Swim meets test swimmers' strength, technique, and concentration in a competitive environment.To do your best at a swim meet, it's important to make sure you're well-rested, alert and full of energy when your meet starts.Being in tip-top shape at your meet can make the difference between a good performance and a great one, and doing this requires planning and effort on your part, but it's worth it.
Step 1: There is a bag of things you need for the meet.
You can get as much rest as you want because you won't be scrambling the next morning.Pack things such as towels, two pairs of goggles, fruit, nuts, water, and an energy beverage that contains electrolytes to replenish the swimmer's lost minerals.
Step 2: Make sure you have a game plan for the meet the next day.
Ask your coach about time warm-ups, swimming events, and whether or not the meet has positive check-in.Positive check-in means that you have to write your initials next to your name.The officials know that you are there, so they write out the heats to make sure there are no empty lanes.
Step 3: The night before you swim, eat a good dinner.
Don't eat something too heavy or completely out of the norm if you want to get plenty of calories.Don't eat acidic foods like tomato and tomato sauce because they will upset your stomach.Something simple and easy to digest is the best plan.Although pizza, chicken wings, and plates of pasta may seem like "power food," the reality is that they will sink you.Unless in special circumstances only usually encountered at an elite level, cada loading is a technique that is outdated and inefficient.
Step 4: Make sure you don't get sore or stiff the day after the swim meet.
Warm up after every event at a multi day swim meet.If a warm down pool is unavailable, then you can do conditioning exercises such as jogging, jumping jacks, and wall push ups.
Step 5: If you are getting up early, go to bed as early as possible.
Getting 10 hours of sleep the night before is not going to help you if you go to bed at midnight every night for a week.You will be exhausted on the day of the swim meet.
Step 6: If you're swimming a morning event, eat an energy bar or a bowl of cereals.
If you want to eat something different, try not to.On the morning of your event, eat two slices of toast with jam and marmalade and one egg.If you swim in the afternoon, eat a big breakfast and a light lunch.If you are swimming in the morning, eat a light breakfast and a big lunch.You can eat one or two hours before the event.Bananas, crackers, and plain toast with no butter are good food.Pasta, cereals, bagels, breads, fruits, and vegetables are some of the best foods.They should not be eaten for more than three hours before swimming or they will not have enough energy in time for the race.Bananas have a lot of potassium which makes them resistant to fatigue.Remember, no sugar.
Step 7: Rest.
Don't rush between classes if you have school.Take some time to walk up and down the stairs.Save your energy for the race and don't over-exert yourself.
Step 8: Before you leave, put on your bathing suit and get ready for the meet.
Don't put Fastskins on until you warm up.You need to have water and healthy snacks.You can hang up your towels to dry to save space in your bag if you are swimming both trials and finals.
Step 9: If outside, wear sunscreen.
It takes 30 minutes to fully experience it.You don't want goggle tans, that's for certain.
Step 10: You can listen to some good pump up music.
You can listen to your favorites on your phone or iPod.Don't wear yourself out if you want to dance.
Step 11: Drink lots of liquids.
Water and electrolyte drinks are the best liquids.Many people think that is good, but it is high in sugar.Five minutes before an event, only drink this.Drink a lot during the meet.Even before you feel thirsty, your performance is affected by lack of liquids.Before you swim, make sure to pee.
Step 12: You should know the events you are swimming in.
Check your team's website for a sheet with your events.You can find a tab on the website where you can look up your events.Relax when you know what you are swimming for.The next part will calm your nerves and boost your confidence.
Step 13: Think through possible mistakes and false starts.
If you have already thought about how to react quickly, you will be reassured that you are ready.Relax for that.The straps of your goggles need to be tightened.Tuck your chin to your neck when you dive.The goggles will stay on you, because the water won't apply direct pressure to them.It does.You should know that your coach entered you in the meet because he has faith that you can handle it.Don't panic if you swim a 200 free.You should believe your coach if he believes you can do it.Give your races all you have.You should show up in that race with as much energy as possible.You should give yourself credit for coming last if you do.You should plan out your race.For anything from 25 to 100 yards.It is a short distance and you don't need to pace yourself.If you want to go for 200 yards or more, pace yourself.The first 50 should be fast if you are swimming 200.The second and third 50 should have a faster kick.The final 50 should be over.Think about when you were younger.Set a goal.Imagine your time on the board if you were to swim a 50 free.It will happen if you believe in it.You have to pace yourself for a 200 free.First 40 seconds.Second 45 seconds.The third was 50 43 seconds.The fourth 50 was 41 seconds.
Step 14: You can control things that you can't control.
You can control your start and turn, but not your opponent.The traffic on the way to the meet can't be controlled, you can control what you eat.
Step 15: Take a look at your race.
You can visualize the race from the moment you're up on the block to the time you hit the wall.You can see the exact time on the time board.It helps keep a positive attitude.
Step 16: Get into the zone.
Depending on what kind of person you are, you may want to get pumped.5 minutes before your race, do jumping jacks, stretch, or anything that suits you.
Step 17: You can swim in the pool.
Don't go too fast or you'll tire out.If you want to get a feel for the water, get in and stretch out.Drills are great for this.Don't go over 80 percent of your maximum speed if you feel the need to go fast.Your intervals should give you a good amount of rest.You will get a feel for your stroke, and you will remain rested for the big meet.You need to keep your body conditioned at the same time.If it's your favorite event or if you need to get a certain time, focus on it.After an important event has passed, the less important ones are unimportant.There are two caps.There will be another underneath if one comes off.If you put goggles then another cap, your goggles are less likely to come off.