Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have already done summer

How does machine compare to fish

When you say “hands on” do you mean a coach actually in the water with the swimmers? If that is the case, you are not going to get that at a club.

Look it depends. When my kids did Machine's stroke mechanics at Audrey Moore, the coaches were in the water with the kids guiding and teaching them. Maybe it differs by site and/or by club. I think that's a matter for OP to research and ask around. Even when the oldest started age group club (not the stroke mechanics) as an 7-8, a coach was sometimes in the water.

Anonymous wrote:We have already done summer

How does machine compare to fish

When you say “hands on” do you mean a coach actually in the water with the swimmers? If that is the case, you are not going to get that at a club.

Anonymous wrote:Where are the kids going at 8/9?

8 or 9 isn’t that young in the swim world. There are programs for kids that age at all clubs.

The one they get in.

They should go where their friends are at this age and have fun. Chase the rest later, when they are older, but for now, if it isn't fun, they'll quit

Where are the kids going at 8/9?

The programs you mentioned are all good. However, none will provide “hands on” technique the same way a private coach likely will. It sounds like you have a summer pool—I would ask a coach or older teen for weekly private instruction to really focus on stroke mechanics.

As for the clubs, Fish has a very good—probably the best around—mini program. However, most kids are moving out of the mini program at 8/9.

Swim with Beth

Talk to your summer coach. They can recommend nearby clubs. Also talk to families on your summer team. Better to have friends to swim with they will enjoy it more.

Anonymous wrote:We have already done summer

How does machine compare to fish

They are exactly the same only different. Every coach and program is different, even within an organization. Talk to your summer coach for suggestions. At 8, location, schedule and cost are most of the driving factors.

We have already done summer

How does machine compare to fish

Get him on a summer team first. That will make him love swimming.

All the local clubs are good - your answer should be based on where you live. No one should be driving 30 minutes out of the way for 8-Year Old practices.

Anonymous wrote:What is the best swim team for an 8yo boy. I have seen machine, ncap, and fish in my area. I want a good coach that can help improve stroke. He really needs hands on technique and skills over endurance/drills.

Lessons and stroke school only teach technique and skills. Swim team practice will focus on endurance, race skills, and less on technique than than lessons.

What is the best swim team for an 8yo boy. I have seen machine, ncap, and fish in my area. I want a good coach that can help improve stroke. He really needs hands on technique and skills over endurance/drills.