For youth swimmers striving to reach the highest levels of competition, such as NCAA swimming or international meets, finding a program that meets all their performance needs can be a significant challenge. Many elite swimmers train with top-tier clubs, but even these well-established teams sometimes lack the resources or bandwidth to fully cater to every athlete’s individual goals and specific needs. Whether it’s personalized technique analysis, event-specific race strategies, or even support for mental toughness and nutrition, gaps in coaching and programming can hinder overall progress.

In many cases, swimmers find themselves dealing with:

• Limited Technique Analysis: Many teams focus on volume and intensity but may not offer detailed stroke analysis, feedback, and prescriptive drills that address form and efficiency.

• Inadequate Dryland Programming: While swimming performance heavily relies on strength and conditioning, not all teams are equipped to provide tailored, swim-specific dryland routines that complement in-water training.

• Lack of Mental Skills Training: Performance psychology is a key component of success, especially in high-pressure situations. Many youth swimmers do not receive the necessary guidance in areas like mental resilience, focus, and stress management.

• Event-Specific Race Strategies: As swimmers begin to specialize in certain distances and strokes, they may not receive customized race strategies, pacing plans, or event preparation that maximizes their unique strengths.

• Inconsistent Performance Nutrition: Optimized nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery and performance, but teams often lack the expertise to provide comprehensive guidance in this area.

How Personalized Coaching Can Fill the Gaps

To address these challenges, many athletes benefit from personalized coaching and programming in addition to their club training. This allows swimmers to tailor their development to their specific needs and goals, ensuring no aspect of their preparation is neglected. At Train Daly, we provide customized swim and dryland coaching, technique analysis, performance nutrition, and sports psychology support for swimmers who want to go beyond what their current teams offer.

By incorporating 1-on-1 virtual and in-person sessions, I work with swimmers all over the world to deliver:

• Detailed Technique Analysis: Breaking down stroke mechanics and offering prescriptive drills to enhance efficiency and reduce drag.

• Tailored Dryland Programming: Developing strength, flexibility, and power with swim-specific exercises designed to complement water training.

• Goal-Setting and Race Strategy: Helping swimmers map out their season, create personalized race strategies, and plan for peak performance at key events.

• Sports Psychology Support: Building mental toughness, developing pre-race routines, and managing stress to enhance performance.

• Customized Nutrition Plans: Providing individualized performance nutrition strategies for recovery, competition, and training.

No Situation is Perfect – But There Are Solutions

It’s important for youth swimmers to remember that no training situation is perfect. Even athletes on the most successful swim teams in the U.S. can experience gaps in their development. Whether it’s the lack of a comprehensive coaching staff, limited pool time, or missing support systems, there are resources available to help bridge these gaps.

If you’re already a part of a top club—or considering joining one of the top swim programs in the country (like the ones listed below)—personalized coaching can help you fill in the gaps and ensure you’re reaching your full potential. Whether you’re seeking additional support in technique, strength training, sports psychology, or race-specific strategies, Train Daly coaching and programming is here to help you every step of the way.

Explore the Top 15 U.S. Swim Programs (ranked)

For those looking to relocate or find a club that meets their needs, here’s a list of the top U.S. swim clubs producing elite athletes. While these programs are highly successful, swimmers often find that additional individualized coaching and guidance can take their performance to the next level.

Check out these programs, and don’t hesitate to explore how Train Daly coaching can help you reach your peak performance.

For youth swimmers aspiring to compete at the highest levels—whether it be NCAA championships, Olympic Trials, or international competitions—training at an elite swim club can provide the necessary environment and coaching. Based on the 2023-2024 USA Swimming Club Excellence Rankings, here are the top 15 swim clubs in the U.S., ranked in order with links to each club's official website for more information.

1. SwimMAC Carolina

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Points: 89,639

Why it’s Elite: SwimMAC Carolina is known for producing Olympians and national champions like Ryan Lochte. Their focus on high-quality coaching and athlete development makes them a top destination for swimmers across all age groups.

