Do winter swim kids dominate summer swim?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I will say, if your kid is a good enough athlete, they'll do well in summer swim regardless of whether they swim year-round. There are a couple of siblings at our pool who only do summer swim and they're both high point every year. Natural athletes.

But if you don't have one of those kids, OP, and they want to dominate summer swim, let them swim year-round.

We don’t have that experience. Really depends on how competitive your pool is. At my kid’s pool, we have winter swim finalists in every age group, with older swimmers already looking at swimming in college (and the oldest committed). No one could win high point if they weren’t full time swimmers. I think it must really vary by pool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

My DC swims with NCAP and there are no 10 year olds swimming 6 days a week at their site. There aren’t even 6 practices a week offered for that age group and the expectation is for 3-4 practices per week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will say, if your kid is a good enough athlete, they'll do well in summer swim regardless of whether they swim year-round. There are a couple of siblings at our pool who only do summer swim and they're both high point every year. Natural athletes.

But if you don't have one of those kids, OP, and they want to dominate summer swim, let them swim year-round.

We don’t have that experience. Really depends on how competitive your pool is. At my kid’s pool, we have winter swim finalists in every age group, with older swimmers already looking at swimming in college (and the oldest committed). No one could win high point if they weren’t full time swimmers. I think it must really vary by pool.

This is a big and very competitive summer team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

I know a Marlin that has been doing 6 days a week starting at nine. She improved tremendously with the extra practices (JOs, Sectionals) but she also is probably going to look at some injuries and damaged shoulders in the next few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

Honest question- how fast is your kid? One of my kids is fast, so his swim club wants him to move up out of his age bracket - pressure every year for more days (by people some are mentioning don’t pressure kids to swim more days in this thread.) One of my kids is not, and they’ve never suggested it to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

I know a Marlin that has been doing 6 days a week starting at nine. She improved tremendously with the extra practices (JOs, Sectionals) but she also is probably going to look at some injuries and damaged shoulders in the next few years.

Or she’ll stay healthy, have a huge growth spurt, and go to the Olympics. You just don’t know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

I know a Marlin that has been doing 6 days a week starting at nine. She improved tremendously with the extra practices (JOs, Sectionals) but she also is probably going to look at some injuries and damaged shoulders in the next few years.

Or she’ll stay healthy, have a huge growth spurt, and go to the Olympics. You just don’t know.

Why not both? She could be the next Missy Franklin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

Honest question- how fast is your kid? One of my kids is fast, so his swim club wants him to move up out of his age bracket - pressure every year for more days (by people some are mentioning don’t pressure kids to swim more days in this thread.) One of my kids is not, and they’ve never suggested it to me.

NP here. This is exactly my kid’s experience too. Kids who are “fast” are often moved up to swim with older kids so even though the clubs say there are only X number of practices, many kids are doing more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

I know a Marlin that has been doing 6 days a week starting at nine. She improved tremendously with the extra practices (JOs, Sectionals) but she also is probably going to look at some injuries and damaged shoulders in the next few years.

Or she’ll stay healthy, have a huge growth spurt, and go to the Olympics. You just don’t know.

Why not both? She could be the next Missy Franklin

Yes it is a possibility. A small one. There is a higher likelihood of puberty hitting and the body not developing the way it should. The next most likely outcome is overuse injury, which is become more prevalent in young athletes and then later life pain (trust me I know - you pay for all of those injuries later in life), and then there is just plain old burn out.

No child should be practicing one sport that much that young. They should be playing other sports on those other days. In the end they will be better athletes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

I know a Marlin that has been doing 6 days a week starting at nine. She improved tremendously with the extra practices (JOs, Sectionals) but she also is probably going to look at some injuries and damaged shoulders in the next few years.

Or she’ll stay healthy, have a huge growth spurt, and go to the Olympics. You just don’t know.

Why not both? She could be the next Missy Franklin

Yes it is a possibility. A small one. There is a higher likelihood of puberty hitting and the body not developing the way it should. The next most likely outcome is overuse injury, which is become more prevalent in young athletes and then later life pain (trust me I know - you pay for all of those injuries later in life), and then there is just plain old burn out.

No child should be practicing one sport that much that young. They should be playing other sports on those other days. In the end they will be better athletes.

This is completely accurate. But the NoVa area seems to fail on this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Yikes, this is not our experience with our NCAP location at all. My kid is under 10 and a very promising swimmer by all metrics (and both parents are former swimmers, and tall). Our coach has encouraged our kid to pursue other sports and become a well rounded athlete. She's recommending 2x a week in the pool until 10. I remember the mental toughness needed for cold mornings heading to the pool and we are definitely playing the long game with swimming. NCAP has been fully supportive of that - even suggested it. I think some of the NCAP locations (Burke comes to mind) push kids to spend more time in the water at a young age, so it's certainly something parents should be speaking to coaches about regularly. But I don't agree at all that NCAP doesn't care about our kid's well being. They've been incredible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

I know a Marlin that has been doing 6 days a week starting at nine. She improved tremendously with the extra practices (JOs, Sectionals) but she also is probably going to look at some injuries and damaged shoulders in the next few years.

