Hey everyone, wasn't sure were to put this questions so I decided to place it here. I also wanted to get some opinions from knowlageable swimmers like yourselves so I hope you don't mind me asking this.
Here's the story..
My daughter is 9 years old and has been competing for about 8 months but taking swimming lessons since the age of 3. She's extremely descent for her age (about 35 seconds 50 free, 43 seconds 50 fly, 45 seconds 50 back and 43 seconds 50 ***) just to give you an idea. I decided to pull her off the current team as I feel he was not improving enough as her coach did very little technique training and put her in private lessons with someone I think can really help her learn the little things to make her faster.
Anyways, here is the other thing.
During her swim meets I noticed another 9 year old girl who is swimming with times such as 32 seconds 50 free, 32 seconds 50 fly, 38 seconds 50 *** ect and could not believe it. Keep in mind this girl JUST turned 9!
My question is this,
How is it that a 9 year old child can swim times as fast as many of the top 11, 12 or 13 year olds? Is this a freak of nature? Is it just good coaching? Physical strength? or what.
I did not think it was possible for kids this age to swim so fast. Is there any hope for my daughter to "catch up" to kids like this?
I would like to know everyones opinion on youth marvels like this. I believe this kids has gotten as fast as she will get but that's my own personal opinion. She is sort of short and perhaps as she matures other kids will eventually get taller and stronger and catch up to her times?
If you were in my shoes what would YOU do with your daughter to help her attain these kinds of times?
Thanks
You're welcome
The way for her to get faster is Tip 265 Train harder, smarter, faster, further, more often, with a coach, with a team, in a convenient facility & at a convenient Time (& have fun)
increasing from 4 times a week to 5 or 6 times
increasing from 1200 - 1500 a practice to 2, 3, or 4000 a practice
adding exercises push ups, pull ups, jumps, sit ups, cross training from other sports
Plus shes growing, she's getting bigger and stronger, that will make her faster.
Just watch out for injuries and burn out
I stay focused motivated and excited about swimming with dreaming, goal setting, planning, & doing my plans. All of these focus on preparing for one or two meets at the end of each season.
People can do remarkable things when they are truly inspired.
"When you are inspired by some great purpose,
some extraordinary project,
all of your thoughts break their bonds:
your mind transcends limitations,
your consciousness expands in every direction and
you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.
Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and
you discover yourself to be a greater person than
you ever dreamed yourself to be."
~Patanjali
Streamline Dolphin Kicking (SDK) is one of the most important skills in swimming. It's great to start early and it's fun.
There's several Tips on SDK here's one with links to videos
Hope this helps,
relax, have fun, work hard
be a great example for your kids, show them with your actions instead of your words
I have a friend who's daughters were great runners, they'd go running with mom or dad
sibling rivalries help, I often see families with several swimmers and sometimes the youngest ones wind up the best because they work hard to keep up with the older ones.
Ande
That was a very informing post thanks.
To your questions..
She used to train 4 days a week on the team for 1 1/2 hours per session. she was swimming roughly 1,200 to 1,300 yards total.
This new plan is she's doing 2 days week "swim club" 1,200 yards roughly which focuses on endurance and some technique and 1 day on sunday private lessons for 1 hour where the teacher is focusing strictly on some of the "competitve" techniques and stroke techniques to help her cut time. My belief s this private instructor is more qualified than her previous swim team coach.
I wanted her to do at least 2 days a week where she would be with other swimmers and kids her own age and one day focusing on the competitive part of swimming. I guess I should give the kid a break though, I mean, she hasn't even puberty yet and she's an amazing swimmer! Puberty can make all the difference lol
I do love her and I do support her but I just want her to take advantage of this golden opportunity while she is young to. You mentioned "skinny" swimmers?
You mentioned "skinny" swimmers. Is being thin really a drawback? I know most flyers are heavy and built but I think there are quite a few fast "thin" swimmers out there to isn't there?
You're welcome
The way for her to get faster is Tip 265 Train harder, smarter, faster, further, more often, with a coach, with a team, in a convenient facility & at a convenient Time (& have fun)
increasing from 4 times a week to 5 or 6 times
increasing from 1200 - 1500 a practice to 2, 3, or 4000 a practice
adding exercises push ups, pull ups, jumps, sit ups, cross training from other sports
Plus shes growing, she's getting bigger and stronger, that will make her faster.
Just watch out for injuries and burn out
I stay focused motivated and excited about swimming with dreaming, goal setting, planning, & doing my plans. All of these focus on preparing for one or two meets at the end of each season.
People can do remarkable things when they are truly inspired.
"When you are inspired by some great purpose,
some extraordinary project,
all of your thoughts break their bonds:
your mind transcends limitations,
your consciousness expands in every direction and
you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.
Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and
you discover yourself to be a greater person than
you ever dreamed yourself to be."
~Patanjali
Streamline Dolphin Kicking (SDK) is one of the most important skills in swimming. It's great to start early and it's fun.
There's several Tips on SDK here's one with links to videos
Hope this helps,
relax, have fun, work hard
be a great example for your kids, show them with your actions instead of your words
I have a friend who's daughters were great runners, they'd go running with mom or dad
sibling rivalries help, I often see families with several swimmers and sometimes the youngest ones wind up the best because they work hard to keep up with the older ones.
Ande
That was a very informing post thanks.
To your questions..
She used to train 4 days a week on the team for 1 1/2 hours per session. she was swimming roughly 1,200 to 1,300 yards total.
This new plan is she's doing 2 days week "swim club" 1,200 yards roughly which focuses on endurance and some technique and 1 day on sunday private lessons for 1 hour where the teacher is focusing strictly on some of the "competitve" techniques and stroke techniques to help her cut time. My belief s this private instructor is more qualified than her previous swim team coach.
I wanted her to do at least 2 days a week where she would be with other swimmers and kids her own age and one day focusing on the competitive part of swimming. I guess I should give the kid a break though, I mean, she hasn't even puberty yet and she's an amazing swimmer! Puberty can make all the difference lol
I do love her and I do support her but I just want her to take advantage of this golden opportunity while she is young to. You mentioned "skinny" swimmers?
You mentioned "skinny" swimmers. Is being thin really a drawback? I know most flyers are heavy and built but I think there are quite a few fast "thin" swimmers out there to isn't there?
