How to Prepare for Swim Team Tryouts

To train for swim team tryouts, it’s important to focus on both your physical fitness and swimming technique. Set specific goals for yourself that you can achieve over time as you prepare for tryouts. Adding additional dryland exercises can help you enhance your overall fitness. Don’t forget to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. With dedication, perseverance and a well-rounded approach to training you can easily prepare for swim team tryouts. Try these 5 tips to prepare: 

1. Start early. It’s never too early to begin thinking about tryouts. Begin your training well in advance to give yourself time to improve your swimming skills and overall fitness. The earlier you start, the more progress you can make.
2. Focus on technique. Concentrate on refining your swimming technique in all four strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Work on your body position, breathing and movement through the water. At SwimLabs, we use state-of-the-art technology to evaluate your strokes and swimming style. Schedule a time with us to get instant feedback and help improve your strokes. We can help identify areas of improvement and help you prepare for the tryout. 
3. Build your endurance. Swimming requires strength and stamina. Gradually increase your training through distance and intensity. Incorporate longer sets and interval training, allowing you to swim at a higher intensity for longer periods. 
4. Incorporate dryland exercises. Weightlifting, strength training and other conditioning exercises can help you prepare for tryouts. Dryland exercises play a crucial role in enhancing your overall swimming performance. Try squats, lunges, core exercises and upper body workouts. Don’t forget to focus on flexibility and range of motion as well. 
5. Don’t forget to mentally prepare for the tryout. It might be helpful to talk with someone who is already on the team. You can ask about what tryouts and practice is normally like. You can also reach out to the coach to ask any questions you may have prior to the tryout. Make sure you have a good understanding of what is required for tryouts and being on the team. Swim tryouts can be nerve-wracking, so don’t forget to prepare mentally. Visualize successful performances, practice positive self-talk and develop strategies to help handle any tryout nerves. Stay focused, confident and maintain a positive mindset throughout your tryout. 

You should also prepare for your tryouts by making sure you have the correct gear. Here’s what we recommend adding to your swim bag: 

• Swimsuit. Choose something that is of good quality and is meant for swimming.  
• Goggles. They are generally available in a variety of styles, colors and prices. 
• Swim cap. Get one that fits comfortably on your head. It helps keep your hair off your face. 
• Bag or backpack. Choose something that will fit your gear and don’t forget something that is waterproof! 

With these tips and tricks, you can prepare for your tryouts. Remember to stay consistent with your training, listen to your body and prioritize rest and recovery to avoid injury. Good luck with your tryouts!