Hi everyone. I have been swimming for three months now after starting to swim for the first time in a while.
My best stroke so far (yet the most exausting) is the butterfly. I have lowered my 100 time (SCY) to a 1:07.08 just recently. I am really trying to drop it down lower than a 1:03.50 at my championship meet on tuesday.
My splits have been about 30 38 or 29 39 for the two 50's. Although it seems like a big drop in time i feel like if i can kick more on the second 50 (my legs often drag behind because i forget to kick when im tired) i should be able to pull it off.
Does anyone have any other suggestions on how I can improve my chances?
You're looking to drop approx. 3.5 seconds on the 100, which averages to just under a second per length. How slow are your turns? Do you glide in and chill, or do you get off the wall as fast as possible? How strong is your push off? How good is your streamline and dolphin kick? The main thing regarding turns at this point is that you want to touch the wall and get off it as fast as you can.
Others have already commented on your splitting. Your 50s should be closer. I'd try and take the 1st 50 out relaxed but strong, envision keeping your stroke flat and forward, not up and down. Break the second 50 into 2 25s, continue the "long and strong" approach on the 3rd 25, then apply as much effort while maintaining form on the last. Your breathing pattern should be consistent throughout, find a pattern that works for you and stick to it. You'll be tempted to not breathe much on the 1st 25-50yds, but force yourself to take breaths, it'll help you on the second half.
Be sure and get enough rest, eat well, and drink lots of fluids. Many athletes wind up training/competing while not hydrated enough, and this affects performance (I'm guilty of this as well, especially in the morning). Keep telling yourself that you're going to have a good swim and you should do well. Good luck.
:banana:
You're looking to drop approx. 3.5 seconds on the 100, which averages to just under a second per length. How slow are your turns? Do you glide in and chill, or do you get off the wall as fast as possible? How strong is your push off? How good is your streamline and dolphin kick? The main thing regarding turns at this point is that you want to touch the wall and get off it as fast as you can.
Others have already commented on your splitting. Your 50s should be closer. I'd try and take the 1st 50 out relaxed but strong, envision keeping your stroke flat and forward, not up and down. Break the second 50 into 2 25s, continue the "long and strong" approach on the 3rd 25, then apply as much effort while maintaining form on the last. Your breathing pattern should be consistent throughout, find a pattern that works for you and stick to it. You'll be tempted to not breathe much on the 1st 25-50yds, but force yourself to take breaths, it'll help you on the second half.
Be sure and get enough rest, eat well, and drink lots of fluids. Many athletes wind up training/competing while not hydrated enough, and this affects performance (I'm guilty of this as well, especially in the morning). Keep telling yourself that you're going to have a good swim and you should do well. Good luck.
:banana:
