Anonymous wrote:Kids need to like their coaches. At least mine does--they form pretty strong opinions and if they don't respect and like someone (meaning they don't think they're a jerk), they're done. Having a good vibe with the coach starting out (now 4 years) and continuing to like the coach in the next training group has been huge. I'm sure they would have quit long ago had this not been the case.

+ 1. As others mentioned before, practices (structure/stroke and technique progression/consistency) matter. Coaches matter, too as does coachability. I'd also add that it helps that if your kid likes his swim lane buddies - these are the mates your swimmer will be with for those hard and fun days and also at those hours long meets. So yeah, lots involved in terms of "what made the biggest difference".

Kids need to like their coaches. At least mine does--they form pretty strong opinions and if they don't respect and like someone (meaning they don't think they're a jerk), they're done. Having a good vibe with the coach starting out (now 4 years) and continuing to like the coach in the next training group has been huge. I'm sure they would have quit long ago had this not been the case.

swim year round. and they need to compete at meets. plus some internal competitiveness helps. not sure how to create that if it doesn't come natuarally.

Anonymous wrote:I have found year round swim works more on endurance. To get good technique, you really need private lessons or a Swim with Beth type program.

Is there anything like Swim with Beth in MoCo?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After first full year of club swim. Kids who are only swimming in the summer are unlikely to make that leap, though there are exceptions.

This and other comments on the benefits of a 9-month club swimming. What will distinguish different clubs is their approach/process to developing a swimmer across all 4 strokes, turns, starts, and endurance with consistency. Be skeptical of club programs that offer a 3-month option; flexibility/pricing sounds great but don't expect your swimmer to have the same level of progression if any at all.

+1

Totally agree with this. Too much flexibility in schedules makes for inconsistency in practices and coaching. My kids progressed a lot with a consistent schedule and good coaching.

l also agree with the above poster on technique. Which comes down to both good coaching and a kid who is teachable- willing to listen and make changes to form. I have seen kids who get away with bad technique simply because they are physically bigger, but eventually size evens out and the kids will poor technique fall off.