Literature available on resistance training for ages 9-14?
Former Member
Does anyone know of any literature available that discourages resistant training in younger age groups? Two of my sons are swimming for a local club and the coach wants my 10 year old to use a drag suit and paddles. Before I confront the coach on this issue I need some literature that suggests resistant training in pre-puberty individuals is misquided. Does anyone know of any articles suggesting younger age groups should use more technique related drills instead of power driven sets? I need evidence against this practice to show the coach and other parents. My opinion isn't enough. I have a couple of Go Swim articles and articles off of the USA Swimming site, but I feel I need more.
Thanks for any response.
Parents
Former Member
Brian,
Paddles are a known cause of shoulder problems. Although some swimmers might be lucky and stay immune to the ill effects, others may slowly be doing damage which starts out as a mild soreness before it develops into a fully blown problem.
Personally we trained with them as kids...and the pain was shrugged off as part of the training process. Bad idea. We had an AAU coach who dreamed up medieval pulling sets with paddles and an inner tube around the ankles (for additional drag). And unfortunately boys will tend to tough things out for fear of not wanting to be called wimpy. It must be good if coach says so...Right?! Not always.
In my humble opinion, I'd rather have an age group swimmer develop feel for the water, and build their strength with dry land routines. Paddles may build large triceps and shoulders, but they offer a false sense of speed. And they numb the "feel" for the water. By the time a kid says "hey coach, my shoulder hurts"...it may be too late.
Google shoulder injuries in swimmers....and hundreds of articles can be found. Every one of them advises to lay off of the paddles as part of the rehab process...particularly after the 'surgery' has been performed. Your concern is well founded. No one wants to send their kid to a sports therapist.
Good luck in your efforts.
ezinearticles.com/
Brian,
Paddles are a known cause of shoulder problems. Although some swimmers might be lucky and stay immune to the ill effects, others may slowly be doing damage which starts out as a mild soreness before it develops into a fully blown problem.
Personally we trained with them as kids...and the pain was shrugged off as part of the training process. Bad idea. We had an AAU coach who dreamed up medieval pulling sets with paddles and an inner tube around the ankles (for additional drag). And unfortunately boys will tend to tough things out for fear of not wanting to be called wimpy. It must be good if coach says so...Right?! Not always.
In my humble opinion, I'd rather have an age group swimmer develop feel for the water, and build their strength with dry land routines. Paddles may build large triceps and shoulders, but they offer a false sense of speed. And they numb the "feel" for the water. By the time a kid says "hey coach, my shoulder hurts"...it may be too late.
Google shoulder injuries in swimmers....and hundreds of articles can be found. Every one of them advises to lay off of the paddles as part of the rehab process...particularly after the 'surgery' has been performed. Your concern is well founded. No one wants to send their kid to a sports therapist.
Good luck in your efforts.
ezinearticles.com/