2. Sandpipers of Nevada

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Points: 56,757

Why it’s Elite: Known for developing distance and open-water swimmers like Erica Sullivan and Katie Grimes, Sandpipers have become a top-performing club in the U.S., especially in national and international competitions.

3. Carmel Swim Club

Location: Carmel, Indiana

Points: 54,137

Why it’s Elite: Dominant in both high school and club swimming, Carmel Swim Club frequently develops athletes who compete at the NCAA Division I level and beyond. They hold numerous national high school records and maintain a well-rounded training environment.

4. Nation’s Capital Swim Club (NCAP)

Location: Washington, D.C. Metro Area

Points: 46,326

Why it’s Elite: NCAP has a long history of producing elite-level swimmers like Katie Ledecky. The club consistently ranks as one of the top in the country and excels in developing swimmers for both collegiate and international competitions.

5. Sarasota Sharks

Location: Sarasota, Florida

Points: 45,677

Why it’s Elite: A well-balanced program with a focus on both sprint and distance events, the Sarasota Sharks frequently rank high at national competitions and send numerous swimmers to NCAA programs.

6. Lakeside Swim Team

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Points: 41,167

Why it’s Elite: Lakeside Swim Team is known for producing high-level athletes across all disciplines, regularly sending swimmers to national and international competitions.

7. Long Island Aquatic Club (LIAC)

Location: Garden City, New York

Points: 41,163

Why it’s Elite: LIAC consistently develops swimmers who succeed at the national and collegiate levels. Their reputation for technical excellence and race preparation is one of the strongest in the Northeast.

8. Scarlet Aquatics

Location: New Jersey

Points: 38,204

Why it’s Elite: Scarlet Aquatics is known for producing swimmers who excel in both short- and long-course swimming. The club regularly competes at the national level and is recognized for its strong coaching staff.

9. Bolles School Sharks

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

Points: 37,855

Why it’s Elite: Bolles has a long history of producing Olympians and national champions. The unique combination of a strong academic program and elite-level swim training makes Bolles an attractive option for high school athletes aiming for NCAA and international success.

10. Rockville Montgomery Swim Club (RMSC)

Location: Rockville, Maryland

Points: 36,476

Why it’s Elite: One of the largest swim programs in the U.S., RMSC develops swimmers who consistently qualify for Olympic Trials and national competitions, with a strong tradition of excellence in multiple strokes.

11. NOVA of Virginia Aquatics

Location: Richmond, Virginia

Points: 34,545

Why it’s Elite: NOVA is renowned for its strong age group and senior-level programs, regularly sending swimmers to national competitions and collegiate programs.

12. Lakeside Aquatic Club

Location: Flower Mound, Texas

Points: 33,416

Why it’s Elite: Lakeside Aquatic Club is a top program in Texas, developing swimmers who excel in both sprint and distance events, and regularly place at national competitions.

13. Aquajets Swim Team

Location: Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Points: 32,386

Why it’s Elite: Aquajets has developed into one of the strongest programs in the Midwest, consistently producing swimmers who succeed at national meets and go on to NCAA programs.

14. Rose Bowl Aquatics

Location: Pasadena, California

Points: 32,279

Why it’s Elite: Rose Bowl Aquatics has a long tradition of producing well-rounded swimmers and consistently ranks among the best programs on the West Coast.

15. TAC Titans

Location: Cary, North Carolina

Points: 31,983

Why it’s Elite: TAC Titans have quickly risen to prominence, producing national champions and NCAA athletes, and offering a comprehensive training environment for high-level competitors.

These top 15 swim clubs are recognized for their consistent ability to develop elite-level swimmers, providing the coaching, competition, and environment needed to excel at the highest levels. For those looking to relocate and maximize their swimming potential, these programs offer the resources and training needed to reach NCAA and international success. You can visit their websites to learn more about their programs and how to get involved.