Why your swimmer might not be dropping times

As a parent, it can be tough to watch your child swim their heart out … and not improve their time. You might feel confused or even concerned. Are they falling behind? Is something wrong with their training? 

But here’s something we want every TC parent to know: plateaus are a normal, healthy part of a swimmer’s journey and they don’t mean your child isn’t progressing. 

Progress isn’t always measured in seconds 

Swimming is a technical sport. Sometimes a swimmer is building strength, fixing stroke mechanics, or working on breathing; all of which take time to show up on the stopwatch. 

They might not drop time yet, but that doesn’t mean they’re not improving. In fact, these hidden gains often lead to big breakthroughs later. 

Plateaus happen to everyone, even Olympians 

Every swimmer, from age-groupers to world champions, goes through periods where their times stay the same or even get slightly slower. This isn’t failure. It’s part of the natural rhythm of growth, especially as bodies change, training loads increase, and technique gets refined. 

At TC, we keep our eyes on the big picture and help your swimmer push through these plateaus with patience and purpose. 

It’s not just physical; it’s mental too 

Sometimes swimmers hit a mental block: self-doubt, overthinking, or putting pressure on themselves to perform. When that happens, our job as coaches (and your role as a parent) is to create space for them to re-centre; to focus on effort, attitude, and enjoyment, not just times. This is where champions are built; in the tough seasons that teach resilience and grit. 

Celebrate what the stopwatch can’t measure 

Here are a few signs your swimmer is progressing, even without a PB: 

• Their turns are tighter and cleaner
• Their technique is smoother
• They’re showing more confidence on the blocks
• They’re recovering faster between sets
• They’re learning how to cope with setbacks
• These are the skills that will carry them to their best times later — and into success beyond the pool.

Conclusion 

Fast isn’t always first. What matters is steady growth, strong foundations, and helping each swimmer reach their full potential at the right time, in the right way. So if your child isn’t dropping times right now, take heart. They might just be in the middle of the growth phase that sets them up for their next big leap. 

"A swimmer’s journey is not a straight line and every lap, even the tough ones, moves them forward."