Any thoughts about NCAP at Georgetown vs Tollefson at Georgetown prep for 10 year old?

[Anonymous]

I think part of the thing with Toll is that they have more options than other clubs for swimmers to do fewer days of practice. That draws kids who aren’t as good, or do other sports. And of course the kid doing 2 days isn’t going to be as fast as the kid doing 5 all else equal. So overall people get the impression that Toll isn’t so good even though they do have some very good swimmers.

[Anonymous]

At the big meets we've been at, NCAP has had better general showings than TOLL, but that's literally the high-altitude view from the bleachers.

[Anonymous]

If you want a real swim club, go with NCAP. All the top swimmers go there. Go to TOLL is you are a causal swimmer.

[Anonymous]

See if you can get a sense of the practices before you sign up. They do significantly different yardage and that makes a difference (no right or wrong, just depends on what your kid is looking for).

Also, the devil is in the logistical details - if practice times work better for you that is huge. And, ask where dryland is. Typically, that is at another location.

I would also throw ASA and Machine in the mix as well-coached clubs.

[Anonymous]

Also check into the philosophy/specialty of each group. Anecdotally, I think of that particular NCAP group as distance free-focused based on my kids friends’ experience. But don’t quote me - ask at the source.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Had one child switch to Toll and initially saw improvement in times that correlated with more swim practices. Unfortunately, as they age, coaches want swimmers only to swim (vs other sport) and lay on a pretty heavy guilt trip. Def also favour the fastest swimmers (despite saying otherwise). However - not sure this is necessarily different anywhere else. No direct experience with NCAP-Prep though have generally heard good things about them and practices seemed rigorous (same time as Toll). RMSC is not bad either, but coach quality may be somewhat site dependent (in general, when younger, comes across as lap swimming factory instead of technique, unlike Toll - who seems a bit better at in the younger set teaching technique). Again, no direct NCAP experience (only 2nd hand).

second those comments (re: Toll)

[Anonymous]

So interesting to read all of these posts. I think it is pretty clear that there is variability within clubs (for coaching styles). It would be great if folks could "try out" programs to see if it fits their kid/s, but unfortunately in this area, swimming is really competitive and kids that are not elite will not be able to swap clubs as easily. FWIW (based on experience): Toll has history of being good with younger kids, though has some older kids - not tolerant of multi-sport kids (petty director), RMSC bit more factory like with younger kids (older too) but some real gem coaches exist across all ages (can be intense at some sites); NCAP - pretty racially limited club, though if fast and white/asian - might be a good fit. Also diversity among their sites re: coaching. ASA - gets a few +s/-s as well. Bottom line - if you are a serious swimmer, be prepared to work hard regardless of the club. If the coaching/environment is terrible, make a change.

[Anonymous]

within all these clubs are good and bad coaches. that's why it's not easy to say Ncap vs rmsc vs toll vs ASA etc. you have to do your research on the coaches your kid would have for their age group and level of commitment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:within all these clubs are good and bad coaches. that's why it's not easy to say Ncap vs rmsc vs toll vs ASA etc. you have to do your research on the coaches your kid would have for their age group and level of commitment

Without knowing who will be the coach for any specific age group, and coaching staff could change anytime, rule of thumb: Ncap=rmsc, then ASA, then toll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:within all these clubs are good and bad coaches. that's why it's not easy to say Ncap vs rmsc vs toll vs ASA etc. you have to do your research on the coaches your kid would have for their age group and level of commitment

Without knowing who will be the coach for any specific age group, and coaching staff could change anytime, rule of thumb: Ncap=rmsc, then ASA, then toll.

There's no one-size fits all. clubs can vary widely in personality depending on location, your kid might/might not click with a coach, your kid might become more interested in something else, etc. etc. if it doesn't work out, switch to a different club, sites, or stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:within all these clubs are good and bad coaches. that's why it's not easy to say Ncap vs rmsc vs toll vs ASA etc. you have to do your research on the coaches your kid would have for their age group and level of commitment

Without knowing who will be the coach for any specific age group, and coaching staff could change anytime, rule of thumb: Ncap=rmsc, then ASA, then toll.

I know families with each program and have never been able to gather a clear consensus. I know families who praise each program and also families who are critical. There is definitely no one size fits all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:within all these clubs are good and bad coaches. that's why it's not easy to say Ncap vs rmsc vs toll vs ASA etc. you have to do your research on the coaches your kid would have for their age group and level of commitment

Without knowing who will be the coach for any specific age group, and coaching staff could change anytime, rule of thumb: Ncap=rmsc, then ASA, then toll.

I know families with each program and have never been able to gather a clear consensus. I know families who praise each program and also families who are critical. There is definitely no one size fits all.

+1

We're a Machine family and have tried out for several of the other teams listed. They all have different cultures, schedules, goals, etc., not to mention locations and times. Do what works for your family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So interesting to read all of these posts. I think it is pretty clear that there is variability within clubs (for coaching styles). It would be great if folks could "try out" programs to see if it fits their kid/s, but unfortunately in this area, swimming is really competitive and kids that are not elite will not be able to swap clubs as easily. FWIW (based on experience): Toll has history of being good with younger kids, though has some older kids - not tolerant of multi-sport kids (petty director), RMSC bit more factory like with younger kids (older too) but some real gem coaches exist across all ages (can be intense at some sites); NCAP - pretty racially limited club, though if fast and white/asian - might be a good fit. Also diversity among their sites re: coaching. ASA - gets a few +s/-s as well. Bottom line - if you are a serious swimmer, be prepared to work hard regardless of the club. If the coaching/environment is terrible, make a change.

Re: TOLL and multi-sports. I'd encourage any prospective families to ask them their philosophy on this because I think it's evolved.