Birmingham Swim League

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The Birmingham Swim League(BSL) is a year-round swim team for people of all ages and ability, located in Birmingham, Alabama. It was founded in 1965 by Jack Barncastle and other summer league swim coaches to create a team on which swimmers could be active year round.[1]

[edit] Organization

Birmingham Swim League is organized into 6 major groups and also offers swim lessons for those just learning to swim and masters swimming for those out of school who still want to continue swimming.

A description of each group is found below.

From the BSL Parent Handbook:[2]

Green - this is our introductory level. Swimmers are instructed in the four competitive strokes, turns and starts. Technique is the primary concern at this level. Swimmers are taught the importance of drills and technique, working together, concentration and pace clock skills. Practices are offered two times per week so that younger children are able to experience other activities. These swimmers are encouraged to attend in-town and some out of town meets.

Bronze - swimmers in this group continue with primarily a stroke oriented program. Pre-practice stretching is introduced with proper technique the main concern. Swimmers continue to concentrate on drills and learn the reasons for doing each of them. Swimmers are introduced to intervals, basic aerobic training, basic dry land exercises and more complex pace clock skills. Swimmers in this group are encouraged to participate in other activities. They are encouraged to attend in-town and appropriate out-of-town meets.

Silver - this group is the first of the progressive training groups. Competitive training is introduced. Pace clock skills are highly emphasized, dry land training becomes more progressive, interval work accounts for 50% of the practice time and training skills are taught. Careful attention is given to stroke technique. Swimmers attend in-town and appropriate out-of-town meets.

Gold - this group is designed for committed and motivated young athletes. Attendance is highly encouraged. Training and instruction are at advanced levels so that swimmers may reach their highest potential. This group prepares the swimmer for senior swimming. Aerobic training is emphasized, while stroke instruction continues. Swimmers are taught to be aware of every aspect of swimming. They attend appropriate meets for their competitive level.

Senior Development – is a program for high school age swimmers who wish to progress to a senior level of swimming. The focus of this group is to improve stroke skills, conditioning, and endurance. This group spans a large range of ability levels.

Senior – Swimmers in this group have the ability to train consistently in a highly intense training environment. The objective of this group is to reach the National and International level of swimming.

Other Swimming Programs - Birmingham Swim League offers two other services to the community besides our swim team. BSL offers a “learn-to-swim” program called SwimAmerica and an adult fitness program called BSL Masters.

[edit] External Links

BSL Website

Bold textNATE MAJER WAS ON THE SWIM TEAM!