What To Look For When You Select a Swim Team
What is the
program philosophy?
The
Zenith Aquatic Program (ZAP) teaches each child to push himself or
herself to new limits,
to define success and then, to attain it. Our means
for teaching these life lessons is competitive swimming, but we know
that the skills, values and training our swimmers receive transfer
to all areas
of life.
We seek
athletes (and families who support them) who are honest and improvement
minded, who want to be empowered to discover unforeseen
potentials,
and who want help pushing out of their comfort zones to be champions
both in the pool and in life. At ZAP, we do this through the pursuit
of personal and
team excellence and through the spirit of cooperation among swimmers,
parents, and coaches.
Does
the program emphasize technique/stroke development at all levels of
the program?
ZAPPERS
are taught that proper stroke technique and racing skills, and applying
them to everyday training, are the first and foremost
determiner
of swimming speed and injury prevention. ZAPPERS are taught through
constructive feedback. We use the same techniques, drills, and
skills used by Olympians
and professional swimmers.
One
of the hallmarks of ZAP is that families will often see our youngest
and oldest athletes practicing
the same
skills and drills, and our coaches using the same language
across all programs.
What
type of training and experience do the coaches in the program have? What
do they do to further their education and training?
ZAP
coaches are professionals and understand the impact they have
on their athletes’ lives. They are constantly searching
out educational opportunities though the American Swim Coaches
Association (ASCA) and
USA Swimming (USAS)
to keep current on the latest swimming techniques, and in the
physical, emotional, and psychological development of children
and young adults.
Our coaches have experience in all aspects of swimming including
learn-to-swim, pre-competitive, non-competitive, and competitive
swimming at all levels
from novice to elite, high school, collegiate and masters.
Does
the program emphasize the long-term success and development of the
athlete?
At
ZAP we believe that a strong foundation in stroke mechanics and having
fun with swimming are the two key components critical
to long-term
success
in the sport. Our ability-and age-based program is structured
to give appropriate training to ensure an athlete's success
throughout his or her swimming
career.
We
do not believe in magic wands or magic cures for swimming
fast…just
hard work, determination, and perseverance. Our structure
is based on principles and recommendations learned from
ASCA and
USAS, as well
as
some of the
top programs in the US and around the world.
What
type of learning/development/practice environment is provided for my
child?
A proper
environment for athlete development is critical to athlete success
and improvement. ZAP coaches emphasize
a high
feedback
environment where
athletes receive guided and independent practice (rather
than “garbage
yardage”). Our low swimmer-to-coach and swimmer-to-lane
ratios allow the athletes to learn effectively
and
take their
swimming
to their
highest levels.
ZAP
is very excited about the programs we offer our community. We are looking
for athletes and families
who are committed
to our philosophy
of being
improvement-minded and consistently striving to take
swimming to the next level.
If you
and your swimmer are looking
for a program
lead by professionally
trained coaches where your child will have the
opportunity to practice and compete in a positive environment,
ZAP is THE program for you!
This
Sounds Great! How Do I Join ZAP?
(top)