For those whose children have competed at national level or higher, how much training etc do you encourage at each age? My child is 12 years old and in grade 6. She’s a very successful sports person already and competes at national level at her chosen sport (and has made it there in other sports in the past). Her aim is to be a professional athlete. So far she is at this level successfully (top 10 at nationals currently and often in finals of U18 competitions). And does so on one “offical” training a week and one club meet a week. Im in no rush to add to anymore than one day a week. As a kid I was decent enough to do state level at several sports and probably could have gone higher if I put into it, but my parents pushed it and I didn’t enjoy it so gave nothing more. Here my daughter loves it and would train 7 days a week if allowed her. Im very wary of doing more due to my own burnout, however am aware there’s a point raw talent only goes far and her training will need to be upped to stay at this level as she grows. For those whoes kids have gone higher than national level or competed national level long term how much training to their sport did they do at what ages?
5 Replies
Talk to them, and find middle ground. If they want to practice/train more, there is no harm in it. Just make sure they are not overdoing it.
If it's her goal then I think at her level she needs more commitment than once a week. If she stops enjoying it or it becomes too much then you cut back.
Kids doing dance that aren't competitive do 5+ days per week. I was doing 30 hours a week for dance by the time I was 12 and that was just the required classes. No competitions, no private classes extras etc. if she doesn't step up her training now, she will be out of the mix within 2 years. She needs a targeted training regimen and her natural talent to coincide with puberty or every one with a decent discipline and support will lap her. Now is the time to get serious if she wants a career or just keep it for fun
My 8 year old does 2 ballet classes a week, for fun. Most do 5x dance, 5-6 days a week plus weekend comps, performances, auditions, rehearsals, multi day workshops, etc. it's the minimum for a career. Some have gone on to grear careers, live overseas & one is now headlining in a musical. The commitment is hard for the families, as often they have other kids at top sporting levels too. Although I think their secret is they've embraced it, become involved in team support & love it, and put it as top priority.
I'd find a middle ground between school, training & rest. Pick one sport. See if other parents want to share drop off & pick ups.
I definitely think you should support your child as much as possible as she'll need coaching to develop into a professional career. As long as she knows it's her choice & isn't being pushed, her experience will be one of support to achieve goals, not pushed to achieve someone else's.
Thank you. She wants it as a career but that’s 8-10 more years of getting through injury free and without burnout. As she’s holding her own without extra training I’ve tried to avoid it (she keeps her self active enough through school sports and other activities just not “set training”). I will let her add extra training into her week as it sounds like there’s no reason not to allow it :)