Do winter swim kids dominate summer swim?

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

It actually is and I am not the original poster but I am orthopedist that moved to this area and you would be shocked at how young I see kids in this area compared to the West Coast. Some sports young athletes are pushed early because there is a peak for that sport. Not the case for swimming, where kids have a long time to actually hit their peak and by taking it incrementally (and in line with their development) they are less likely to have injuries or to burn out. But this area is full of type A people that push them hard early to see those jumps but you miss out on the long game.

I am not saying that this fits all kids. I believe that a girl after puberty should train five days a week for two hours a day, even if she is ten. But certainly that would be an exception.

[Anonymous]

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.

It actually is and I am not the original poster but I am orthopedist that moved to this area and you would be shocked at how young I see kids in this area compared to the West Coast. Some sports young athletes are pushed early because there is a peak for that sport. Not the case for swimming, where kids have a long time to actually hit their peak and by taking it incrementally (and in line with their development) they are less likely to have injuries or to burn out. But this area is full of type A people that push them hard early to see those jumps but you miss out on the long game.

I am not saying that this fits all kids. I believe that a girl after puberty should train five days a week for two hours a day, even if she is ten. But certainly that would be an exception.

The best swimmers in their 20s and teens were the best swimmers as tweens. No one cares that when they’re 35, their shoulders may be absolutely shot.

[Anonymous]

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.

It actually is and I am not the original poster but I am orthopedist that moved to this area and you would be shocked at how young I see kids in this area compared to the West Coast. Some sports young athletes are pushed early because there is a peak for that sport. Not the case for swimming, where kids have a long time to actually hit their peak and by taking it incrementally (and in line with their development) they are less likely to have injuries or to burn out. But this area is full of type A people that push them hard early to see those jumps but you miss out on the long game.

I am not saying that this fits all kids. I believe that a girl after puberty should train five days a week for two hours a day, even if she is ten. But certainly that would be an exception.

The best swimmers in their 20s and teens were the best swimmers as tweens. No one cares that when they’re 35, their shoulders may be absolutely shot.

D1 swimmer here and not true. You are a good swimmer in your tweens - but most great swimmers in their tweens depend on what happens to them in puberty. Basically a roll of the die. But that great 15 year old? That kid started intense training at 13 or 14 and took off and continues that trajectory through college.

[Anonymous]

Noticing OP hasn't returned?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is depressing. Why can't the winter swimmers have their own meets? ...concerned my kids will lose interest if they're always B meet. But I am happy to hear the B meets can be fun. They certainly were at our last pool but everyone was in it together but every kid had a chance. They weren't outdone as a matter of course by the winter swim kids.

OP, I just want to offer another perspective. My son works hard during winter swim but is always middle of the pack or lower. He will never be a fast swimmer but loves it anyway. In the summer at our mid-tier pool he usually (but not always) makes A meets and is so proud when he does. It's surprising to me that any adult would begrudge him - or any child like him - that opportunity because he participates in winter swim.

Consider flipping the scrip and focusing on all the great things about swim team generally. Even though B meets can be a grind for parents, they are so much fun for kids and an opportunity for them to get best times and hang out with their friends! If you frame it that way and don't make a big deal about A vs. B meets I doubt your kids will mind very much. It's all in how you look at it.

[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.

It actually is and I am not the original poster but I am orthopedist that moved to this area and you would be shocked at how young I see kids in this area compared to the West Coast. Some sports young athletes are pushed early because there is a peak for that sport. Not the case for swimming, where kids have a long time to actually hit their peak and by taking it incrementally (and in line with their development) they are less likely to have injuries or to burn out. But this area is full of type A people that push them hard early to see those jumps but you miss out on the long game.

I am not saying that this fits all kids. I believe that a girl after puberty should train five days a week for two hours a day, even if she is ten. But certainly that would be an exception.

The best swimmers in their 20s and teens were the best swimmers as tweens. No one cares that when they’re 35, their shoulders may be absolutely shot.

D1 swimmer here and not true. You are a good swimmer in your tweens - but most great swimmers in their tweens depend on what happens to them in puberty. Basically a roll of the die. But that great 15 year old? That kid started intense training at 13 or 14 and took off and continues that trajectory through college.

