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
Parents
Former Member
I think an 8-9 year old should experience a variety of sports. My three kids all swam summer league (mostly to make them drown proof), and two of them continued on to year round programs (around 10-12 yrs. old). I agree that pressure on an 8 yr. old is a bad thing. I will say though a child that age is just about old enough to understand that they joined a team, and being part of team involves some basic commitment. So I would not let my child just blow off practice anytime they wanted to.
I would be very wary of the team and coaching. If you see any sign of pounding yardage with kids that age - change teams. Swimming does have burnout and I would aim for the child to stay somewhat relaxe about swimming until middle school or so. If they really like the sport - that is the time for them to make a bigger commitment to it.
I would also make some effort over time to help them appreciate the uniqueness of swimming. Kids will get pressure from their non-swimming friends to play basketball or football, etc. and some kids have difficulty with being in a slightly less common sport. Take 'em to a championship meet in your area. Watch swimming with the upcoming Olympics. Etc.....
I think an 8-9 year old should experience a variety of sports. My three kids all swam summer league (mostly to make them drown proof), and two of them continued on to year round programs (around 10-12 yrs. old). I agree that pressure on an 8 yr. old is a bad thing. I will say though a child that age is just about old enough to understand that they joined a team, and being part of team involves some basic commitment. So I would not let my child just blow off practice anytime they wanted to.
I would be very wary of the team and coaching. If you see any sign of pounding yardage with kids that age - change teams. Swimming does have burnout and I would aim for the child to stay somewhat relaxe about swimming until middle school or so. If they really like the sport - that is the time for them to make a bigger commitment to it.
I would also make some effort over time to help them appreciate the uniqueness of swimming. Kids will get pressure from their non-swimming friends to play basketball or football, etc. and some kids have difficulty with being in a slightly less common sport. Take 'em to a championship meet in your area. Watch swimming with the upcoming Olympics. Etc.....
