OUR LOGO
MISSION STATEMENT
The Cross Island YMCA Barracudas emphasize respect, responsibility, caring and honesty as its core values. The swimming program focuses on improvement at all levels of swimming, including developing qualifiers for YMCA States & Regionals / USS Junior Olympics and reaching for more elite levels such as YMCA Nationals and USS Junior Nationals. Using the following components:
| TECHNIQUE: | The key element is to improve technique enabling our swimmers to swim more efficiently and therefore FASTER. Our coaches emphasize extensive stroke drill work allowing swimmers to improve rapidly. |
| STRENGTH: | Swimmers need muscle and energy to swim FAST. CIY provides the Barracudas with some of the best strength training equipment in the metropolitan area. Our strength-training program is tailored to suit the age of the swimmer. Younger swimmers begin with stretch cords, medicine balls and calisthenics. Senior swimmers are introduced to light weights and Cybex equipment. |
| CONDITIONING: | Conditioning enables the swimmer to use his/her strength and technique for longer periods of time. This is attained by swimming repetitive sets of various distances in a specified time (e.g.: 10 x 50 on 1:00 min). |
| FLEXIBILITY: | Flexibility is needed to prevent injury and perform good stroke technique. Stretching exercises are specifically taught at the start of Saturday morning practices and after JD practice on Wednesdays. |
| ATTITUDE: | One element that is often underrated is MENTAL STRENGTH. We teach our swimmers that believing in themselves is the first step to success. Another element is LEADERSHIP. Our swimmers learn to provide strong examples for each other through hard work ethics and a willingness to help each other. |
| FUN: | Learning is best accomplished when the subject matter is enjoyable. By incorporating such elements as occasional pool games, creative and challenging sets and team activities, the coaching staff is able to make the hard work of each practice more enjoyable. |
FUN, FAST & FRIENDLY
FUN is a key ingredient we seek to accomplish and believe it should be with any youth endeavor. FAST is what this team has become. We are proud and yet still thirsty for more speed. And FRIENDLY relates to our encounters with teammates, parents, YMCA staff, as well as our competition. Our swimmers have a strong record of sportsmanship and friendliness that we wish to build upon.
Jr. Development PROGRAM
The JD swimmers are not physically or mentally prepared as yet to participate as extensively as Senior members of the team. JD practices are shorter, less frequent and less intense, focusing primarily on technique. Strength training focuses more on general fitness rather than muscle building. JD swimmers should first be hooked on the sport of swimming by seeing it as fun and exciting. Their competitiveness will naturally develop as they progress.
SENIORS
The Senior program continues to focus on technique. However, there is an increase in the number of practices and cardiovascular conditioning. Swimmers are introduced to strength training and Cybex equipment. As their competitiveness increases, the coaches make sure there is a balance between a level of seriousness and fun. Seniors are encouraged to try to obtain State, Regional and National times as their goals.
