Young Swimmers

[LynneM]

My daughter is 8, keen and able (currently swimming successfully at 9 and under inter-club level). As a non-swimmer I have no idea whether the coaching she is receiving is good or otherwise. Is there any guidance on this or can somebody give me some pointers. Would be very appreciated by us both.

[Chris]

Lynne,

Speaking from a swimmers point of view, I think your first priority is to make sure that your daughter is enjoying her swimming.

I'm 24 now, and I've seen a lot of swimmers come and go during my career. Swimmers with loads of ability that have given up swimming at 14 or 15 because they are just sick of it.

I think (but others may disagree!) that once a swimmer gets to the age of 11 or 12, if they really have ability this is the time to start making sure that this ability is nurtured.

I am sure that even with the weakest of teachers/coaches, your daughter will improve as she matures. If she swims with a pushy coach from now, she will more than likely lose interest as she gets older.

This is just my opinion, though!!!

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Chris (Webmaster)
Beau Sejour Barracudas Swimming Club - Guernsey
http://www.barracudas-sc.org.gg/

[Conrad Cawley]

When my daughter was 8 I took her to ballet lessons, not being a ballet dancer myself. I put my complete trust in the ballet school after talking to other parents and members of the school, as all the feedback was positive. I also questioned the people running the school on the qualifications and experience of the teachers. More importantly, I asked my daughter if she was enjoying herself.
I would encourage all parents of swimmers to do the same at their respective swimming clubs.
Watch the way the swimmers move through the water. If they look efficient and relaxed that’s a good sign. Does the group get stroke technique work (very important in the formative years) and do the swimmers look forward to their next training session?


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Conrad