BTA Practice Group Descriptions

Blue Tide Aquatics strives to create an environment where every swimmer can achieve their fullest potential through structured, age-appropriate training and a supportive team culture. Our group placement philosophy ensures that each athlete is placed in a group that best matches their current abilities, needs, and long-term development goals.

Our mission is to provide exception teaching and training to our competitive swimmers, helping them reach their potential in a positive and challenging environment.

Read more about our group placement philosophy and FAQs here.

View the current practice schedule.

HI-PERFORMANCE

Typical Age: 15 - 18 years old (10th - 12th grade)

Attendance Expectations: 90% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles

Competition Expectations: Hi Performance swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in Sectionals, Futures, Junior Nationals, Nationals, and Olympic Trials.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
Understand and support a growth mindset
Take ownership of their swimming
Use their athletics goals to maintain intensity and focus in practice
Utilize time management skills to keep their lives in balance and their training protected
Understand their position as leaders/role models and the impact of their behaviors on the team and in a public setting
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
Practice mind-numbing consistency

Training Requirements

Men
- 10 x 100 Free Swim Holding 1:00 or better @1:10 interval
- 20 x 50 Free Kicking @0:50
- 5 x 200 IM @2:40
Ladies
- 10 x 100 Free Swim Holding 1:05 or better @1:10 interval
- 20 x 50 Free Kicing @0:50
- 5 x 200 IM @2:50

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

IMX scores of 3200 or athletes must have USA Swimming 1 Futures standards
Athletes must have an extensive training background and meet all test sets required for the group
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Follow BTA Dryland training program
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Hi-Performance is designed to provide the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of national competition. Athletes who meet the criteria will be invited into the group, but not all athletes will choose to be in the group. The Hi-Performance athlete has a strong desire to improve, is looking to compete at a higher level than they are currently at, is thoroughly committed, and has a recent, proven track record of consistency. This group will be rigorous, challenging, and only for the most committed athletes.

PERFORMANCE

Typical Age: 13 - 18 years old (9th - 12th grade)

Attendance Expectations: 85% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles

Competition Expectations: Performance swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in Tags, Southern Zone Championships, Sectionals, Futures, or higher levels of competition.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
Understand and support a growth mindset
Take ownership of their swimming
Use their athletics goals to maintain intensity and focus in practice
Utilize time management skills to keep their lives in balance and their training protected
Understand their position as leaders/role models and the impact of their behaviors on the team and in a public setting
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
Practice mind-numbing consistency

Training Requirements

Men
- 10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:10 or better @1:20 interval
- 20 x 50 Free Kicking @0:55
- 5 x 200 IM @2:50
Ladies
- 10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:15 or better @1:25 interval
- 20 x 50 Free Kicking @0:55
- 5 x 200 IM @3:00

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

IMX scores
- 13 - 14: 2600
- 15+: 2200
Athletes must have an extensive training background and meet all test sets required for the group
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Follow BTA Dryland training program
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Performance is designed to provide the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of national competition. Athletes who meet the criteria will be invited into the group, but not all athletes will choose to be in the group. The Performance athlete has a strong desire to improve, is looking to compete at a higher level than they are currently at, is thoroughly committed, and has a recent, proven track record of consistency. This group will be rigorous, challenging, and only for the most committed athletes.

SENIOR

Typical Age: 13 - 18 years old (9th - 12th grade)

Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles

Competition Expectations: Senior swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
Understand and support a growth mindset
Take ownership of their swimming
Utilize time management skills to keep their lives in balance and their training protected
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better

Training Requirements

Men and Ladies
- 10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:25 or better @1:35 interval
- 16 x 50 Free Kicking @1:10
- 5 x 200 IM @3:10

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Follow BTA Dryland training program
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

The goal of Senior is to introduce swimmers to a training group environment where individual goals differ, but everyone strives to reach their own highest swimming potential. This group will work to master the technique in all four strokes and emphasize the underwater dolphin kick. Training methodology and heart rate work will be learned in this group. Swimmers will begin to work more with their coaches on race strategy. Dryland takes on greater importance to the athlete and will be emphasized with 3 - 4 dedicated sessions per week. Swimmers will be prepared for a successful transition to elite-level senior swimming.

PERFORMANCE PREP

Typical Age: 13 - 14 years old

Attendance Expectations: 80% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles

Competition Expectations: Performance Prep swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in the Age Group Championship, Tags, Southern Zone Championships, and Sectionals.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
Understand and support a growth mindset
Take ownership of their swimming
Use their athletics goals to maintain intensity and focus in practice
Utilize time management skills to keep their lives in balance and their training protected
Understand their position as leaders/role models and the impact of their behaviors on the team and in a public setting
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better
Practice mind-numbing consistency

Training Requirements

Athletes
- 10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:15 or better @1:25 interval
- 20 x 50 Free Kicking @1:00
- 4 x 200 IM @3:10

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

IMX score of 2400 or one individual Tags standard
Athletes must have an extensive training background and meet all test sets required for the group
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Follow BTA Dryland training program
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Performance Prep is designed to provide the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of national competition. Athletes who meet the criteria will be invited into the group, but not all athletes will choose to be in the group. The Performance Prep athlete has a strong desire to improve, is looking to compete at a higher level than they are currently at, is thoroughly committed, and has a recent, proven track record of consistency. This group will be rigorous, challenging, and only for the most committed athletes.

