Debating doing College Swimming... Never Swam Competitively
Former Member
Here is the low down guys. I am a Sophomore at a pretty average division 1 university. I am a member of the cross country and indoor/outdoor track teams so i have been competitively racing for almost 6 years. I have never swam on a team before but... I want to! I feel as if I've gone mad. I want to try in college!! Next year, not this year, I need to get my base up i know that. off of 2 swims a week (500yards) i swim 500 yards free in 7:48 as of yesterday (you dont need to tell me how slow that is I already know). I am not afraid of hard work, swimming 2+ hours a day I can do that. I want to try! can anyone tell me what I need to do to see if i can get to around 5 flat in the 500 yard free? or a fast 1000 time it doesn't matter, just good enough to walk on the team. the weird thing is, i think I am a better swimmer than I am a runner. the pool just seems to click for me. can anyone help me out? I am willing to swim every day from now till next swim season to make this dream a reality! ...ps i'm a guy if that matters
Parents
Former Member
I've never been a college swimmer so even *I* am skeptical of my advice.
Arthur correctly says that this dependes on your "natural talent:" How big are your hand and feet?
You have to be able to do daily workouts to be on the team. But while you are getting your yardage up - and maybe a bit past that - you'd be better off with every other day. Beat yourself up in the pool, but then get good recovery.
Here's a FINA shoulder exercise video. For ramping up for a Div I team, I say, follow this - times 4 or 5.
Prevention of Shoulder Injuries in Aquatics Sports - YouTube
As other say, get a coach.
I'd say get comfortable wtih putting in the yards before you work on speed.
I've never been a college swimmer so even *I* am skeptical of my advice.
Arthur correctly says that this dependes on your "natural talent:" How big are your hand and feet?
You have to be able to do daily workouts to be on the team. But while you are getting your yardage up - and maybe a bit past that - you'd be better off with every other day. Beat yourself up in the pool, but then get good recovery.
Here's a FINA shoulder exercise video. For ramping up for a Div I team, I say, follow this - times 4 or 5.
Prevention of Shoulder Injuries in Aquatics Sports - YouTube
As other say, get a coach.
I'd say get comfortable wtih putting in the yards before you work on speed.
