide the level yourself.
The categories on this page are a guide to the stages GSSC supports. Coaches will identify the training sessions, duration and frequency most appropriate for each swimmer and adjust these as they develop.
NEW TO GSSC? START A COME & TRY →