My daughter is a pretty good summer league swimmer, and we've been approached by a few sets of parents whose kids are with year round programs. These parents say that my daughter needs to join a year round program next year when she is 8, b/c she has a lot of potential. Eight seems kind of young to me to concentrate on just one sport, especially a practice intensive one like swimming. Any parents have any thoughts on this? These parents are saying most kids are starting year round at about 7 or 8 these days and if she waits until she is older, she will be way behind the curve.

We're in Austin and one of the teams mentioned is Nitro. Any thoughts on them or other programs like Texas Gold (?) or Longhorn Aquatics (I know, I know)? Thanks.

Infiltrate Longhorn Aquatics and sabotage their program.

That's what I would send my kid to do.

While the parenting angle is not one I can comment on, I began year round swimming at 8, which was about the average age I saw kids start. It does not make you a 1 sport participant at all. I played baseball, basketball, soccer, and football in varying amounts until HS. Of the "other" sports, I probably got deepest into soccer; playing for a select club team until 8th grade. I did not sacrifice anything in performance on either sport, but it was a very busy schedule for a kid. I would basically have 2 sports going all the time, usually swimming and something else. The one exception was in the fall when I would sometimes play soccer and football and take a month or 2 off of swimming.

I loved it and saw many of my friends do similar things. I had a ton of fun as a kid and was lucky enough to be a good student. However, if your kid doesn't have fun doing that stuff or can't keep up her grades, then it should be a consideration. I personally thought that it taught incredible time management skills that are valuable for the rest of your life.

I am a parent of two boys who are year round swimmmers. My daughter is now a diver but was a summer league swimmer and a year rounder for one year.

My thoughts:

1. If your child enjoys the sport, and enjoys competing, year round swimming is THE best way for her to get better.

2. There is NO REASON at this age for her to be a one sport person. My nephew is now 12 and has TAGS level times. But he also plays basketball. I think it is important to let her dabble in other things at this age - whether sports or something else entirely.

3. I think for a child her age the MOST important thing is the quality of coaching she gets. She does not need zillions of yards per week. She needs fundamentals and attention to detail.

4. While Randy Reese was at TXLA - I would never put a young child in that program. My boys swam there almost two years and Randy is the most overrated and now over the hill coach I can think of. TXLA was always run by Randy for the elite swimmers. With just a few exceptions, his coaches were hands off and inflexible. I am starting to hear a few good things about the new coach but I have not watched any practices.

5. Texas Gold is losing more good swimmers than it is gaining. Aubrey's program is based on yardage. I wouldn't put my young child there. Many years ago my kids swam for the "other" Texas Gold coached by Sharon Churchin and Kay Gerkin. That was the best 1-2 coaching staff in Austin. Sharon retired, and Kay is coaching at Cedar Park swimming.

6. Nitro was once Great Hills swimming. They built their own 50 meter indoor pool and moved out to BFE. I think they are a solid program.

7. My high school son swims for West Austin. Solid coaching and convenient on Bee Caves Rd. Lakeway's kids are training with West Austin this summer because West Austin has a 50 meter pool (4 lanes).

8. My nephew swims for Lost Creek. Some of my son's high school teammates swim for LC. They have a 25M pool. They have a yardage reputation.

9. Lone Star Aquatics is the home of several fine swimmers. But I heard there were some coaching changes. Worth checking out though.

10. No matter what - I think you should watch some practices of teams you are considering. Don't rely on what coaches or websites say about their philosophy. They all say they concentrate on stroke technique and push a positive attitude.

Spicewood is right on about selecting a program. Growing up I swam for high-intensity/high-profile programs and lower key programs and it all comes down to the coach. Every child has different developmental needs, but attention to technique and positive experience is the key.

We obviously offer a biased perspective, but I strongly believe that year round swimming is the best option if your child enjoys swimming and wants to get better.

Thanks for the information everyone. Spicewood- did your kids ever swim under Kohlhausen at West Austin? What are your opinions on him? Thanks!

Playing devil's advocate, girls who begin swimming year round at such a young age have a much higher tendancy to "burn out" on it by the time they hit high school (give or take a few years). Kristen Heiss (on the women's team) didn't start year round until she was in high school I believe.

