number of sessions per week

Question
Hi
My Grandson is 11yrs 2mths and is a County standard competitive swimmer he currently swims with an elite squad (selection by times + dedication + payment of a monthly fee!). He currently trains 2 x sessions Monday, 1 Tuesday, Wednesday off, 2 x Thursday, 1 Friday, 1 Saturday, & 1 Sunday - a total of 15hrs per week. Obviously the metreage changes as to the proximaty of events but at the moment he is doing approx 30 - 35,000 metres per week. He seems to cope with this ok but his times have been fairly static for almost 12 months. For example for 200m (all times long course - 50 metres) backstroke he still does around 2.55 same as a year ago and his 50 metre time has actually gone slightly slower - was 38.00 low now 39.00 high. His other strokes show similar evidence. We have spoken to his coach who says we should be looking ahead several years and just train towards success in the future as age group swimming is very hit and miss due to puberty/body changes and so on. The problem we have is 1-2 years ago he was unbeatable (in his own level o competition) now he isn't. Would just like your thoughts on the subject. Thanks Tayler

Answer
Roger,
You provide a great example of what most athletes call a plateau.  Plateaus are just times in ones life where there isn't the major improvements that one had seen earlier.  The improvement has leveled off TEMPORARILY.

You grandson is still young.  He is still growing and will improve just from his natural body's strengthening.  I wouldn't worry too much.

Many times children who are very good early on have great coordination.  This coordination is something that other children start to grasp at puberty.  The onset of puberty is a strange time for athletics in children.  It seems to level the playing field at times.  Overall, there might be a lot going on with your grandson right now.  Make sure he still swims for the enjoyment of the sport.  If he isn't enjoying the sport, then he needs to re-think why he swims!

Yes, the spoils of victory are fun.  They are great motivators for competing.  However, make sure he is still competing for the fun of it.  He will get through this plateau.  I know this because of his age.  I didn't start training at the level you mention until I was 12 years old, and I had plateaus.

I would start to worry if this plateau persists for another year.  If it does, I would assume that it's something more mental than physical.  The body can achieve much more than the mind believes.  Swimming is much more mental than physical.  Make sure your grandson stays mentally positive for now.  I would re-evaluate things over the next year.  He may never be "unbeatable" again, but I am sure he will still improve.

Best of luck.
Eric