Quick Dip: Why Do Swimmers Move Squads at Different Times?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Team & Club  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Swimmers do not all grow, learn new skills or become ready for a different type of training at exactly the same time. This means squad moves will not always happen together, even for swimmers who are the same age or joined the club together.

At Bluefins, a squad move should happen when the coaches believe another squad is a better match for what you need next.

One swimmer may be ready for longer sessions, a faster pace or more responsibility. Another may need more time to practise their skills and repeat them well in each session. Both swimmers can be making good progress. The timing is simply different.

Try not to measure your progress by another swimmer’s squad move. Focus on what you can learn, practise and improve in the squad you are in now.

If a friend moves before you, it is normal to feel pleased for them and disappointed for yourself at the same time. You can speak to your coach if you are worried or want to understand what you should keep working on.

Did you know? Bluefins coaches review swimmers throughout the year, so squad changes can happen at different points in the season.

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team