Kokudo, S., Nishijima, T., Suzuki, K., Ozawa, H., Ohsawa, S., Matsuda, H., Noda, Y., Yagi, N., Kagaya, A., Naito, H., Aoki, J., & Kobayashi, K. (2003). Optimal age of swimming and gymnastic skill development on Japanese children and youths. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 108.

Japanese children and adolescents (N = 10,701) ranging in age from 6 to 17 years, completed questionnaires regarding 28 gymnastic and 8 swimming skills. Three response alternatives were presented for each item; "can't do", "can do", and "can do well".

The optimal age for swimming skill development coincided with attendance at elementary (primary) school. Gymnastic skills were developed optimally from 7 to 12 years of age but more difficult skills were developed from 11 to 15.

Implication. The skills of swimming and gymnastics should be developed in elementary school and should coincide with the age of accelerated skill development.

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