But I'm with everyone else, at 8yrs old, it definitely shouldnt make her a single sport athlete. Swimming didnt take over my sports life until I was like 12 or something. Then it just gets hard to balance schedules

Texag09 - I think many swimmers who start young and get serious too quick have a chance to burn out - boys or girls.

I think it is up to the parents to manage. My oldest didn't start USA-S swimming until he was 12. If my kids were 8 and wanted to start swimming year round I would limit them to 3-4 practices a week.

At 8 I think it's much more important to have your kid doing what they enjoy. Until high school I would say that it's much more important to be on a team with kids that they're friends with and swimming for a coach that makes it fun. It would take a year or two tops to make up any difference between year round training and summer league, and at 8 years old maybe a matter of just a few months.

What age your kid goes through growth spurts and their natural born talent will have 99% more to do with reaching their full potential than who they train with or when they start swimming year round.

I swam with a guy that won the Texas high school state championship in the 50 freestyle, and he never swam year round until high school, and never swam with a year round club team.

My son is 13 and swims for Dripping Springs (Spring Rays). He's got pretty good times and enjoys at most 3 practices a week. He loves the sport and has the opportunity to train 5 days a week, but he says he'll burn out if he does. We let him set the pace. His 9 year old sister, on the other hand, is a JO Gymnast who trains 4-5 hours a day and is home schooled so that she can train 2-a-days. She loves everything about it and would over train if we allowed it. She won several of the state wide meets this past season and was 3rd in the gold state championships. Kind of off topic, but it's completely nuts trying to manage that girl. Showing up to a kids pool party sporting a 6 pack at 9 years of age gets lots of comments/questions from the parents. Not to mention that her PE coach when she was in public school thought she was a freak. She set all the records across the board in the Pres. Fitness program.

I have two adult children in there 30's now who when younger were ultimatley good enough athletes to compete at the collegiate level and my opinion in retrospect is that there is way too much emphasis on youth sports, select teams and year round practices etc. Let them play a variety of sports in regular leagues and just be well rounded kids. They can learn to compete and learn good sportsmanship just as well and maybe better in a less than supercompetitive environment. They can get serious enough if they have the ability in high school and even then make sure they understand academics comes first. Very, very few kids will ever be able to make a living in
sports and too many parents place way too much emphasis on sport's importance. You need to keep them active in something but it doesn't have to be sports.

Rhino - my daughter reached level 8 in gymnastics and I know what you're talking about. She could do 29 chinups in 5th grade. But unlike your daughter - she DID get tired of the routine and we were unwilling to change her schooling for gymnastics. Hence the change to gymnastics.

As for emphasis on youth sports - I agree and disagree. I agree that there is too much emphasis in many sports - especially on winning. But in many ways I think there is not enough emphasis on sports - purely for the fitness aspect.

My two boys grew to love being swimmers. They love the fitness, conditioning, etc. They like not being part of the football herd. And they like racing and training. But as soon as they get tired of it - they can and will quit with no interference from me.

So I don't think there is anything wrong with youth sports unless it gets out of control. Parents have to be very careful to prevent that.

For the OP - if your daughter doesn't want to swim year round - it is no big deal and you should ignore the other parents. If she wants to - find a sensible program and let her try it out. I will say that swimming has some terrific qualities - the fitness achievement is outstanding, being coached is a useful skill in itself, and achievement is easily measured electronically instead of by personalities or favoritism by judges and coaches.

Just my two cents.

Here's my take on it, as a summer league swimming coach. I would get the kid into for a year, but rather than committing to both long course and short course, have her just do the short course (winter) rather than doubling up in the summer. After that, gauge her interest level. Odds are, when she goes back to summer league, she'll be a superstar, and will gradually get more and more into it as the years progress. Like has been mentioned, to keep from burning them out, look for coaches that really focus on technique rather than yardage. Sure, they might not win every race at the USS meets now, but you'll be able to see that they just look like a better swimmer. Then, when she gets older, she can start building up the yardage, and she will have a very good foundation on which to do so, and will turn out to be a very good swimmer.

