Training /risk for burnout

Question
QUESTION: HI, my son is 11 and 3 months and has been swimming year round for 3 years. He is a 9 time state champion in free, fly and back, SCY and LCM and is a state record holder in SCY 50 free. I mention this because he has accomplished this by practicing between 2 and 4 times a week, much less than his teammates. He recently moved up in training groups, the practices are more difficult and more frequent (8 times a week). So far this Summer, he has practiced almost everyday but never twice a day. He asked me tonight if he can skip one per week. I feel like I am burning him out but his coach pressures the kids to show up everyday. I don't want to "let him off easy" but I also think going less has worked for him over the years. He's 5'4, 110...a big kid for his age. As a new 11 year old, he swims a 50 free in 30.15. My concern is that I don't want him to miss his opportunity to reach his potential because I'm so soft and let him call the shots. But I want him to have fun as a kid...swimming is so demanding...I have always thought he'll have plenty of time to swim everyday when he's older....HELP!

ANSWER: Hi Tracy, your coach probably won't like my answer. But first let me tell you a story...

I was at the ASCA coaches convention (American Swim Coaches Association) about 15 years ago. There was a lot of discussion about this very topic. Push or not push. One coach said that if he had a 12 year old swimmer who was an early talent and had a chance to be the best 12 year old in the country, but who probably wouldn't blossom and end up being world class as an adult then he was obligated to make that kid be the absolute best he could be as a 12 year old.

As a new father, I was very upset. How dare someone tell me what my son would be or not be, could accomplish or not accomplish as an adult. If he was coaching my kid I'd be furious.

I think 8 workouts a week is ridiculous for an 11 year old kid, especially one who is so young. Five to six workouts max. Maybe occasionally try doubles for the experience, challenge and motivation but on a regular basis, no way.

What would probably be more beneficial is to take a day off and get some great stroke lessons (I'm a big believer in stroke work for kids. Not enough teams do it. I've had NCAA qualifiers from Standford take swim lessons. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for age-groupers).

It sounds like you have a great kid who wants to be a kid. I think that's the right attitude. Too many coaches push their swimmers beyond what they mentally and physically could and should be doing. It might work with a few kids...but seriously, who cares? Are you going to risk the health and fun of swimming for the one in a two million chance that he's the next Phelps? Coaches will...I think it's a mistake.

By the way, his workouts shouldn't be more than 6,000 yards per day. He can get more in but in the end it will be too much.

Oh, one added thought. Sometimes when parents say "no" to an athlete, it holds them back and makes them want it more. This is a good thing. It's like getting a donkey into a barn...you pull the tail and they run forward. Hope this helps. If you have further questions please let me know. Ron

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QUESTION: You are so wise. My gut has been telling me the answer but your expertise made me feel a lot better about the direction I want to go regarding practices.
In regard to what you said about early talent not being stand outs later in their career...I know thats very possible with my son as well. Thats one of the reasons why we don't take the sport too seriously...I don't want him looking back one day feeling like his childhood was only about swimming.
I agree about technique... he should skip a day and get 1 on 1 training. The problem is, I honestly don't trust many people to teach him technique. Last year, he went to North Baltimore Aquatics swim camp. I figure if I'm going to pay someone to teach him, I want it to come from the most knowledgeable coaches possible. The training was fantastic and he wants to attend again next Summer. But until then, how do you find stroke technique coaches for a elite swimmer? Can you recommend anyone in Indiana?

Thank you so much!!!

Answer
Sorry I didn't get back to you. I was so busy I missed it. Hope your son is doing well. I'd love to know how it's going.

As far as lessons and coaches, I'm in Northern California and have no idea about the coaches in Indiana. Does the coach offer any?

Ron