Apologies if this off the beaten track for this group..
Can anyone recommend a "coaching" type DVD with some sort of a lesson plan to address basic/intermediate swimming skills that I can try out for my 7 year old son ?
(lengthy background..)
My son is 7 and has'nt improved in almost an year of an informal swim team environment where they do about 1000-1500 yd workiout in an hour. He goes twice a week, and he keeps making the same mistakes (that I can spot), and is amongst the slowest of the lot. The coach who I really like and does try and make it fun for the kids has about 10 kids to look after and cannot devote individual attention. Unfortunately, he's underpaid and has little incentive to work any harder for the program, though he's doing a decent job IMO.
While I would like to get private lessons for my son, I can't get them at the current pool from this coach (I have'nt heard good enough things about other instructors from other parents, and it is a tad bit expensive at $40/half-hour).
I am a beginning Masters swimmer myself - started about 6 months back at 41 with my previous serious swimming when I was 11. I don't know enough about the finer points but am hoping to use some learning tools and put my son on an incentive plan (!) to get him to improve while he's young. So far he can take twice a week of swim class and he does need the exercise... but is not terribly motivated about swimming.
Thanks.
financeG
Former Member
You might try the older T.I. four-strokes dvd and book. They are discounting it now because it's been superceded, but not much has changed. It isn't aimed at children, but the strokes are broken down into the smallest possible pieces and then built up bit by bit, so it shouldn't be hard for a seven year old to grasp if you take it slowly and patiently.
Honestly, I don't think any video is really going to hold a 7 year olds attention and help them. They learn by doing. So really, private lessons is the way to go, but it does not necessarily have to be with that coach. Ask around and see if anyone is taking lessons outside the swim team coaching. You may be surprised what you find.
Also, he actually may improve with this team, just not ready yet, and when his time comes, he may take off. Each kid develops differently.
