Competitive swimming can start as young as 4 years of age in many recreational leagues. It typically ends at age 18, when swimmers are eligible for masters programs and college teams. Over this time, puberty sets in, which can have significant impact on a swimmer's training, development and focus.
Training
As a swimmer matures through puberty, swim training moves from a general focus to a more specialized focus. Up until about age 11 or 12, most swimmers focus on all strokes and building technical skill in the water. As puberty hits, however, swimmers can increase their training and determine if swimming will continue to be a main sport for them, focusing on specific events. They move to a more specialized time, especially toward the end of puberty when they are developmentally ready to determine their primary focus.
Development
As a swimmer, you may find that your body changes as you experience growth spurts, especially between the ages of 11 and 14. You may have sudden bursts of speed followed by lengthy plateaus. This is completely normal and part of your technical skill keeping pace with your body's growth. You may feel awkward and uncoordinated. Your body is changing and keeping up with the changes may feel uncomfortable, especially in a revealing swimsuit. However, the process of adding hair and developing breasts and muscles is normal and part of the natural progression of every swimmer. USA Swimming points out that girls typically hit their peak growth at about age 12 and boys at about age 14, although each swimmer matures at an individual rate.
Focus
If you find you're hitting a plateau, don't give up. Athletic events out of the pool may help you maintain your confidence, suggests USA Swimming. As you continue to mature, you take a greater part in your program by defining race goals, strategies and whether to add dry land workouts to regimen. Keep a base of aerobic fitness to ensure your time in the pool is rewarding and takes advantage of the technical base you've built.
Considerations
USA Swimming points out that swimmers who are the same age may actually differ by as much as five years in the developmental process. This means that two swimmers at puberty may have significant physical and emotional differences. An early maturer may be true to her age in terms of years, while another by may as much as five years older in terms of development, but not birth date.
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