What Does Swimming Involve

Like most sports, swimming takes between 10 and 15 years to reach the International Performance Level. Researchers have identified 5 stages or levels of training. The first stage for beginners is called “Fundamentals” and is aimed at girls aged of 7 to 9 and for boys aged 8 to 10.

THE FUNDAMENTAL STAGE

Emphasizes fun and learning the basic skills associated with swimming. The overall goals of this phase are:

• Learn the basic swimming techniques of all 4 strokes
• Enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of swimming (fun)
• Improve the health
• Introduce lifelong skills
• Improved motor coordination through multi-sport activities

Participating in Multi-sport activities that incorporate simple dry land exercises is recommended. Seasonal sports such as soccer, skiing, track, and gymnastics to name a few, are complimentary to swimming and enhance the development of good coordination and well-rounded motor skills.

PRACTICE

We use the word practice and not workout, because at this age, swimmers should be concentrating on learning the best technique for all 4 strokes. Any endurance training should be introduced in the second stage, “Learning to Train”.

COMPETITION

If a swimmer enters a competition during the Fundamental Stage, the emphasis should be placed on learning and enjoying the experience with little or no expectations on results. The pressure to win from either the parent or coach merely undermines the Fundamental Goals of “Skill and Personal Development”. It should be noted that winning at this age is no guarantee of success later on and may only be an indication of physical maturity or unnecessary pressure.

In swim meets involving 10 year olds and under, officials tend to be more relaxed about enforcing the rules. They focus more on informing the swimmer and coach about the infraction and give advice on how to prevent this infraction from happening in future competitions. However, whenever a disqualification happens keep the following in mind.

• It is for the benefit of the swimmer in the long run.
• The official disqualified the action, not the swimmer.
• Tears are more than likely to occur
• It is between the Swimmer, Official and the Coach. (Do not argue with the official)
• It is an important learning experience