Development Squad

Commencement of Progressive Training

Welcome to the Development Squad, the advanced stroke, skills, and race development squads of our club. Once you’ve honed your skills and achieved the necessary times in Learn to Train, it’s time to dive into serious stamina, speed, and technique development. Under the guidance of our dedicated coaches, you’ll undergo rigorous training to refine your stroke technique, enhance your skills, and master the art of racing. Our belief is that a fast swimmer must have impeccable technique and skills, which we prioritise in every training session.  Development Squad enjoy 4.25 hours of pool time each week, To maximise progress you are encouraged to attend all sessions.

Progression to the Competition Squad is determined by timed assessments.

Development squads lead coach is Tony Rogers (Level 2 Coach). The coaching team comprises  of  Matt Rafiq-Craske (Level 1 Coach) ,Terry Davies (Level 4 Coach), Sarah Young (Level 2 Coach) and Mark Horrod (Level 2 Coach), supported by our enthusiastic Young Aquatic Helpers.

Join the Development Squad to take your swimming journey to new heights. Whether you aspire to compete at the highest level or simply wish to refine your skills, our squads offer the perfect platform for growth and success. Contact us today to embark on this thrilling chapter of your aquatic journey!

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DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

Development Squad - 1st April 2025
Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre
Tuesday
19:00-20:00Main Pool
Wednesday
19:30-20:30Diving Pool
Sunday
07:30-09:00Main Pool
Sunday
18:00-19:00Main Pool

Total training time

4.30  hours water time
All swimmers should warm up for 10 minutes before each session, and stretch for 10 minutes after each session.

 

Equipment required:

  • Swimming trunks/jammers and costumes
  • Swimming Goggles
  • Drinks Bottle
  • Swimming Hat
  • Kick Boards
  • Fins

Additional Equipment –  Development Squad

  • Pullbuoy
  • Hand Paddles
  • Snorkel
  • Stretch band
  • Skipping Rope

 

Squad training equipment and swimming essentials can be ordered from Maru  including fins, pullbuoys and mesh bags. HHSC club members receive a 10% discount on all orders. For items, not stocked by Maru (kickboard/handle paddles, snorkel), please use the links provided to source these items.

www.maruswim.com/HHSC

 

Hand Paddles

Come in Sizes XS/S/M/L. We recommend those with only a thumbhole

FINIS Agility Floating Paddles (proswimwear.co.uk)

 

 Snorkel

Should extend up the middle of the swimmer’s face to the top of their head, not around the side. Adult and junior versions exist.

Arena Swim Snorkel Pro 11 (this is an adult version which is fine for some children)

– ARENA Swim Snorkel Pro III, Unisex Adulto : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors FINIS Glide Snorkel (Mint Green) : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

 

Kickboard

Ideally no holes for swimmers’ hands, they need boards that they can hold at the top to force the legs lower in the water.

Speedo EVA Kickboard – Mash Up Turquoise/Lime : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

 

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN OUR SWIMMING CLUB?

We are a competitive sport club, with our swimmers competing
at all levels from local team galas to National and European events.