100% this! Especially for girls. So many are good before puberty and then their bodies change in a way that slows them down. This is frustrating and leads to swimmers quitting. It’s too much hard work with no payoff if times stop improving. The ones hitting their stride at 15 are in perfect position for college because they don’t have overuse injuries, aren’t yet burned out, and are seen as having more potential. But it’s hard for kids and parents to resist the temptation when other kids are moving up to more intense groups at 11-12. Puberty is and always will be a game changer.

[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.

It actually is and I am not the original poster but I am orthopedist that moved to this area and you would be shocked at how young I see kids in this area compared to the West Coast. Some sports young athletes are pushed early because there is a peak for that sport. Not the case for swimming, where kids have a long time to actually hit their peak and by taking it incrementally (and in line with their development) they are less likely to have injuries or to burn out. But this area is full of type A people that push them hard early to see those jumps but you miss out on the long game.

I am not saying that this fits all kids. I believe that a girl after puberty should train five days a week for two hours a day, even if she is ten. But certainly that would be an exception.

The best swimmers in their 20s and teens were the best swimmers as tweens. No one cares that when they’re 35, their shoulders may be absolutely shot.

D1 swimmer here and not true. You are a good swimmer in your tweens - but most great swimmers in their tweens depend on what happens to them in puberty. Basically a roll of the die. But that great 15 year old? That kid started intense training at 13 or 14 and took off and continues that trajectory through college.

100% this! Especially for girls. So many are good before puberty and then their bodies change in a way that slows them down. This is frustrating and leads to swimmers quitting. It’s too much hard work with no payoff if times stop improving. The ones hitting their stride at 15 are in perfect position for college because they don’t have overuse injuries, aren’t yet burned out, and are seen as having more potential. But it’s hard for kids and parents to resist the temptation when other kids are moving up to more intense groups at 11-12. Puberty is and always will be a game changer.

Agree with all this.

The only argument I would make is with a previous poster who claimed you should only swim 2 days a week when younger. 3 days a week is what is needed to get the muscle memory and stroke mechanics at a young age in order to excel when older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is depressing. Why can't the winter swimmers have their own meets? ...concerned my kids will lose interest if they're always B meet. But I am happy to hear the B meets can be fun. They certainly were at our last pool but everyone was in it together but every kid had a chance. They weren't outdone as a matter of course by the winter swim kids.

OP, I just want to offer another perspective. My son works hard during winter swim but is always middle of the pack or lower. He will never be a fast swimmer but loves it anyway. In the summer at our mid-tier pool he usually (but not always) makes A meets and is so proud when he does. It's surprising to me that any adult would begrudge him - or any child like him - that opportunity because he participates in winter swim.

Consider flipping the scrip and focusing on all the great things about swim team generally. Even though B meets can be a grind for parents, they are so much fun for kids and an opportunity for them to get best times and hang out with their friends! If you frame it that way and don't make a big deal about A vs. B meets I doubt your kids will mind very much. It's all in how you look at it.

My kid too but these are not the kids most care about. It’s the kids who don’t practice with the team, only do meets and dominate the a meets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is depressing. Why can't the winter swimmers have their own meets? ...concerned my kids will lose interest if they're always B meet. But I am happy to hear the B meets can be fun. They certainly were at our last pool but everyone was in it together but every kid had a chance. They weren't outdone as a matter of course by the winter swim kids.

OP, I just want to offer another perspective. My son works hard during winter swim but is always middle of the pack or lower. He will never be a fast swimmer but loves it anyway. In the summer at our mid-tier pool he usually (but not always) makes A meets and is so proud when he does. It's surprising to me that any adult would begrudge him - or any child like him - that opportunity because he participates in winter swim.

Consider flipping the scrip and focusing on all the great things about swim team generally. Even though B meets can be a grind for parents, they are so much fun for kids and an opportunity for them to get best times and hang out with their friends! If you frame it that way and don't make a big deal about A vs. B meets I doubt your kids will mind very much. It's all in how you look at it.

My kid too but these are not the kids most care about. It’s the kids who don’t practice with the team, only do meets and dominate the a meets.