Or she’ll stay healthy, have a huge growth spurt, and go to the Olympics. You just don’t know.

Why not both? She could be the next Missy Franklin

Yes it is a possibility. A small one. There is a higher likelihood of puberty hitting and the body not developing the way it should. The next most likely outcome is overuse injury, which is become more prevalent in young athletes and then later life pain (trust me I know - you pay for all of those injuries later in life), and then there is just plain old burn out.

No child should be practicing one sport that much that young. They should be playing other sports on those other days. In the end they will be better athletes.

I don’t disagree with any of this. But the truth of the matter is that if your child wants to be the top of their sport, they have to do this in this area.

My kid who has continued to do multiple sports cannot keep up with the kids who focus on one sport year round. Sure, some of them have injuries, some of them burn out, but a lot of them are still great and take the spots on the rosters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Yikes, this is not our experience with our NCAP location at all. My kid is under 10 and a very promising swimmer by all metrics (and both parents are former swimmers, and tall). Our coach has encouraged our kid to pursue other sports and become a well rounded athlete. She's recommending 2x a week in the pool until 10. I remember the mental toughness needed for cold mornings heading to the pool and we are definitely playing the long game with swimming. NCAP has been fully supportive of that - even suggested it. I think some of the NCAP locations (Burke comes to mind) push kids to spend more time in the water at a young age, so it's certainly something parents should be speaking to coaches about regularly. But I don't agree at all that NCAP doesn't care about our kid's well being. They've been incredible.

NCAP has franchises. At our location, they flat out tell parents no if they want more practices a week. One of DD's best friends is 11, has JO times, a parent who was a D1 swimmer and a great frame for swimming. He coaches are adamant about capping her at 3x a week and are encouraging her to do other sports as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the whole the number of days you swim depends on several factors. MOST kids should swim two days a week (or less) until age 10. This is when you move up to three days a week and in some clubs four days.

Most reputable clubs will not allow a kid under the age of 13 to swim more than that. Yes, some kids want to but they would be better served by cross training the other days. The reason for this is overuse injuries. There is a strong correlation of early intense training and shoulder injuries with swimmers.

You will see certain clubs push kids into more training way to early. Clubs that benefit significantly on the days in the water you are signed up for - push too early. Besides injuries there is more chance of burnout.

Swimming should be considered a life long sport with intense training starting in high school.

This is NOT true.

Fwiw, the “reputable” clubs in the area absolutely push the faster kids into 5 practices a week at 11/12. Either 6th or 7th grade, and sometimes late 5th. I can’t think of one club that has kids compete at JOs who doesn’t do this.

York doesn't have a single practice group for kids under 13 that is five days a week. This year, the most you could swim is 3 days a week under 13. Next year they are adding 1 4 day a week practice gropu for 11-14 year olds. https://www.teamunify.com/RegGroupSelectOne.jsp?showonly=1®id=80262

York is a good club. Look at Marlins, Machine ans NCAP as clubs who don’t care about kid well being. They have ten year olds practicing six days a week.

Not true for Marlins. Max for 10 is 4 days/wk. My 10 year old does 2 and no one pressures for more.

I know a Marlin that has been doing 6 days a week starting at nine. She improved tremendously with the extra practices (JOs, Sectionals) but she also is probably going to look at some injuries and damaged shoulders in the next few years.

Or she’ll stay healthy, have a huge growth spurt, and go to the Olympics. You just don’t know.

Why not both? She could be the next Missy Franklin

Yes it is a possibility. A small one. There is a higher likelihood of puberty hitting and the body not developing the way it should. The next most likely outcome is overuse injury, which is become more prevalent in young athletes and then later life pain (trust me I know - you pay for all of those injuries later in life), and then there is just plain old burn out.

No child should be practicing one sport that much that young. They should be playing other sports on those other days. In the end they will be better athletes.

I don’t disagree with any of this. But the truth of the matter is that if your child wants to be the top of their sport, they have to do this in this area.

My kid who has continued to do multiple sports cannot keep up with the kids who focus on one sport year round. Sure, some of them have injuries, some of them burn out, but a lot of them are still great and take the spots on the rosters.

I have two swimmers (11 and 12). They are both top for several events in their age group for their club (if you run virtual meet). One swims two days a week and one swims three. They have friends that swim for other clubs that are the same age and have been swimming 5 to 6 days a week. They are not any faster in most events and slightly faster in some. But that kid will not improve as much as mine when they go through puberty and mine will probably make marked improvements that far surpass their kid. The difference is that mine are less likely to be injured and due to other sports they will be in better condition. After 13ish, a kid has to commit to a sport and focus on it. At that point they can log more hours and get the spot on the roster. What most are saying here is that kids are being pushed into over training way too early. And the early push has diminishing returns.