Join our Skills Development Squads
At Basingstoke Bluefins we provide an inclusive and supportive environment for the needs of all our swimmers. Our primary focus is to provide an exceptional level of targeted coaching, developing advanced aquatic skills that are essential for both competition and life long participation.
Skills Academy - the lessons link to Club swimming
Trials are available weekly. If you have achieved level 6 (dark blue hat) or equivalent, then the time is right to request a trial. Speak to Ali and book your trial here.
Successfully trialed swimmers aged 8-10 years will start in our Skills Academy Bronze, Silver and Gold squads. These squads are positioned within the entry level Advanced Skills Development Pathway.
The core aim of our dedicated coaching team is to teach every swimmer an advanced level of aquatic skill. Building a strong base is essential for those swimmers who are looking to join our Competitive pathway and begin racing. Alternatively, for those swimmers looking for a fitness and social environment they will join our Fitness pathway.
Whatever pathway travelled, our goal is to equip swimmers with lifelong skills. Remaining in the sport for longevity, whether that's for social lane swimming, fitness, open water or competitions within a masters squad.
Progression Guide
During every swimmers time with us, they will always feel part of a thriving squad, that's optimised to develop their growth. It's key for us to ensure swimmers are assigned to the correct squad based on their commitment, ability and performance (where appropriate). Training with swimmers of similar ability and goals will always provide the best experience.
Development Opportunities are available throughout all of our 16 squads. Probably unique to Bluefins is our dynamic approach to squad moves, which will see swimmers monitored on a daily basis by our head, lead and assistant coaches. When ready, swimmers will be offered a regular booster session within the next level of appropriate squad aligned to their skill level and age.
A clear progression guide starts with Advanced Skills Development (Skills Academy, our lessons link to competitive swimming), progressing through to Fitness, Competitive, County, Regional and National pathways. Check out our Progression Guide.
You're one click away from an unforgettable aquatic future... speak to our amazing Ali and book your trial here.
Success so far...
Since our post Covid Club relaunch in 2021, our Skills Academy coaches have been delivering its Advanced Skills Development sessions with proven success.
We now have multiple examples of swimmers joining from various lesson providers from 8 years of age. Within three years of starting their journey in our Skills Academy and Junior Development Squads, are now competing at Hampshire County Championships in all age groups.
A large number of swimmers have also finalled with some becoming County Champions! Many are now at Regional level with Nationals in sight.
Rapid Skills Development*
It's vital that all swimmers continue their journey focusing on the fundamental aquatic skills. Often these basic skills can be easily over looked, with many misconceptions of what a good training session should consist of. Our sessions are never measured in how many metres completed or even how fast swimmers complete each length. Maintaining skills is our primary focus.
From day one, our Bluefins highly knowledgeable coaching team focus on the key areas of body position, leg propulsion, arm catch (sculling), efficient breathing and finally joining all these together with good timing of each stroke, this is known as BLABT.
We deliver BLABT using our proven advanced Drills & Skills progressions, these are formulated in step-by-step sequences, and with continued practice are mastered over time.
*Swimmers refine the fundamental skills at their own pace. Time and patience is often required to grasp these essential skills, there are no short cuts to swimming fast!
Skills Academy key areas
Below are core components and benefits of our Skills Academy entry level Bronze;
- Controlled push offs
- Underwater streamlined travel
- Sculling Skills (feel for the water)
- Basic drills
And within Skills Academy Silver/Gold;
- Progression drills for each stroke
- Legal competitive turns
- Competitive dives
- Using the clock
