The DSA Program Pathway is designed to take the students from an introductory understanding of basic movement in water to the development of the various strokes. The Pathway consists of the various levels after which the students will be ready for the basics of starting in the Mini Swim Squad.
The key principles followed in the pathway progress from full support in the beginning, followed by minimal support and then finally to independence. The skills at each level are progressive opportunities for revision.
RED LEVEL 1
Basic Movement in Water & Safety
At this initial phase, importance is placed more on the student gaining confidence while being in the water. Sessions will focus on water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility activities. This level is the initial preparation for understanding how their body moves in water. By the end of this level students will be able to float and move unassisted in the water using front and back kicks in a streamlined body position.
Basic Movement in Water & Safety ► fundamentals of front & back movement in water
RED LEVEL 2
Freestyle & Backstroke
At this stage the students commence learning the basic strokes of freestyle and backstroke. Students will learn to coordinate front and back arm and leg movements whilst continuing to practice efficient flutter kicking. Students are also taught a range of drills to increase their ability in freestyle, backstroke and survival skills.
enhancing confidence & movement ► introduction to freestyle & backstroke
YELLOW LEVEL 1
Enhancing Freestyle & Backstroke
The Yellow levels mark the further development of basic swimming skills. Here they learn to improve freestyle and backstroke. Breathing techniques are introduced along with additional water safety activities.
enhancing freestyle & backstroke ► introducing breathing techniques
YELLOW LEVEL 2
Introducing Breaststroke Kick
At this level, students continue to improve their freestyle, backstroke and breathing skills through more challenging drills. The breaststroke kick is introduced and the students learn the whip, kick and glide movements. Diving skills and survival skills are also further developed at this level.
enhancing freestyle & backstroke ► introducing breast stroke kick ► introducing starts & turns
BLUE LEVEL 1
Advanced Stroke Techniques
The advanced techniques of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly are introduced. Students learn to swim extended distances using both freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. The basics of the butterfly stroke are also introduced in this level.
freestyle, backstroke & breaststroke enhancement ► introducing butterfly ► introducing stroke rules
BLUE LEVEL 2
Preparation for Mini Squad
At this level, students start to prepare for competitive swimming levels. The techniques continue to be refined to increase stroke efficiency. The students swim longer distances in both freestyle and backstroke. Breaststroke and butterfly techniques continue to be refined. Starts, turns and finishes are developed along with more challenging survival skills.
enhancement of all strokes ► preparation for mini squad training
The DSA Pathway for the Squad Programs aims at preparing students for competitive levels, which is extensive training for participation at inter-club meets and upwards.
MINI SQUAD
Entry level for Squad Training
The Mini Squad trains for 1 hour every session and includes extended aerobic fitness and stroke correction. The practice sessions are on a rotational plan so students can practice all the strokes at the same sessions.
Students will need to have necessary equipment which includes water bottle, goggles, cap, kickboard and a pair of fins. Mini Squad also servers a level for those looking to continue regular training, but not wishing to move to competitive levels.
Learning Bio-Mechanics of Swimming ► Extended Fitness ► Leisure Squad Training
DSA SWIM TEAM
Commitment, Fitness & Management Strategies
The DSA Swim Team or the Senior Squad trains for 2 hours every session. Swimmers develop the techniques and fitness levels required for competitive swimming. They are taught training cycles, goal setting and achievement of personal targets.
Dry land training and its effective use for improvement in performance and other psychological and management strategies are also imparted Nutrition and injury management are the other factors studied at this level. Swimmers are given exposure to National level competitions.
Equipment required includes black leg band and snorkel in addition to the Junior Squad materials.
training cycles ► injury management ►national level exposure