But usually, as to the foundation, it's good to get them into it for a year. Then if they decide to take a year off to try something else, they won't lose as much as they would if they were yardage focused. Also, the technique focused teams usually aren't as anal about the kids being in practice every day no matter what, because they know that their training (at least at the youth ages) isn't entirely dependent on it.

You will be amazed at the difference in coaching that you see at USS from summer league. Yes, there are some very good summer league coaches (I've seen college coaches that coach summer league) but you just can't get as much out of the kids in summer league, because half of your time is spent getting the kids to quiet down and stop fighting. USS practices are more of a school atmosphere, mostly because of the fact that everyone is the good swimmer, and the coaches are allowed more leeway in how they handle distracting swimmers.

If you don't think you have enough knowledge to find a technique focused program on your own, talk to one of your trusted summer league coaches, and ask them to come sit in on a USS practice with you. I'm sure they'd be willing to do it for no more than the cost of a private lesson, and it'd definitely be worth it.

In summary, look for a technique focused program, have her do it for a season, and then play it by ear. Or come back and ask texags for more advice.

I have experience with some of the teams out there and would probably recommend Nitro above the others. Lone Star Aquatic Club did indeed go through a coaching change, and the new head coach is very short on experience.

Spicewood, I am sure that you must know my SO's family. Ballo ring a bell? She and her sister swam for Randy, and then switched over to Aubrey. She really didnt like him at all since he played favorites and ignored her. Her sister now swims for Nitro and seems to be doing pretty good, granted she doesnt have the best work ethic.

Yes, everyone knows the Ballo's. They make sure of it.

I agree with goblu's suggestions. Give it a year and see how it goes.

mneisch - I know OF the Ballo family. I met the USA-S offical (Mrs?) at a stroke judge training event. She is a regular at big meets in Austin. Not sure about Goblu's frown face though. I have no opinion at all.

Spicewood- any experience with coach Kohlhausen? He used to be at West Austin and is now at Westwood. Thanks.

gobluwolverine, really don't know what that means.

And yes her mother is an official.

Continental, are you saying Chip left?

I think his name is Trey Kohlhausen? Same guy? Just wondering if anyone had an opinion of him as a coach.

I know Trey. He is a good guy and a good coach. I'd say he is probably at his best with younger kids, not so much high school age. He is enthusiastic and kids like him.

quote:

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They built their own 50 meter indoor pool

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Spicewood, do you know anything about this or who I could speak with? My sons team is trying to figure this out as well and I'm on the committee.

Beretta - I don't know much about it that is useful for you.

I know it took a very long time to get done. Nitro owns the pool on their own land. I have not actually seen it but heard it is almost an above ground pool with the earth brought up to the pool. It is indoor (steel building) and has some bleacher seating.

I suggest you contact them directly. I think the head coach (Mike) is the owner.

http://www.nitroswim.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Does anyone have an opinion on the best centrally located year round team in Austin. I'm in Terrytown, but since Westwood only allows members this year, I'm not sure were to send her after summer league.

I absolutely agree about the yardage coaches. Swimming year round with three summers in a row of two a days did me in. Heavy yardage is no way to keep a youngster interested in the sport.

my kid is eight, and like me at that age is falling in love with swimming. She seems to love racing. Though I have received some very good coaching throughout my life, I'm finding it difficult to instruct her.


[This message has been edited by Citizen Reign (edited 6/11/2009 9:04p).]

The complete list of all USA-S teams in South Texas can be found here.

The giant TXLA of course is close to you but I don't know who is coaching their younger kids now. It wouldn't be my first choice. Getting kids to and from practice can be a hassle because of parking at tu.

You could consider Weiss and Weiss in Rollingwood. I have never seen them coach, but I always hear it is a low-key high attention program. No one seems to stay with WAWA because they have no really fast swimmers. But it might be a good place to start.

West Austin is worth a look too. They do not over swim young kids. The coaching quality varies.

Thanks Spicewood. It looks like the decision will come down to these three.

