BRIDGE
For younger swimmers moving beyond lessons and beginning to build the skills, confidence, and practice habits required for competitive swimming.
• Freestyle and backstroke refinement
• Beginnings of breaststroke and butterfly
• Starts, turns, and underwater skills
• Learning team-practice structure
• Attend 1–3 practices per week, ideally 2–3; 45 minutes each
• Active Danvers Community YMCA membership; attend team mock meets
• Required equipment: team-issued shirt, suit, swim caps, and goggles
TWO ENTRY POINTS. ONE CLEAR PURPOSE.
Both programs build the foundation for future placement in an appropriate competitive training group. The right starting point depends on the swimmer’s age, experience, and developmental needs.
SENIOR BRIDGE
For swimmers ages 11–14 who want to join the competitive team but still need to master fundamental swimming skills.
•  Freestyle and backstroke refinement
• Beginnings of breaststroke and butterfly
• Flip turns, starts, and foundational racing skills
• Preparation for structured team training
• Attend 1–3 practices per week, ideally 2–3; 60 minutes each
• Active Danvers Community YMCA membership; attend team mock meets
• Required equipment: team-issued shirt, suit, swim caps, and goggles
STROKE
TECHNIQUE
More efficient freestyle and backstroke, with early development of butterfly and breaststroke.
WHAT SWIMMERS BEGIN TO DEVELOP
Bridge creates a technical and personal foundation that prepares swimmers for the expectations of the Dolfins training pathway.
RACING
SKILLS
Introductions to starts, turns, streamlines, underwater movement, and race awareness.
TRAINING
HABITS
Listening to instruction, following practice structure, staying focused, and working with purpose.
CONFIDENCE &
TEAMWORK
Taking on new challenges, supporting teammates, and becoming comfortable in a team environment.
HOW TO JOIN A BRIDGE PROGRAM
You do not need to decide between Bridge and Senior Bridge before contacting us. The coaching team will recommend the most appropriate starting point.
01
TELL US ABOUT YOUR SWIMMER
Share their age, swimming background, current abilities, and previous lesson or team experience.
02
COMPLETE AN ASSESSMENT
A coach observes comfort, technique, current strokes, and readiness for structured team practice.
03
RECEIVE YOUR NEXT STEP
We recommend Bridge, Senior Bridge, another Dolfins group, or additional lesson development when appropriate.