Training at St Neots Swans Swimming Club
At St Neots Swans, our training programme is designed to help swimmers of all abilities achieve their full potential in a structured, supportive, and motivating environment. Here’s everything you need to know about our training schedules, approach, and expectations.
Training Schedule
- Frequency: Training is available 6 days a week, running 46 weeks per year.
- Breaks: There is a short summer break, training pauses on bank holidays, and a small break over the Christmas period.
- Structure: The schedule is aligned to our squad structure, ensuring that swimmers train at a level suited to their ability and performance.
Our Training Philosophy: The Meso Cycle Approach
We employ a meso cycle approach to training, which breaks the year into key phases to ensure optimal performance at the right time.
- Base Phase: Building endurance, strength, and technical skills.
- Build Phase: Developing speed, stamina, and efficiency in strokes.
- Peak/Taper Phase: Reducing training intensity to fine-tune performance.
- Race Phase: Focused on competition, applying all preparation to achieve peak results.
- Recovery Phase: Allowing the body to recover, prevent burnout, and prepare for the next cycle.
This method ensures swimmers are primed for key competitions while maintaining consistent progress throughout the year.
Squad Placement
The coaching team determines squad placement based on each swimmer’s ability, performance, and development goals. This ensures every swimmer is appropriately challenged and positioned to excel.
Feedback and Technique Improvement
To support swimmers in refining their technique, the coaching team may use video equipment during training sessions. With the swimmer’s consent, these recordings are used to demonstrate corrections and provide tailored feedback for improvement.
Swimmer Expectations
To maximise their training experience, swimmers are expected to:
- Arrive on Time: Be at the poolside, prepared and ready to train when the session begins.
- Bring Training Kit: Swimmers must bring their full training kit, including goggles, swim hats, kickboards, and other essentials. All kit must be labelled or initialled to avoid loss or confusion, as the club cannot take responsibility for misplaced items.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle and ensure hydration is maintained throughout the session.
- Communicate Medical Needs: Inform the coaching team in advance of any medical conditions or needs that may affect training.
- Follow Conduct Policies: Swimmers must adhere to the club’s Codes of Conduct and respect the pool operator’s team instructions while on site.
Facilities and Parking
All our training locations provide free parking, ensuring convenience for swimmers and their families.
Summer Swim Camp
As part of our programme, we host a summer swim camp, offering a unique opportunity for intensive training, skill refinement, and team bonding. This is a highlight of our calendar and an excellent chance for swimmers to enhance their abilities in a focused environment.
Whether you’re progressing through developmental squads or training with our elite performance squad, St Neots Swans is committed to guiding you toward your personal best. Train smarter, train stronger—train with the Swans!