The first meet of the season

As the new swim season is about a month old for most teams now, competition and swim meets are about to begin.  Swim meets can be very stressful and nerve-wracking for swimmers and parents.  It does not matter how many years someone has been a swimmer or parent of a swimmer there will be some nervous feelings before the first meet of the season.  That is okay as being a little nervous is okay and normal.  How one handles those nerves is what matters.  Personally, I know that I still get nervous before competing at a meet and I have been doing it for over 30 years. 

When it comes to age group swimmers I think there are 3 general types of swimmers getting ready for that first swim meet.  The first type is a brand new swimmer that has never competed at a swim meet before.  The second type is someone that has a season or two experience and is beginning to really expand their swimming knowledge and ability.  The third and final type is someone that is a pretty experienced and well rounded age group swimmer soon to become a senior level swimmer on their team and/or competing for their high school team.  Each of these swimmers has a slightly different perspective and will approach the first meet of the season differently.

The brand new swimmer should first and foremost remember they are with their friends and should enjoy the experience.  As a new swimmer competing for the first time, each swim is a guaranteed best time.  Do not have any expectations going into the meet except to have fun and give your best effort.  Your coach(es) will be there to help you along the way.  Your teammates will be there to cheer you on.

The slightly seasoned swimmer has some idea of what they can expect as they have been to some meets before.  However, they may be trying some new events now as they have more experience.  In events they have competed previously, they will want to beat their previous best time.  At this early stage in their swimming career that is still possible, but it will get harder to do a best time every single time they get on the blocks to race as the continue to compete.  Stay confident in your ability to improve and try new events or distances.  Your coach believes you are capable and that is why you are competing in those specific races.  Lastly, remember that your times are not the only thing to consider for improvement.  Your technique is just as important to always improve.

The very experienced age group swimmer in possibly his/her last season as an age group swimmer has been doing this for a while now.  This swimmer most likely understands what the previous type is just starting to learn about how to judge improvement not just by doing a best time.  This swimmer is starting to look at comparing times to the same point in the prior season.  They are realizing it is not reasonable to compare their best time from a season ending championship meet to an early season meet.  This swimmer hopefully has competed in most, if not all, the available events for an age grouper.  If not, they need to start trying to longer senior events (no more 50s of strokes and instead 200s). 

Whichever swimmer you are, always talk to your coach.  Your coach is there to help you along the way so you feel confident.  A confident swimmer will always perform better and ultimately be happier.  Each of the swimmers can help the other types and should always cheer on all their teammates.  Many may think swimming is a very individual sport and does not have any team aspect.  That is not entirely true.  Yes, it may be you versus the clock while racing, but if you know you have your teammates with you cheering you on you will usually swim better.

Good luck to all swimmers as they begin competing at swim meets!