Training Squads

J Squad

J Squad (JASI Squad) is the first of the training squads were swimmers continue to develop stroke ability and quality. The programme follows a more structured seasonal format rather than by term and is based upon the type of training sessions they will do in the higher squads preparing them to race through the season. The work, however, is enough to stimulate and educate, developing the swimmers fitness and interest in the sport.

Work will include a variety of different types of sets, aimed at improving endurance and natural strength in the water. Swimmers in this squad should be capable of racing 100 metres of Free, Back and Breast showing good form as well as the 200 Individual Medley. Other elements that are learnt cover the reasons for warm up and swim down, sprinting and pacing.

Training Sessions: J Squad swimmers aim to make 3 or more of the 5, 1 hour session per week.
Promotion: Swimmers gain promotion to C Squad when all J Squad assessments are completed.
Equipment required: Togs, 2 pairs of goggles (the same type), towel and fins.
Competition level: Splash Nights, Junior Carnivals, local interclub meets, Canterbury Championships, Junior National Championships.
Team uniform: black racing togs, JASI Swim Team cap and polo shirt, black shorts.

C Squad

C squad (Canterbury Squad) is an extension of J squad. The sessions continue to develop the skill acquisition of the swimmers and target these swimmers on the qualification for the Canterbury Champs and National Junior Championships. Swimmers should be developing their strokes to a high level of aptitude and be able to race all strokes including medley events and distances from 50m-800m with good style and proficiency. Morning training is encouraged (once per week) and a variety of training techniques and sessions are used aiming to bring out the best in their swimming ability.

Promotion from C to JAG Squad is earned when 8 of the 9 squad assessments have been completed.

Training Sessions: C Squad swimmers aim to make 4 or more of the 5, 1 hour session per week.
Promotion: Swimmers gain promotion too C Squad when all J Squad assessments are completed.
Equipment required: Togs, 2 pairs of goggles (the same type), towel and fins.
Competition level: Splash Nights, Junior Carnivals, local interclub meets, Canterbury Championships, Junior National Championships.
Team uniform: black racing togs, JASI Swim Team cap and polo shirt, black shorts.

JAG Squad

JAG (Junior Age Group) squad follows a seasonal programmed format, targeting specific regional and national meets. The squad aims to peak every 12-16 weeks at a major meet. Swimmers in this squad are competent in all strokes and have the technical skills to compete with confidence. While good stroke quality and technical correctness are still very important in this squad, the work is more challenging and uses a variety of different types of sets and intensities aimed at developing good all-round fitness.

Training Sessions: JAG Squad swimmers aim to make 5-7 of the 8, 1 hour session per week.
Promotion: When a swimmer achieves the combined racing and training target the head coach will invite them to move up to A squad at the appropriate time.
Equipment required: Togs, 2 pairs of goggles (the same type), towel, training kit bag with fins, kickboards and pull buoy.
Competition level: Splash Nights, local interclub meets, Canterbury Championships, South Island Champs, Junior or Division 2 National Championships.
Team uniform: black racing togs, JASI Swim Team cap, polo shirt and tracksuit, black shorts.

A & Youth Squad

A (Age Group) and Youth squad swimmers must be registered and competitive members of the JASI Swim Team. The swimmers follow a structured, 3 peaks per year programme aimed at qualifying and competing at the National Age Group Championships, gain selection for the regional teams and aim to achieve the squad standard for promotion.

Swimmers compete over a variety of strokes and distances, although they may begin to set a preference for a particular stroke and distance. Training becomes more individualised and swimmers are introduced to land work which is aimed to develop flexibility, muscle balance and postural strength. Swimmers are expected to train one or two morning sessions per week as well as doing all the evening sessions available. Swimmers will learn the concepts of economy of effort and tactical skills to meet their training and racing needs.

Training Sessions: Both squads swimmers aim to make 7 or more of the 8 session per week, varying from 60mins to 90mins for A squad, 120mins for Youth.
Promotion: When a swimmer achieves the combined racing and training target the head coach will decide weather to invite them to move up to the Youth squad at the appropriate time.
Equipment required: Training Togs, 2 pairs of goggles (the same type), towel, training kit bag with fins, kickboards and pull buoy, paddles, (check with coach before getting paddles).
Competition level: Splash Nights, local interclub meets, Canterbury Championships, South Island Championships, National Age Group Championships, National Open and Spring Championships.
Team uniform: black racing togs, JASI Swim Team cap, polo shirt and tracksuit, black shorts.

National Squad

This is the top squad and swimmers who train in this squad are striving to reach the top of their performance capabilities. They have shown the ability and the commitment to face the demands of training for national and international events. Swimmers have developed a greater understanding of the requirements of good training and racing performances and aim to put all those skills together to fulfil their potential. Swimmers will get access to sports science testing, monitoring, plus extra sessions and backup which their training and racing performances demand.

Training aims to peak 3 times a year with the major peak at the Open National Championships with 2 more peaks through the year at either a national or international competition. Swimmers follow a more individualised programme based upon their specific events. We look to develop an all round balance of skills and fitness for the individual which will allow them to train and perform optimally.

Swimmers also follow an individualised land programme aimed at developing strength, stability and flexibility through good posture and muscle balance.

Training Sessions: Swimmers do sessions as directed by head coach.
Equipment required: Training Togs, 2 pairs of goggles (the same type), towel, training kit bag with fins, kickboards and pull buoy, paddles, (check with coach before getting paddles).
Competition level: Splash Nights, National Open and international meets, selection for national team.
Team uniform: black racing togs, JASI Swim Team cap, polo shirt and tracksuit, black shorts.

Jasi Masters & Tri Masters

JASI Masters is part of the Jellie Park Coaching programme and one of the best Masters groups in New Zealand. It has a number of world masters representatives and NZ record holders. The group caters for a wide range of abilities and requirements - provided is a level of training for the level and age of all the swimmers.

The group also has a lot of fun; talk of training should not worry the less experienced swimmer. The Masters group have two sessions available on Tuesday 6 - 7pm and Sunday 9 - 10am. For the more adventurous there are also 4 morning sessions, Mon, Wed, Fri 5.30 - 7am and Sat 7- 8.30am.

The morning training sessions are for those who wish to train for triathlon events and those who wish to enhance their training for Masters competitions. We aim to give the type of work that is appropriate to your fitness requirements and racing demands.

The training group will target your major competitions catering for the demands of your events optimising your swimming to produce the desired performance and result while working on fitting the swimming part of your training in with the other aspects of your training programme.
Contact Peter Burgon for more details and squad enrolment.