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The purpose of this study was to develop a growth curve model of young swimmers' performance and determinant factors during a competitive season. Fourteen boys (12.33 ± 0.65 years old) and 16 girls (11.15 ± 0.55) were evaluated. Their performance, stroke frequency, intracyclic speed fluctuation, propelling efficiency, active drag, coefficient of active drag and power to overcome drag were measured in four moments throughout the season. Growth curve modeling was used to understand the performance development and its determinant factors. A high inter and intra-variability was showed. In each evaluation moment, different determinant factors had a significant effect in the performance. The goodness-of-fit ranged between 1.40 ≤ x2/df ≤ 3.74 (good-reasonable). Growth curve modeling proved to be a comprehensive way to gather information about the performance development of young swimmers during a competitive season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]