We like Makos. We value the focus on stroke technique. It is also smaller compared to the large, multi-pool teams so families get to know each other better- and coaches get to know swimmers better. We have had positive experiences with all mako coaches. The head coach/owner is also great. The facility at GMU is amazing, especially compared to ncap burke pool (Burke racquet swim club) or Audrey moore (where machine practices).
My understanding is that machine and ncap oush high yardage and expect kids to swim too. Many days per week. This can cause burnout and limit participation in other sports.

Mako parent here, and Mike is awesome, but there are also other quality junior blue coaches. Paul, Courtney come to mind. Wendy was superb but I don't think is coaching this year.

If your kid wants good coaching from either team, tell them to "be coachable" This is what I tell my kids. Coaches want to coach coachable kids.

-be to practice on time, ready to go
-have backup cap and goggles, bring water, have the equipment required
-do the set and don't skip a 50 to get ahead

The problem with NCAP burke, is that they will expect many days at a much younger age than MAKO will. If you want that, NCAP may be for you. But the best kids will be on 5 days a week by 5th grade, and if you aren't in that track, hard to get in. mako will allow your kid to be a kid and you can always do more at an older age.

NCAP kids may be faster because they practice so much more and focus on yardage. I don't think their coaches are any better.

Yes, Mike is the best one to get for Jr. Blue, but if your kid is fast and they don't have Mike, they'll get moved to Jr Gold with him next year.

If your kid wants swim and only swim, NCAP may be for them. But hard to know at 9.

What bronze group were you offered? If they are a strong swimmer, should have at least been offered bronze 2.

Is there a difference between the personalities of the teams? We have enjoyed Makos mini blue and gold programs, feel like the coaches are strong and appropriately demanding without being jerks. Far more emphasis on stroke than mileage, which in my world makes sense at this age.

NCAP in general turns out a lot of fast kids I've noticed at winter meets.

Anonymous wrote:who are the fantastic Makos coaches?

I think Beth is fantastic, but she probably may just do the younger kids.
At NCAP, we think Kim is equally fantastic.
They are two great ones.

We have done both. For us - it came down to commute time and the one that was closest to my house. Both are good programs.

Honestly, Mike is the only coach above the Minis who we've been impressed with. The Mini Coaches are also great!

Anonymous wrote:who are the fantastic Makos coaches?

Mike

who are the fantastic Makos coaches?

DC swims with NCAP Burke and has for 7 years. We picked it for convenience to where we live.

I did not love the coaching at the younger ages. I don’t think DC got that much technique guidance at them. (DC really likes NCAP Burke though and has always refused to look at switching teams).

Not sure if machine is different.

There are SO MANY kids in Makos Jr. Blue and so many coaches. There are fantastic coaches and "meh" coaches. With the location at Mason, we had a fair number of last minute cancellations for swim meets and then the whole building issue that wasn't Makos' fault at all. There were like 8ish kids in a lane.

I think it is Bronze and Jr Blue.

Depends on the group. What group for each club?

Looking for feedback on the programs for a strong-ish 9 year old. Coaches, # kids in a lane, correction of strokes.