James E. Taylor High School, 20700 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, Texas 77450, United States
Shark School is an entry level, non-competitive program for swimmers up to age 12. Its goal is to prepare the swimmers for the PFL competitive team.
This is not a learn to swim program. All swimmers must be able to complete two lengths of the pool in freestyle and one length in backstroke across the deep end.
Swimming With The Sharks
This program has a fun environment with age appropriate drills to encourage skill development. Some drills may look like play time, but all have a purpose in developing competencies. Participants will learn all four competition strokes plus legal starts, pullouts, and turns. Individual Medley concepts will be introduced. There is no attendance at meets.
Shark School uses the diving well of the pool. Be advised -- it's cold and deep. The Taylor natatorium is an indoor pool and is kept at FINA-mandated competition temperature (77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit).
All participants must complete a tryout.
The Fishy Details
- Practices on Monday and Wednesday evenings
- 6:05 PM to 6:45 PM or 6:50 PM to 7:30 PM
- 6 practices per month guaranteed
- School year only; switch to Stroke Clinics in the summer months
- Swimmers are grouped by ability and will progress through three levels as they demonstrate key competencies
- Goal is to move to competitive team when ready
Tiger Sharks (Level 1)
- Pool safety rules
- Pool etiquette
- Follow Coaching Instructions
- Streamline and ready position
- Beginning treading water
- Somersaults
- Feet-first dives
Hammerhead Sharks (Level 2)
- Freestyle and backstroke technique
- Body and head position
- Kneeling dives
- Correct breaststroke kick
- Correct butterfly kick
Great White Sharks (Level 3)
- Racing start
- Refining freestyle and backstroke
- Flip turns for freestyle and backstroke
- Treading water for 3 to 5 minutes
- Correct arms for breaststroke
- Correct arms for butterfly
- Correct finishes
MOVING UP TO PFL
Swimmers who have passed all three levels of Shark School and who can complete a 100yd IM legally including starts and turns may be invited to join the competitive team. Final decision on placement is at the discretion of the Head Coach.
Swimmers can be moved up throughout the year, but primarily in October, January, and April.