SENIOR PREP

Typical Age: 13 - 16 years old (7th - 10th grade) [JV Level Swimmers]

Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts and/or doubles

Competition Expectations: Senior Prep swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
Understand and support a growth mindset
Take ownership of their swimming
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better

Training Requirements

Athletes
- 10 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:35 or better @1:45 interval
- 16 x 50 Free Kicking @1:15
- 3 x 200 IM @3:45

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Follow BTA Dryland training program
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Senior Prep is designed to provide the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group and senior competition.

SILVER 1

Typical Age: 11 - 12 years old

Attendance Expectations: 75% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts

Competition Expectations: Silver 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in the Age Group Championship, Tags.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
Understand and support a growth mindset
Take ownership of their swimming
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better

Training Requirements

Athletes
- 8 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:25 or better @1:35 interval
- 12 x 50 Free Kicking @1:05
- 3 x 200 IM @3:50

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

IMX score of 1200 or one individual Tags standard
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Follow BTA Dryland training program
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Silver 1 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.

SILVER 2

Typical Age: 11 - 12 years old

Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts

Competition Expectations: Silver 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and local invitationals.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Strive to be a triple impact competitor, focused daily on making themselves better, making their teammates better, and making the sport better
Understand and support a growth mindset
Take ownership of their swimming
Are optimistic about their potential and ability to get better

Training Requirements

Athletes
- 6 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:45 or better @1:55 interval
- 10 x 50 Free Kicking @1:20
- 3 x 100 IM @2:10

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Follow BTA Dryland training program
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Silver 2 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.

BRONZE 1

Typical Age: 8 - 10 years old

Attendance Expectations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts

Competition Expectations: Bronze 1 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and USA Swimming local invitationals, as well as travel meets for elite competition. Swimmers will also be expected to qualify and compete in the Age Group Championship, Tags.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Understand and support a growth mindset

Training Requirements

Athletes
- 6 x 100 Free Swim holding 1:45 or better @1:55 interval
- 12 x 50 Free Kicking @1:15
- 3 x 100 IM @2:10

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

IMR score of 800 or one individual age group standard
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Follow BTA Dryland training program
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Bronze 1 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.

BRONZE 2

Typical Age: 7 - 10 years old

Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts

Competition Expectations: Bronze 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and USA Swimming local invitationals.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Understand and support a growth mindset

Training Requirements

Athletes
- 6 x 100 Free Swim holding 2:00 or better @2:10 interval
- 8 x 50 Free Kicking @1:30
- Legal in all four strokes

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

IMR score of 500 or three individual B time standards
All other performance requirements will be at the coaching staff's discretion
Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Bronze 2 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.

BRONZE 3

Typical Age: 6 - 10 years old

Attendance Recommendations: 70% practice attendance on a weekly basis, including morning workouts

Competition Expectations: Bronze 2 swimmers will be expected to compete in BTA-hosted and USA Swimming local invitationals.

Practice Habits

Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision and core values
Understand and support a growth mindset

Training Requirements

Athletes
- Legal Freestyle, Backstroke, Double Kick Breaststroke
- Understand Dolphin Kick

Performance Requirements (effective Jan '25)

Have all gear required for the group

Group Emphasis

Bronze 3 is designed to provide the foundation, curriculum, and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of age group competition. This group emphasizes the importance of long-term development for age group athletes, ensuring they build the skills and characteristics needed to excel as they progress through their swimming careers. Practices will be engaging and enjoyable, helping swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport.

RISING TIDE - NEW FOR 2025-2026 SEASON!

Typical Age: 6-12 years old

Attendance Recommendations:

3 practices per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

No competition requirement for fitness swimmers. Pre-competitive swimmers may be invited to participate in future meets once ready.

Practice Habits

Demonstrate respect and listening skills
Bring positive energy and willingness to learn
Develop consistency and effort in practice
Understand and support the Blue Tide Aquatics mission, vision, and core values.

Training Requirements

All swimmers must be able to:

Legally swim freestyle and backstroke
Demonstrate double kick breaststroke
Be water-safe and comfortable in deep water

Required Gear

Fins
Kickboard

Group Emphasis

Rising Tide is designed to bridge the gap between swim lessons and the competitive team or serve as a fun, fitness-based swim class. The group offers and positive, skill-focused environment where swimmers build confidence, stroke technique, and aerobic capacity.

Whether a swimmer is preparing to join the team or simply enjoys swimming for fitness and fun, Rising Tide provides the structure and support needed for long-term success in the water.