Greetings all!!
A LONG time ago, I was an age group swimmer. Not all that good, really ... basically I was a 5-6-7 finisher from age 8 through high school. (Thus, no one wanted me for anything more serious!!)
My son, now age 8.5, started swimming on a team this summer and seemed to enjoy it. It was at an outdoor pool and it was a pretty laid back program. This month, we started him in a YMCA program that's considerable more organized. He seems to have a lot of natural talent (for his swimming, baseball, skiing, school work) but no PASSION for anything ... yet.
Now, I know that he's young and I definitely don't want to be a pushy parent, but I do have a question.
For those of you who had success swimming post-high school (college level or nationally), when did that spark of PASSION to really do something special ignite? Was it something your parents did ... or, maybe, did not do? Was it a coach? Happen young? Or late?
I want to encourage him but not pressure him. I had little talent, and thus wasn't able to do all that much athletically. But, he seems to have a LOT of natural talent and I don't want to see him pass up opportunities.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Cheers!!
Ken
Fortress, you know times at that age definatly matters :agree:, just kidding, but it does matter a little. Also I know times at that age times don't predict the future, I was just curious to see what they were.
Doesn't matter, IMHO. Times can change quickly at that age.
If good times at that age are achieved with virtually no effort, it may indicate some natural talent (or maybe just natural athleticism) that may continue to grow with time and proper coaching. If they reflect the fact that you're in the water on a daily basis, not so much. Plus, I've seen it time and time again. Someone with success as a youth because of pool time (or whatever) plateaus and doesn't improve much in their teens while other hit their stride. Very dependent on the individual swimmer.
Right now, I see a lot of 12-13 year olds struggling with the commitment required by swimming. Most simply want to play other sports, and are frustrated by the fact that, if they really train for swimming, they just can't. I seem to see it more in boys, but my daughter is chaffing a bit right now. Swimming is a tough sport for kids.
Stud: You keep right on giving advice. I'm keeping my trap shut.
Fortress, you know times at that age definatly matters :agree:, just kidding, but it does matter a little. Also I know times at that age times don't predict the future, I was just curious to see what they were.
Doesn't matter, IMHO. Times can change quickly at that age.
If good times at that age are achieved with virtually no effort, it may indicate some natural talent (or maybe just natural athleticism) that may continue to grow with time and proper coaching. If they reflect the fact that you're in the water on a daily basis, not so much. Plus, I've seen it time and time again. Someone with success as a youth because of pool time (or whatever) plateaus and doesn't improve much in their teens while other hit their stride. Very dependent on the individual swimmer.
Right now, I see a lot of 12-13 year olds struggling with the commitment required by swimming. Most simply want to play other sports, and are frustrated by the fact that, if they really train for swimming, they just can't. I seem to see it more in boys, but my daughter is chaffing a bit right now. Swimming is a tough sport for kids.
Stud: You keep right on giving advice. I'm keeping my trap shut.
