SPINNER DOLFINS AT A GLANCE
Designed for swimmers ages 11–14 who have developed a strong competitive foundation and are ready for higher attendance, training, and meet expectations.
AGE & PLACEMENT
Ages 11–14. Swimmers can complete at least 100 yards/meters of all four strokes, the 200 IM, and the 400/500 Freestyle.
TRAINING FOCUS
Advanced Age Group swim training with greater training volume, consistency, and competitive preparation.
PRACTICE EXPECTATION
Attend 3–5 practices per week; 75–90 minutes each plus dryland exercise.
MEMBERSHIPS & MEETS
Active Danvers Community YMCA and USA Swimming memberships required. Participate in 75% of scheduled meets.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Required equipment: team-issued shirt, suit, swim caps, goggles, mesh bag, fins, snorkel, yoga mat, resistance band, hand paddles, and pull buoy.
WHO THIS GROUP IS FOR
READY FOR ADVANCED AGE GROUP TRAINING.
Spinner Dolfins is for athletes who can complete at least 100 yards/meters of all four strokes, the 200 IM, and the 400/500 Freestyle.
Swimmers should be ready for advanced Age Group swim training, increased practice frequency, and a stronger commitment to scheduled competition.
✓ Complete at least 100 yards/meters of all four strokes
✓ Complete the 200 IM and 400/500 Freestyle
✓ Prepared for 3–5 practices per week
✓ Prepared to participate in 75% of scheduled meets
ALL FOUR
STROKES
Continue developing all four competitive strokes through more structured and demanding swim training.
WHAT SPINNER DOLFINS DEVELOP
Training introduces more advanced swim training and builds the consistency, endurance, and responsibility expected of advanced Age Group swimmers.
ENDURANCE & TRAINING VOLUME
Build the capacity to complete longer practices and higher training volume consistently.
RACE PREPARATION
Prepare to participate consistently in scheduled meets as part of the competitive team.
RACING &
TEAM HABITS
Take greater responsibility for attendance, equipment, training habits, and competitive commitments.
WHAT PARTICIPATION REQUIRES
Spinner swimmers have higher expectations for attendance and competition as they move into advanced Age Group training.
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
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.
PROGRESSING BEYOND SPINNER DOLFINS
THE NEXT GROUP IS EARNED
THROUGH READINESS.
As swimmers progress beyond advanced Age Group training, the next stage in the Dolfins pathway is Orcas, the senior group preparing for higher-level competition.
NEXT IN THE PATHWAY
ORCAS
Senior-level, high-intensity training for athletes preparing for state, regional, and national competitions.