Top 3 swimming tips for every age group

We know that swimmers grow through seasons. What matters most at age 8 isn’t the same as what matters at 16. 

But at every stage, there are a few golden habits that help young swimmers stay strong, confident, and on the right path. 

Here are our top 3 tips for every stage of your child’s swimming journey. 

Age 6–9: The discovery years 

This is where swimmers fall in love with the water - and where confidence starts to grow. 

• Focus on fun, not times: let them laugh, play, and enjoy every splash. A positive start keeps them coming back. 
• Build basic body awareness: things like streamline, breathing, and floating might seem simple - but they’re the foundation for everything. 
• Celebrate effort: whether it’s diving in with confidence or finishing a full lap, praise the try, not just the result. 

Age 10–12: The skill-builder years 

This is a key time for developing stroke technique and solid work habits.

• Prioritise good technique: these years are for refining strokes, not rushing to be the fastest. Good form = future speed. 
• Encourage consistency: regular attendance and staying engaged during training builds discipline and gets swimmers used to structure. 
• Start teaching self-awareness: ask them how they felt during a set. Let them reflect. Help them become students of their own sport. 

Age 13–16: The transition years 

This is where things get real; more intensity, more competition, and big body changes. 

• Stay patient through puberty: performance might dip or plateau. Support your swimmer emotionally; this stage is challenging, but vital. 
• Focus on balance: help them manage school, training, sleep and social life. Burnout often happens here if balance is lost. 
• Teach long-term thinking: success isn’t about this gala or this season, it’s about who they’re becoming and where they want to be in two, five or ten years. 

Conclusion 

Every swimmer is on their own timeline. At TC Aquatics, we meet them where they’re at and coach them forward with care, skill and vision. 

Because whether they’re 6 or 16, the goal is always the same: help them grow into confident, capable Tomorrow’s Champions. 

"Different strokes for different ages but the one thing that never changes is showing up with heart."