The Silver Typhoons are an introductory level to competitive and semi-competitive swim team programs. If the swimmer has been enrolled in YMCA Swim Lessons, they would be the equivalent of a Minnow/Ray or higher.
Goals: The primary goals of the Silver Typhoon group is to have fun, fun, and more fun! While having a great time with their peers, there is a large emphasis on learning about the sport of swimming, proper stroke technique, and learning about the values of the Hamden/North Haven YMCA Typhoons.
Ability Criteria: Swimmers must be able to complete one full length of the pool (25 yards) without a flotation device, attempting out of water arm recovery and rotary breathing.
Practices Available: Three practices each week with a half hour of dry-land practice per week are available to the Silver Typhoons. We recommend/require at least 2 practices in water per week with at least 15 minutes of dry-land practice.
*Practice Schedule Released Week of 7/26/2010*
| Day | In | Out | In-Water |
Dry – Land |
| Monday | 5:15 |
6:15 |
5:15 – 6:00 | 6:00 – 6:15 |
| Tuesday | 6:15 | 7:15 | 6:15 – 7:15 | - |
| Friday | 6:15 | 7:15 | 6:30 – 7:15 | 6:15 – 6:30 |
Training Focus: We will focus on the introduction of the four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle) with proper stroke techniques. We will also introduce the basic progression of swimming drills, head first starts off the side and off the starting block, and legal competition turns and finishes.
Competition Focus: The Silver Typhoons aren’t solely focused on competition, but are more-so focused on having a lot of fun at the swim meets with their friends! The swim meets are mandatory to attend, but act as a huge team building experience for the swimmers! It’s a great opportunity for them to bond with their teammates and enjoy a great day at the pool. Silver Typhoons will participate in all dual/tri meets, the Yankee Cluster Championship meet (splash fee required), and YMCA New England Regional Championships (pending qualifying times, and splash fee required).
Equipment Requirements: A swim cap is required for hair that is shoulder length of longer during practices. We will ask that all swimmers (male and female) wear team caps during meets. We will provide one free latex cap with registration for swim meets (this is part of the “uniform”). Kickboards and pull buoys are also a requirement for the silver group. Team suits are also required and can be ordered upon request. Other than that, the only other equipment needed is a smile and a “can do” attitude!