50m freestyle.?

Question

I just got back from my swim meet the weekend. I'm three seconds away from qualifying for the 50m. Yes, I know that's a lot!!!! But I have three weeks before my last chance to qualify. I'm very small muscle build and I think my form maybe a little off. But my legs are in great shape. So any tips for form? I know 1-3 breaths for a 50. I need work on my arms, they don't move quick enough and if I move them too fast I start chopping up my stroke. My kicks great, but can you overkick? I'm thinking about lifting weight too, will that help? Which muscles should I work and how? Dryland exercises? Do you think it's possible for me to drop three seconds? It's long course by the way so don't worry about flipturns. I need all the tips possible, thanks.

Answer 1

you may not be holding your streamline long enough after your start. Do a few dolphin kicks in streamline position before you surface- this may sound like its slower, but actually you can travel faster underwater than above the water at this point, and it will save a lot of energy. Try to only take two breaths the entire 50! its very possible that you can drop three seconds, you just need confidence, if you think you can do it you can.

Answer 2

Talk with your coach about possibly doing a taper for your last chance meet.  Also shave down arms and legs.  During taper, I guess 1 week, and beat yourself up for the next 2.  During taper do spin drills where you spin your arms as fast as possible for 15-20yds then EZ, do fingertip drill, and catch up drill as well.  If you can get a new suit that is super tight it helps

Answer 3

dont worry im not some random person trying to give you swim advice, i swim.  in the 50 meter i go a 28.02. not to shabby.

anywho, the most important thing to do is make sure your heart rate is EXTREAMLY high before your race.  if there is a warm up pool you should loosen up well before your race and right before you swim. 200 easy free, then a 50 kick fast then do 4 25s sprint with 5 seconds rest in between.

(literally get done with this then go swim your race IMEDIATLY)

do a few jumps and arm swings before you get on the blocks and some deep quick breaths and your ready to go!

during the race, just make sure your reaction time is good and you dont breath more than 4 or 5 times, and KEEP YOUR HEAD IN LINE!!!!!!

hope you swim fast!!!!!!

Answer 4

i was in the same place you were a few years ago.

work on kicking and arms. they both go hand in hand. during warms up try three kicks one pull and gradually get faster

Answer 5

you should probably concentrate on your dive, as that would be the easiest way to drop time. however, three seconds in a 50m race is a lot of time to drop in three weeks. ask your coach and see what he says. but i would say rather than trying to make your arms move faster try and concentrate on pushing more water with your arms from your chest to your hips.

Answer 6

im 2 seconds away..remeber 3 seconds really is a lot..but with a great meet i have shaved off 5 seconds in my 50.. it really depends on practicing..yes you can overkick so you want to make sure that your legs are straight.. focus on your arms lift weights do push ups, in practice work on your sprints, see if you can get your arms around faster

Answer 7

The freestyle is my fav. , when I was in swim meets, I would time myself against the clock, talk with your coach on how you improve your time,get a good dive when you start you race. would i would do was i would take 3 strokes breathe,then 3 strokes breath on the other side,work with your chest and your arms. good luck hope this helps

Answer 8

work on  your dives and turns.

Flip Turns are really really important.

I'm always a little behind on my first 25.

but i have a really good flip turn and i catch up with everyone at the wall