Anonymous
06/04/2026 15:52
Subject: Summer swim - what’s the deal w meets?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Our nvsl B meet is Monday night. Swimmers need coach’s approve to swim in a certain stoke, if it’s not legal during time trial. I would get private lesson to help child get one stroke legal each summer, so he/she won’t lost confidence.
Do not, for the love of god, just sign your kid up for private lessons if the goal is simply to get your child legal to swim in B meets. Waste of money.
If s/he mentions frustration with a stroke, you could ask the child if s/he would like some extra practice with the coach and go from there.
Disagree re: private lessons. The summer junior coaches are great teachers. It helps the younger kids feel welcome, and it helps teach the older kids to be better lane coaches. Lessons w a teen are super cheap, and as mentioned, have added benefits other than stroke mechanics.
+1
A lot of people here disagree with the PP about private lessons for kids that don’t want them. To those that disagree: are any of your kids good swimmers?
I think the problem is your assumption that the child does not want them.
I think the problem is with some people’s reading. I said: TLDR ask your kid if he wants lessons. Don’t sign him up if he doesn’t want them.
Anonymous
06/04/2026 14:11
Subject: Summer swim - what’s the deal w meets?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Op here. It’s a pmsl division a team. There are a couple b team meets this summer. As I said, I am completely new to this so I’ll see what the coaches advise. Was just hoping for some feedback here but it seems team dependent.
I'm wondering if you are on Adelphi since you mention the couple of B meets (you don't have to answer if you don't want). If you ARE a fellow Adelphian, welcome! If you're on another PMSL Division A team, I'm betting advice would be pretty similar...
Although we are Division A, and a competitive swim team, we're also pretty chill and inclusive in terms of levels and abilities. I would say do whatever your 6 year old wants and is interested in. If they like practice for the learning and social vibe but get freaked out about meets, don't push them. If they are interested in giving it a real try, go for it. I've known younger kids that go both ways.
Time Trials this Saturday is a great opportunity to get a feel for what a meet is like, but without being against another team. I'm betting the coaches will put them in just free and back and see how they do. Truth be told, most of the kids love meets because it's not that much swimming (way less than practice), and mostly hanging out with friends and eating donuts.
We've loved being in PMSL and have found it way less stressful and crazy than what I know of MCSL and NVSL. So competition to "make the A team" or be "relegated" to B meets, etc. Everyone is generally welcome at Saturday A meets. And then there are a couple B meets and a 10&u mini meet to give folks more opportunities.
Op here. Yes, we are at Adelphi! Thanks for all of this. My kid has always loved swimming (taught herself!) and we’ve never done lessons so I love the instruction she’s gotten this week. I really do hope this summer fosters even more enjoyment for her! But even if it ends up being a lot of time in the pool, some technique, and some new buddies, it sounds like it’ll be a success! Thanks again!
Anonymous
06/04/2026 13:48
Subject: Summer swim - what’s the deal w meets?
Just sign up and don't forget to volunteer.
Your kid will get conditioning and some limited amount of stroke instruction will most likely pick up defensive head up swimming bad habits, but will have a splendid time at the "spirit" activities and pool noodle parties.
Your kid will get conditioning and some limited amount of stroke instruction will most likely pick up defensive head up swimming bad habits, but will have a splendid time at the "spirit" activities and pool noodle parties.