I grew up simming in the late 60s through early 80s. Boys didn't really wear caps then. My son is 11 and is teatering on some USA Swimming state qual times, but is about 0.5 seconds away in several 50s and 100s.
He has never tried a cap. Should he? I would think a cap would only take about .01 seconds off a 50.
Does anyone have any data.
Parents
Former Member
I have two boys that are a bit older but they have been wearing caps for many years. They have medium length messy hair.
I think your son should try a cap. It should help a bit but I caution you to not set his expectations too high. The cap is not a magical speed booster but is instead something that probably falls into the attention to detail category.
Buy him a cap that fits. An adult sized cap will be probably be too big and he probably won't like how far it comes down his forehead. Cap over goggles or vice versa doesn't matter much at this point. If you watch elite swimmers I think more put cap over goggles. But your son may like to put his cap on first, get it positioned right, then put on his goggles. He really should try this several times in practice before he races. I also suggest he wear the cap during warmups. The cap will hold a bit of air and can make the head feel a bit lighter.
I have two boys that are a bit older but they have been wearing caps for many years. They have medium length messy hair.
I think your son should try a cap. It should help a bit but I caution you to not set his expectations too high. The cap is not a magical speed booster but is instead something that probably falls into the attention to detail category.
Buy him a cap that fits. An adult sized cap will be probably be too big and he probably won't like how far it comes down his forehead. Cap over goggles or vice versa doesn't matter much at this point. If you watch elite swimmers I think more put cap over goggles. But your son may like to put his cap on first, get it positioned right, then put on his goggles. He really should try this several times in practice before he races. I also suggest he wear the cap during warmups. The cap will hold a bit of air and can make the head feel a bit lighter.
