Stroker Program

Overview
This is the entry-level group where most children begin learning about competitive swimming. A child must be able to swim one length (25 yards) of the pool without stopping. The emphasis is on fun and stroke development. Strokers practice three (3) times per week for 75 minutes.

Age
All swimmers between the ages of 6 and 8, plus some entry level swimmers 18 and under.

Focus
The focus of the group is on the technique development of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and the introduction of butterfly body movements, turns and starts.

Practice Schedule
3 workouts per week, 1 hour 15 minutes each (72 minutes).
• 15 minutes of stretching
• 45 minutes of practice - including warm-up
• 15 minutes of game time

What Swimmers Need
• Goggles
• Cap (if they have long hair)
• Suit (not trunks, they are heavy and hard to swim with - a Speedo brief or jammer)

Moving from Stroker to Age Group
Minimum age of 9.
Consistently perform 3 of 4 strokes legally, and very close on the 4th stroke.
Consistently execute all 4 turns legally.
Be able to dive (head first, not whole body).
Be ready socially, emotionally, and physically for a higher demand.
Recommendation of Stroker Coach and Age Group Coach, agreement with other STAR Coaches.