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Useful Things for Swimmers to Know

  1. How do I make the most of practice?
  2. How do I move up to the next practice group?
  3. Do I need to go to every practice?
  4. Why aren't I making much progress right now?

1. Making the most of practice

Here are some suggestions to help make your practice time productive (and avoid disrupting your teammates):

  • Don't eat much before coming to practice.
  • Bring a water bottle and your required equipment with you.
  • Get to the pool a few minutes before starting time.
  • Arrive fresh, not exhausted from other activities.
  • Don't ever leave valuables in the locker room.
  • Listen carefully to all the coach instructions, and think of them while you are swimming your laps.
  • Swim laps on the right side of the lane to avoid head collisions.
  • Don't horse around! And above all, don't do any damage to people or property. Otherwise, you may find yourself excluded from practice or the next team function.
  • Check your file folder before going home.

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2. Aging up from one group to another

Our policy with regards to moving to another group depends on attitude, commitment and ability. A swimmer who is prepared to work hard, come to practice regularly and participate in competitions will be more likely to move into the next group before one who devotes less time and effort to the sport.

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3. Attendance at Practice

The most dedicated swimmers will go to all practices, but it's common for swimmers to miss a practice because of other commitments. Your coach will help you decide on a consistent workout plan.

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4. Making Progress

How fast you make progress will depend on many factors (in addition to natural ability.) Working hard at practices is important; so is general conditioning, which can be improved by land-based exercises such as running or biking. It helps to avoid too much junk food, get enough sleep, and (for older swimmers) come to morning workouts.

You may improve rapidly at first. But no matter how hard you work, you will probably go through periods of time in which nothing helps you to go faster. All swimmers hit these "plateaus" from time to time. If you find yourself on a plateau, don't worry. Keep working hard, and you should soon find that you progress resumes.

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