Development Squad in Cannonvale
Build. Improve. Progress.
Cannonvale Swim Centre offers the perfect environment for swimmers ready to build on their foundation and take their skills further. This next stage of training focuses on refining technique, improving stamina and introducing more advanced drills in a supportive, structured setting. Swimmers are encouraged to push themselves while enjoying the process, with guidance from experienced coaches who understand how to keep sessions both challenging and fun. It’s an ideal step for those who have outgrown beginner levels and want to stay active, build confidence and keep progressing.
Our development squad sets the pace for future success in the water.
Development Squad Overview
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD (previously Bullets and Torpedoes squads) is a group consisting predominantly of swimmers aged 9 years +. This group continues to centre around refining technique and racing skills, while introducing timed repeats on a greater scale and with increased intensity. Medley swimming, that is training all four strokes, will be front and centre in this group.
Sessions will emphasise aerobic development, stroke length and coordination, while increasing the amount of short rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expectations of swimmers?
Swimmers should be ready to commence each session on time. They should bring goggles, a water bottle if desired, and a gear bag containing fins, kickboard and a pull buoy to each session. Swimmers or parents must notify the coach of a swimmer’s illness or injury, or the need to leave the session early. Swimmers must show consideration for other swimmers, listen attentively to the coach, and give their best effort in each session.
What is required for assessment, enrolment and fees?
A registration form must be completed prior to commencing training. Before starting squad training, a swimmer needs to be assessed or have a trial to determine if squad training will be suitable for them.
How does promotion (upgrading) work?
Development Squad swimmers may be promoted to Advanced Squad at the discretion of the Advanced Squad coach. Promotion is based on attendance, demonstrating adequate commitment, attitude, including the ability to train in a group, showing consideration for other squad members, listening attentively to the coach and following instructions, and giving their best effort in every training session. Ability is also required, including swimming without fins and completing 10 x 50m Freestyle and Backstroke on 1.10, 6 x 50m Butterfly on 1.30, and 10 x 50m Breaststroke on 1.30.
What are the sessions and timetable?
Development Squad sessions are 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in duration and are offered on five afternoons and two mornings.
What are the training fees?
There are payment options, including casual sessions, weekly or school term rates. Training fees include pool entrance.
Who is the Development Squad suitable for?
The Development Squad is ideal for swimmers who have progressed beyond the basics and are ready for more structured training. Typically, these swimmers can already swim multiple laps using freestyle and backstroke with good technique. The focus shifts to refining strokes, improving stamina and building a solid foundation for more advanced swimming. It's perfect for those who want to continue learning without the pressure of competition.
How is this different from the Junior Squad?
While the Junior Squad focuses on confidence and foundational skills, the Development Squad introduces a higher level of structure and challenge. Swimmers begin to learn more technical aspects of each stroke and complete longer training sets. There’s a greater emphasis on endurance, speed and efficiency in the water. It’s a natural next step for those who’ve outgrown basic lessons and want to push further.
What commitment is expected from swimmers?
We recommend attending sessions regularly—ideally two or more times a week—to see steady improvement. Consistency is key for building endurance and reinforcing technique. While we understand that families have varying schedules, making swimming part of a routine helps swimmers get the most out of the program. Our coaches support every swimmer’s journey and encourage progress without added pressure.
Our Program Structure
The Development Squad program is planned by the principal coach, Ken Crittenden, with a view to preparing swimmers for their goals. Sessions will include a variety of technique, skill, endurance and speed elements to achieve optimal performance. The program aims primarily to teach and coach swimmers, while also challenging them.
The group will continue to enhance their technique and fitness for all four strokes. Sessions will emphasise technique development, stroke length and coordination. Swimmers will learn about turns, starts, finishes, medleys and how to read the training clock.
Expectations of Swimmers
Cannonvale Swim Centre provides a supportive environment for swimmers ready to progress their skills, build stamina and refine technique. As part of the Development Squad, swimmers are expected to demonstrate responsibility and commitment at every session. Swimmers should arrive on time, prepared with goggles, a water bottle if desired, and a gear bag containing fins, a kickboard and a pull buoy. Swimmers or parents must inform the coach of any illness, injury or early departure. Respect for others is essential, along with attentive listening and a willingness to give their best effort, helping create a positive and focused training environment.
Promotion (Upgrading)
Development Squad swimmers may be promoted to the Advanced Squad at the discretion of the Advanced Squad coach, ensuring they are well prepared for the increased demands of training. Promotion is based on attendance, attitude and ability. Swimmers should demonstrate consistent attendance as a sign of commitment, along with a positive attitude, including respect for others, attentive listening and strong effort in every session. In terms of ability, swimmers must meet specific benchmarks without fins, including 10 x 50 metres freestyle and backstroke on 1 minute 10 seconds, 6 x 50 metres butterfly on 1 minute 30 seconds, and 10 x 50 metres breaststroke on 1 minute 30 seconds.
Sessions & Timetable
Development Squad sessions run for approximately one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes, providing swimmers with extended time to build endurance, refine technique and develop advanced skills in a structured environment. Sessions are available across five afternoons and two mornings each week, offering flexibility for families and supporting consistent training habits. A range of payment options is available, including casual sessions, weekly payments or a school term rate to suit different needs. All training fees include pool entry, ensuring swimmers have full access to facilities while benefiting from quality coaching and a supportive, motivating squad environment.
Development Squad Benefits
The Development Squad helps swimmers sharpen their technique while building endurance, speed and overall fitness. With a focus on structured, skill-based sessions, swimmers learn to move more efficiently through the water using advanced drills and targeted coaching. Each session offers a supportive and challenging environment where swimmers can improve at their own pace, guided by coaches who understand how to balance fun with progression.
Beyond physical benefits, the squad fosters discipline, goal-setting and confidence. Swimmers are encouraged to take ownership of their training and celebrate their achievements along the way. It's an ideal step for those looking to stay active, motivated and committed to ongoing improvement in the pool.
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