JUNIOR DOLFINS AT A GLANCE
Designed for swimmers ages 6–10, Junior Dolfins is an introductory competitive group where athletes strengthen all four strokes, develop consistent training habits, and take greater responsibility for their progress.
AGE & PLACEMENT
Ages 6–10. Assessment or coach recommendation required for placement.
TRAINING FOCUS
Lane etiquette; all four strokes; underwater technique; starts, turns, transitions, and finishes; body balance, core strength, and kicking.
PRACTICE EXPECTATION
Attend 2–3 practices per week; 60 minutes each.
MEMBERSHIPS & MEETS
Active YMCA membership required. USA Swimming registration is encouraged. Participate in YMCA and USA Swimming meets.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Required equipment: team-issued shirt, suit, and swim caps, plus goggles. Refer to current registration materials for additional requirements and pricing.
WHO THIS GROUP IS FOR
READY TO BUILD A COMPLETE
COMPETITIVE FOUNDATION.
Junior Dolfins is for developing swimmers who are prepared to work on all four competitive strokes within a structured team environment.
Swimmers should be comfortable following group instruction, practicing with increasing consistency, and participating in challenges that develop both technical ability and personal responsibility.
✓ Ready to develop all four competitive strokes
✓ Able to follow multi-step coaching instruction
✓ Prepared for consistent team practices
✓ Interested in beginning or expanding competitive experience
ALL FOUR
STROKES
Developing more consistent freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly technique.
WHAT JUNIOR DOLFINS DEVELOP
Training balances technique, racing fundamentals, physical preparation, and the habits swimmers need for long-term progress.
STARTS, TURNS & RACE SKILLS
Learning stronger streamlines, legal turns, controlled starts, underwater movement, transitions, and finishes.
BODY BALANCE & CORE STRENGTH
Developing body balance, core strength, kicking, and coordination for structured competitive training.
RACING &
TEAM HABITS
Understanding events, practice expectations, sportsmanship, preparation, and teammate responsibility.
SWIMMER EXPECTATIONS
✓ Attend assigned practices consistently
✓ Arrive prepared with required equipment
✓ Listen, participate, and respond to coaching
✓ Treat teammates, coaches, and officials with respect
✓ Work through challenges with a constructive attitude
WHAT PARTICIPATION REQUIRES
Commitment is introduced as a pathway to progress. Clear expectations help swimmers build confidence, consistency, and stronger team habits.
FAMILY EXPECTATIONS
✓ Support consistent attendance and on-time arrival
✓ Review schedules, announcements, and deadlines
✓ Complete required registrations and memberships
✓ Communicate promptly about absences or concerns
✓ Complete at least 8 volunteer hours or two meet sessions per season.
THE NEXT GROUP IS EARNED
THROUGH READINESS.
Advancement is based on technical consistency, training habits, maturity, attendance, competitive readiness, and the swimmer’s ability to meet the expectations of the next group—not age or speed alone.
NEXT IN THE PATHWAY
BOTTLENOSE DOLFINS
Continue building technique, endurance, racing skills, and training responsibility.