Weiss & Weiss Aquatics
Lornhorn Aquatics
Lost Creek Aquatics

I like the sound of WAWA for starters. Getting her started with proper technique and building up yardage later on. She's has really enjoyed swimming at Reed Park this week and is already talking about finding a team after SL is over.

I'm also proud to report the she did very well at her first meet today.

25 free 2nd place
25 back 3rd
50 free 1st

All I have to say is that my daughter swims on Texas Gold & she loves it!

We were one of those parents that summer league coaches (and other parents) told us we should put our daughter in year around swimming & they recommended Texas Gold. I had also checked out TX Gold practices for a year before putting her in year around swimming.

We started by putting her in short course, then putting her back in Summer League. She came in 1st place in Summer League in virtually every race the entire summer, including 2 out of 3 championship races. When the summer was over, she announced to us that she wanted to go back to Texas Gold.

On Texas Gold, her times have been dropping left & right! This year, I've seen her drop 3-4 seconds in the 50 Freestyle and almost 8 seconds in the 100 Free! And she is a TAGS swimmer!

Also, Texas Gold has an Alumni Swimmer that made it to the semi-finals in the Olympic Trials, and was a 1st Team NCAA Division I All American in the 200 Breast Stroke as a Freshman in College! There are other Alumni that won Conference Titles this year (as freshman) College swimmers!

Cotinental -

There are many more informed opinions and replies than mine on this thread. I will give you an additional voice. I think it all comes down to the individual kid. However, I believe that in ALL sports, there is way too much emphasis to focus or participate year-round only to gain some minimal advantage at an early age. If your child is talented, as has been mentioned, I am certain she will be able to "catch up" to others a few years down the road - no problem. My son had also been on summer league teams since the age of 5. He always did very well. He made the Katy Taylor Varsity swim team this year as a Freshman. Taylor is typically one of the Top 10 5A programs in the state, I believe. He NEVER swam year round and participated in other sports - basketball, baseball, and track as a youth - through Junior High. We asked him numerous times if he wanted to join a year-round program and his answer was always "No", so we left it alone. He was able to enjoy multiple sports and have a little time for himself. It is very much an individual and family decision. This is our first summer without summer league swimming in about a dozen years. It's bittersweet because we had a lot of friends at the meets. Even after his high school coach spoke glowingly about his talent with minimal (just about zero) training and his "feel for the water" that few kids have, he has chosen basketball over swimming. It may have been different if he had started year round at a young age, but for my particular son, I am not sure he would have been very happy with so much focus on one sport. He would probably have burned out by now. You know your child and should make the right decision for her and your family. Just remember the astronomically long odds of raising an Olympic swimmer. Your child should be goal-oriented and possess time-management skills, but also have a happy and well-rounded childhood.

JADAG, I know who you are :-)

Here are my thoughts, as a parent of 3 young swimmers.

My oldest, now 9, started swimming year-round at age 7. BUT this was HER idea. She asked us, after swimming on a summer swim team, if she could join a year round club. We said yes, with the stipulation that she commit for 2 years. She practiced 2-3 times per week, and we let her participate in other activities. She has enjoyed swimming, and 7-8 is a very good age to introduce competitive swimming, since the can still swim 25's. Once they are 9, the minimum distance on any stroke is 50-yards.

Funny thing, she has completed her 2-year commitment, and has asked to continue in the fall. From this point we will take it one season at a time, and let her quit if she chooses.

You can also choose when year-round ends. We take a break starting in March (after our Regional Championship). This has given our daughter time to relax as the school year winds down, and she is usually extremely excited to get back into the pool in the summer.

Keep in mind that they have to enjoy it or they will burn out.

Our other two (now 7 & 6) have now asked to start swimming year round in the fall.

Hope this helps.

missin,

How long of a break does your kid take each year? Does she find it hard to get back up to speed with the rest of the team?

Citizen - lots of kids take a break after the various championship meets in the spring. Some coaches even force at least a week off. I'd say older, more serious swimmers will take less time off. I thought I read that Phelps was in the water every day the year before Beijing.

Young kids will "catch up" quickly. And often the beginning of a new season is dominated by stroke or technique work. It builds into more demaning aerobic work.