School group (non competitive)
The Swimming School group is intended for young swimmers aged 6 to 8 who already know how to swim and are new to swimming training. Coaches teach the basics of swimming, from learning to be independent in the water to learning codified movements, through various exercises and games. Swimmers also learn diving and various water entries.
It is recommended to attend all practices in order to have a complete coaching, and then to allow swimmers to join the CNSL competitive school groups.
Competitive school groups
Our competitive school groups are aimed at young swimmers aged 6 to 10 who start competitive swimming. The coaches teach the basics of the four competitive swimming styles using various educational, games and exercises. Swimmers also learn diving and simple turns. The training is focused on sprinting and the pleasure of learning to swim quickly and efficiently.
It is recommended to attend all training sessions in order to have a full coaching and be ready for the competitions. Swimmers participate in the Lac-Saint-Louis regional circuit and swim meets are held on the island of Montreal, usually once a month, either a morning or an afternoon of the weekend.
Relève
This group is aimed at young swimmers between the ages of 8 and 12 who already have competitive swimming experience and who have achieved several development standards. The coach will fine-tune the techniques of the four swim styles, in addition to working on aerobic endurance and the speed of execution of turns and diving. Young swimmers are introduced to the dryland work of coordination, stability and flexibility.
It is recommended to attend all training sessions in order to have a full coaching and to be ready for the competitions. Swimmers will be invited to several competitions, at least one weekend per month. They will participate not only in the Lac-Saint-Louis regional circuit, but also in some invitations. Those who attain the required time standards will also be invited to Coupes or Championships.
Groupes d’âge 2, 3 et 4 (GA2, GA3 et GA4)
This group is for 10 to 15 year old swimmers who know the basics of competitive swimming. The coach ensures the technical perfection of all four swim styles, as well as working on aerobic endurance and the speed of execution of turns and dive. A work of muscular reinforcement and flexibility is also given out of the water.
It is recommended to attend all training sessions in order to have complete development and to be ready for the meets. Swimmers will receive invitations throughout the year to participate in various meets, approximately one weekend a month. Swimmers participate in the Lac-Saint-Louis regional circuit.
Age group 1 (GA1)
This group is for swimmers aged 13 and up with a solid swimming experience. The physical work required is more demanding, both in power and aerobic endurance. The technique of swimming becomes more individualized, and the coach expects gradually during the season increased performances in competition and continuous improvement.
The Head Coach keeps a close eye on this group, and the best and more disciplined may have the opportunity to join the Elite group during the season.
It is recommended to participate in all training to have a full coaching and be ready for competition. Swimmers will be invited approximately once a month to meets in the greater Montreal area. Those who attain the required time standards will also be invited to the Coupes and Championships.
Espoir
The Espoir group is designed for 10 to 12 year olds with skills and potential for competitive swimming. Young athletes in this group must demonstrate discipline, focus and dedication to the sport. The coaching is rigorous, focused on the four swimming styles and the sprint, in addition to an introduction to racing tactics. Dry land sessions improve flexibility, coordination, and overall stability.
It is mainly from this group that the Head Coach selects future members of the Elite group.
All training is mandatory and necessary for optimal progression. Swimmers must know and aim for at least the provincial standard 11-12 years, in order to participate in the Coupes and Championships. Swim meets during the season also include invitations held in the greater Montreal area.
Elite
Elite swimmers 13 years old and older are the CNSL’s high performance group. The detailed and rigorous season plan is built around the core of National level athletes but also allows dedicated Provincial swimmers to experience spectacular progression throughout the year.
Coaching consists of several advanced educational elements, video technical work, flexibility and dry weight training sessions, technical, tactical and mental objectives planning, aquatic and physical progression tests, motivational tips, healthy lifestyle, diet and sleep, all for one purpose: to enjoy performing.
The Head Coach expects from these athletes a great commitment to the sport through their presence, discipline and constant rigor, and will do everything in his power to achieve their greatest ambitions while respecting their mental limits and physical.
All training is mandatory, but we understand that a student’s life sometimes has its constraints. Athletes participate in about one meet a month, often over two to three days, in the greater Montreal area and sometimes outside of Montreal.