Practice Groups & Times
All swimmers are evaluated by a Marlins coach and will be assigned to a practice group that matches their age and ability. Guidelines for practice groups (listed below) allow our coaches to work more effectively within their practices with a cohesive group of swimmers.
The Marlins coaches have each swimmer’s best interest and long-term development in mind when assigning a practice group. The coaches consider the age and physical ability of the swimmer as well as the emotional readiness of each child for the training required of the higher practice group.
Please note that the guidelines for each group are just that, guidelines. The coaches use their experience and judgment to determine the practice group most appropriate for the swimmer and his/her long-term development and enjoyment of the sport. To support the ongoing training of all of our athletes, our coaches have designed each practice group to produce optimum growth and development. Therefore, swimmers who are unable to meet the minimal requirements for their practice group may be moved to a practice group that better accommodates their attendance and training needs.
Competitive Team:
Master Marlins (M-F 6:30AM-8:00AM) Master Marlins are advanced swimmers of at or near high school age who are efficient in the individual medley with proper stroke transitions. These athletes are proficient in the appropriate starts, transitions and flip or open turns associated with each stroke and every competitive event. A swimmer in this group can continuously swim 1,000 meters with flip turns.
Sharks (M-F 7:45-9:00AM) Sharks are intermediate level swimmers proficient in all 4 competitive strokes using streamline and flip turns consistently. These athletes make successful head-first entry from the starting blocks and can swim 200 meters freestyle consecutively.
Stingrays (M-F 8:45-10:00 AM) Stingrays are entry level competitive swimmers who demonstrate an efficient streamline with dolphin kicks and are competent in both backstroke and freestyle competitive styles. A swimmer at this level can independently swim 25 meters without stopping or touching the wall or lane line (8 and under) or 50 meters (age 9 and up). Swimmers in this group will practice competition techniques involving entries, turns, and finishes expected during a swim meet. Swimmers will also will begin to develop all 4 competitive strokes.
Pre-Competitive Mini Marlins:
The Mini Marlins program is focused on the immediate goal of transitioning swimmers directly onto the competition team once the swimmer is capable of swimming 25 meters independently without stopping or touching the wall or lane line in freestyle and backstroke. If a swimmer transitions from Minnows onto the competitive team, the parent will assume all the volunteer requirements associated with a competitive swim parent.
Minnows (M-F 7:45AM-8:45AM) Minnows are pre-competitive swimmers who train specifically to master the freestyle and backstroke competitive swimming styles. Swimmers are about kindergarten age and older and are gaining confidence, skills, and the endurance to complete one length (25 meters) of the pool in backstroke and freestyle. Coaching staff will determine when a swimmer will advance onto the competitive team based on their skill, endurance and competition readiness.
Guppies (M-F 9:00AM-10:00AM) Guppies are the earliest skill level of pre-competitive swimmers and are typically of kindergarten age or older. Swimmers should possess such basic swim skills as, floating on their front and back independently for a count of 10 seconds and bobbing consecutively 15 times or more. Swimmers in this group should be prepared to move to Minnows when their coach has determined they have reached the appropriate skill level of development.
**NEW**
Conditioning & Fitness Group
Silver Fins (M-F 6:30AM-8:00AM) This is the Martinsburg Marlins conditioning & fitness group which is designed for adults (18+) who want to improve their swimming endurance, refine their technique, and enhance their overall fitness. This program offers structured workouts led by experienced coaches, providing guidance and motivation to help you reach your goals.
Whether you’re a former competitive swimmer, a triathlete in training, or simply looking for an excellent full-body workout, this program caters to all fitness levels. Each session focuses on building stamina, strength, and efficiency in the water, making it a great way to stay active in a supportive and structured environment.
