PP, so they are able to fit in the 3 (or more now?) times a week swimming plus one other sport per season? And you haven't found they have swim burn out or that it is hard to fit in the other sports (or find that practices conflict)? Thanks!

My kids (now 12 or 13) swim and play multiple sports. They swam tue/thurs when they were 7 and 8 and then moved to the 3x/week when they were 9 and 10. Lots of programs are full but in Arlington there is AAC, York and Clark which are all excellent programs.

Thank you, that is very helpful. We have a coach eager to sign him up two days a week, but I'm worried that once he gets in the swim team system, that will quickly turn in to three or four at a very young age, and will create burnout in something that we are hoping he will love for years to come, since he loves it so much now. Thanks again!

I have a similar 8yo. Also some experience with coaching.

At that age, I suggest anywhere from 1 to 3 times per week depending on the kid. Once per week is enough for some improvent, but is better at just preventing loosing what they learned over the summer. If the kid is enjoying it, try twice and then let them drive whether they need more or less than that.

Do you think one day per week is enough swimming for an 8 year old to really improve during the year? He did well in ccsda/champs and is very motivated to improve. Thanks!

Do a sunday clinic, not a winter swim team if he likes other sports.

Most of the winter swim teams want a 2-3x per week commitment. That makes it hard to do other sports.

Joe flaherty dolphins and National capitalboth have sunday clinics at georgetown prep.

One or two one hr practices a week. Usually they have a m/w or t/ th slot. Might need to go with parks and rec though as in NOVA a lot of the year round programs are full already. We learned this the hard way last year; if you wait until last week of summer swim all the spots are gone. Not sure if the same in dc or md. Our ds really enjoys it. Hope you find a place!

For those with experience, what do you recommend for winter swimming for an 8 year old who loved summer swimming (country club league), loves all other sports too - want practice and stroke lessons but want to avoid burnout. Any swim team to recommend and how many days per week worked for your child? Thanks.