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BSL Practice Groups

Birmingham Swim League has a long-standing tradition as one of the top teams in the Southeastern LSC and national competition. We strive to watch swimmers progress through each group on the team, growing their swimming skills and abilities as they do so, earning their way to higher levels of competition and greater standards for practice. However, it's not just about swimming. BSL swimmers are encouraged to develop values and life skills throughout their growth in the BSL programs and to grow into young adults who represent hard work, dedication, and respect outside of the pool.


GROUP PLACEMENT/MOVING GROUPS

Swimmers can move groups at any time at the discretion of the coaching staff. Most moves happen between seasons, but that is not always the case. Many factors go into determining when it is the "right time" for a swimmer to move groups, including but not limited to:

 

  • Age
  • Mental/Emotional Maturity
  • Biological Maturity
  • Speed
  • Qualifying Times
  • Endurance/Ability to handle training loads
  • Sportsmanship


FOUNDATIONS

Foundations is the introductory group to BSL. This group primarily focuses on building the foundational skills needed to progress legally in all 4 strokes. Swimmers will begin learning the basics of competition skills, including push-offs, streamlines, starts, and finishes. Basic dryland routines may be introduced to increase coordination and balance.


Required Equipment: Water Bottle, Kickboard, Fins, Mesh Bag, Backpack


$150.00/month for 11 months


DEVELOPMENT

Development builds upon the foundations of previously learned skills while developing more advanced skills. Swimmers are taught advanced drills while further developing competition skills and beginning to attend more swim meets. Dryland routines will be used to increase coordination and athleticism. Swimmers in Development generally compete in local competitions.

 

Required Equipment: Water Bottle, Kickboard, Fins, Mesh Bag, Backpack

 

$160.00/month for 11 months


REFINEMENT

Refinement works to develop further the skills previously learned while refining specific techniques and competition skills. Swimmers will be introduced to aerobic and interval training while maintaining efficient and repeatable stroke mechanics. Intermediate dryland routines are introduced to develop athletic skills and core strength. Swimmers in Refinement compete in local and regional competitions. 

 

Required Equipment: Water Bottle, Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Snorkel, Mesh Bag, Backpack

 

$185.00/month for 11 months


PERFORMANCE

Performance is the most advanced level of the BSL age group program. Swimmers will continue to refine repeatable stroke mechanics while focusing on conditioning and training consistently. Swimmers will be challenged with intense swimming sets with a focus on race and meet preparation. Intermediate and advanced dryland routines are introduced to develop athleticism and core strength. Swimmers in Age Group Performance compete in all scheduled local and regional competitions.

 

Required Equipment: Water Bottle, Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Paddles, Snorkel, Mesh Bag, Backpack

 

$210.00/month for 11 months


SENIOR

Senior focuses on technical development, seasonal performance, and periodic training. Emphasis is placed on aerobic endurance, explosive speed, and lactate tolerance in the water while advanced dryland and strength training is introduced. Swimmers in Senior strive to attend all available practices to ensure consistent and progressive training. Senior swimmers compete in all scheduled local and regional competitions. 

 

Required Equipment: Water Bottle, Kickboard, Fins, Zoomers, Pull Buoy, Paddles, Snorkel, Tempo Trainer, Chute Set, Mesh Bag, Backpack


$260.00/month for 11 months

 

MASTERS

Birmingham Swim League is also proud to offer a registered US Masters program! If you're 18 or older and looking to be a part of an adult swimming community, BSL is the place for you!


We offer high-quality coaching and multiple workout options for swimmers of all levels. You might be brand new to the sport, just learning your strokes, a triathlete looking to improve endurance in the water, or a seasoned veteran of Masters swimming competition. Our Master's program is designed to accommodate everyone.


$300.00/annually or $30.00/month

REGISTER NOW!