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On:
Apr 19, 2009 10:22 PM CDT
Our son has just aged up to the 11-12 group. He as just gained 6 pound and has grown 4 inches in the last nine months. His arm span is 60". He has been the fastest age group swimmer on his team for the last 4 years. Now, he is struggling and adding time. What can we do to help him through this awkward time? |
Posts:
2
swimtaximom  |
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On:
Apr 22, 2009 1:31 PM CDT
I think technique is always the key. Show him some articles in the Splash magazine or on swimnetwork.com where the national levels swimmers talk about how they work on their technique constantly. I saw an interview recently where Bob Bowman said he and Phelps were changing Phelps' technique in some of his strokes. Margaret Hoelzer says she had to completely re-work her backstroke flip turn as a senior in high school. The point is, kids in this age group don't really understand the work that the top swimmers put into perfecting and adjusting their technique. If you can help him set process goals (for example, 3 dolphin kicks off the turn) rather than time goals, he will be better off, because he's not done growing yet! Also, we emphasise life lessons, meaning he has hit some adversity and now he can show what he's made of by really persevering through this transition time.
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Posts:
1
swimfish2 |
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On:
Nov 16, 2009 9:48 AM CST
Aging up is hard for kids who are used to either being at the top of the pack, or continually dropping time... kids need to stay positive and continue to focus on their fundamentals and technique. Hard work and the knowledge that performance in meets is not a reflection of how good one is, or what their potential may be. AS the kids get older dropping time gets more and more difficult, the 13/14 age up is a killer. If you can manage your child's expectations and let them know that their body is growing- just like everyone else's, and keep them focused on believing they are capable of reaching their goals. Most older swimmers may only swim their best times a couple of times a year. Bottom line, continue to work hard, stay focused on technique and have a positive attitude... fast swims will come. |
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kgrady  |
RE: Struggling Age Group Swimmer