The Stroke Clinic offers an opportunity for swimmers to focus on technique and stroke development, as well as finer points such as turns and starts, in a small-group environment. Stroke Clinic is a great option for swimmers of all ages! It is a smart alternative for older swimmers who participate in other activities to keep their swimming skills fresh in the off-season, as well as a great way for younger swimmers to bridge the gap between swim lessons and swim team.
The TIBU Stroke Clinic is appropriate for swimmers from ages four through eighth grade. Stroke clinic participants meet once per week on either Saturday or Sunday.
Swimmers in the clinic are divided into three leveled groups:
• Beginner — Child must be at least 4, put face in water, float independently (on front or back), and be comfortable in 4 foot water
• Intermediate — Child must be able to swim 15 meters of freestyle (with reasonable side breathing) and backstroke, and child must be at least 5 years old
• Advanced — Child must be able to swim continuous laps and have a basic knowledge of all 4 strokes (need not be legal)
Here is what parents can expect to see at our Stroke Clinic:
• One head coach and one assistant coach for every 6-8 swimmers
• Trained coaches working through a carefully designed, progressive list of swimming skills that each lane will work to achieve in a manner appropriate to the swimmers’ ages and skill levels
• Coaches of younger swimmers in the water
• “Report cards” at the end of the 10-week session so that parents can note specific progress and be advised of appropriate placement for their children in the next session
• An on-deck supervising coach available to talk to parents and to ensure quality coaching and a smooth program
Introducing some of our fabulous Stroke Clinic coaches:
• Jorge Silva, head coach and owner of the Tiburones
• Nathan Meadows, head age group coach and senior program administrator
• Brooke Hoffman, clinic director and MCPS teacher
• Beth Silva, TIBU program director and teacher
• Kevin Callanan, certified, experienced TIBU age group coach
• Paul Wolf, TIBU age group coach, Masters swimmer and Whetstone parent
• Brad Buckley, graduate of Salisbury University, NCAA All-American and varsity team captain, veteran coach
• Christi Main, MCSL coach, graduate of Salisbury University and the TIBU Sr. Competition program
Clinic Sessions 2010-2011
Fall: September 25-November 28
• 5:30-6:30pm Saturday OR 1:00-2:00pm Sunday
• Canceled November 13-14
Winter: December 11-February 19
• 5:30-6:30pm Saturday
• Canceled December 25-26 and January 1-2
Spring: March 5-May 8
• 5:30-6:30pm Saturday OR 12:30-1:30 Sunday OR 1:30-2:30 Sunday
