Just wondering what other USA teams do insofar as breaks during the year. When I grew up, depending on what meets you qualified for, I remember taking off from mid-April until about mid-May. The next break was usually early August until Labor Day.
The team that my son swims on does not take a break. Is that what other USA teams do these days or do most still take at least a couple week break once or twice a year?
Mine is just about to turn 11, so I'm building in breaks for him as I recognize the need. Since mid-August, he has only had a one week break when the pool was closed. He just finished his season as a 9-10 year old, so I'm letting him skip this week and play basketball in our backyard.
I'm curious to hear if and when other programs work in breaks.
My USA team growing up only took one break (2 weeks in Aug. after Nationals) but that was years and years ago. I think part of the rationale for not breaking in the Spring was that long course was such a short season anyway, you couldn't afford to take much time off if you wanted to do well during the summer (or so the thinking went).
The team I coached with a few years ago didn't really take an extended break. Part of the reason was charging dues for time off, I think. Parents have a hard time wrapping their minds around paying for a month where half of it has no practices offered.
I didn't swim year round until I was in high-school and I think the two weeks off every August were really good for me. I can't imagine not ever taking some time off if you started swimming as an age-grouper!
My USA team growing up only took one break (2 weeks in Aug. after Nationals) but that was years and years ago. I think part of the rationale for not breaking in the Spring was that long course was such a short season anyway, you couldn't afford to take much time off if you wanted to do well during the summer (or so the thinking went).
The team I coached with a few years ago didn't really take an extended break. Part of the reason was charging dues for time off, I think. Parents have a hard time wrapping their minds around paying for a month where half of it has no practices offered.
I didn't swim year round until I was in high-school and I think the two weeks off every August were really good for me. I can't imagine not ever taking some time off if you started swimming as an age-grouper!