I’ve posted this before, but our large team affirmatively asks the club kids to just continue practicing with their club to thin out the practices so that the kids who actually need coaching from the summer coaches get it. It is not just the club kids making the choice to not participate in the summer swim team practices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
My kid too but these are not the kids most care about. It’s the kids who don’t practice with the team, only do meets and dominate the a meets.

I’ve posted this before, but our large team affirmatively asks the club kids to just continue practicing with their club to thin out the practices so that the kids who actually need coaching from the summer coaches get it. It is not just the club kids making the choice to not participate in the summer swim team practices.

Our large team is the opposite. Summer swim is fun because of the camaraderie and interactions. Having club swimmers NOT show is looked down upon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
My kid too but these are not the kids most care about. It’s the kids who don’t practice with the team, only do meets and dominate the a meets.

I’ve posted this before, but our large team affirmatively asks the club kids to just continue practicing with their club to thin out the practices so that the kids who actually need coaching from the summer coaches get it. It is not just the club kids making the choice to not participate in the summer swim team practices.

Our large team is the opposite. Summer swim is fun because of the camaraderie and interactions. Having club swimmers NOT show is looked down upon.

I am a rep for a large team. We don't care where our kids practice as long as they are swimming. We do very much want our kids attending all the social events that we plan and stress that to our families. That is where the kids make friends.

[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.

It actually is and I am not the original poster but I am orthopedist that moved to this area and you would be shocked at how young I see kids in this area compared to the West Coast. Some sports young athletes are pushed early because there is a peak for that sport. Not the case for swimming, where kids have a long time to actually hit their peak and by taking it incrementally (and in line with their development) they are less likely to have injuries or to burn out. But this area is full of type A people that push them hard early to see those jumps but you miss out on the long game.

I am not saying that this fits all kids. I believe that a girl after puberty should train five days a week for two hours a day, even if she is ten. But certainly that would be an exception.

The best swimmers in their 20s and teens were the best swimmers as tweens. No one cares that when they’re 35, their shoulders may be absolutely shot.

D1 swimmer here and not true. You are a good swimmer in your tweens - but most great swimmers in their tweens depend on what happens to them in puberty. Basically a roll of the die. But that great 15 year old? That kid started intense training at 13 or 14 and took off and continues that trajectory through college.

100% this! Especially for girls. So many are good before puberty and then their bodies change in a way that slows them down. This is frustrating and leads to swimmers quitting. It’s too much hard work with no payoff if times stop improving. The ones hitting their stride at 15 are in perfect position for college because they don’t have overuse injuries, aren’t yet burned out, and are seen as having more potential. But it’s hard for kids and parents to resist the temptation when other kids are moving up to more intense groups at 11-12. Puberty is and always will be a game changer.

Yep, all of this is true. No girl under the age of 12 should be practicing two hours a day 5-6 days a week. It is way too much and way too soon. When they hit 13, you can start upping the mileage so to speak.

Boys are tougher because there pivot point is more stretched out, but on the whole 13 is a good rule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is depressing. Why can't the winter swimmers have their own meets? ...concerned my kids will lose interest if they're always B meet. But I am happy to hear the B meets can be fun. They certainly were at our last pool but everyone was in it together but every kid had a chance. They weren't outdone as a matter of course by the winter swim kids.

OP, I just want to offer another perspective. My son works hard during winter swim but is always middle of the pack or lower. He will never be a fast swimmer but loves it anyway. In the summer at our mid-tier pool he usually (but not always) makes A meets and is so proud when he does. It's surprising to me that any adult would begrudge him - or any child like him - that opportunity because he participates in winter swim.

Consider flipping the scrip and focusing on all the great things about swim team generally. Even though B meets can be a grind for parents, they are so much fun for kids and an opportunity for them to get best times and hang out with their friends! If you frame it that way and don't make a big deal about A vs. B meets I doubt your kids will mind very much. It's all in how you look at it.


They should not be on the team then.

My kid too but these are not the kids most care about. It’s the kids who don’t practice with the team, only do meets and dominate the a meets.

I’ve posted this before, but our large team affirmatively asks the club kids to just continue practicing with their club to thin out the practices so that the kids who actually need coaching from the summer coaches get it. It is not just the club kids making the choice to not participate in the summer swim team practices.

[Anonymous]

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.