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 agree. It's one thing to give your kid a few tips in rec soccer, as Rich has done, explaining off side rules, reminding them to use their left foot, etc.
Hey my little Mia Hamm is on the travel squad! ;)
Our coach is another dad, but he's great with the kids, and is as professional as any paid coach.. We don't have much "coaching" shouting at our games. He pulls them off explains and then sends them back on.
It's a good thing to help them practice away from the game, but another to bellow contiually from the sidelines at little Suzy. I say little at games beyond giving my "hustle" siglnal.
I agree. It's one thing to give your kid a few tips in rec soccer, as Rich has done, explaining off side rules, reminding them to use their left foot, etc.
Hey my little Mia Hamm is on the travel squad! ;)
Our coach is another dad, but he's great with the kids, and is as professional as any paid coach.. We don't have much "coaching" shouting at our games. He pulls them off explains and then sends them back on.
It's a good thing to help them practice away from the game, but another to bellow contiually from the sidelines at little Suzy. I say little at games beyond giving my "hustle" siglnal.
