Should I change swim teams?

Question

Sorry if this is a little long, but anyways.

In the morning I swim with the JV HS team and in the afternoon I swim with the Varsity HS team. But nobody else from JV swims in the afternoon. My deal here is- my coach in the afternoon from Varsity hasn't told me that we DON'T have pratice in the afternoon for the past two weeks- but I still go up there and swim with a group that is way below my level. I don't know if you really got that, but my mom is pretty mad. She hasn't really be happy with them, because they don't really coach. They just tell us what to do, and stand there. I think I could be a waaay better swimmer by now, but I don't really want to change teams, because I still have friends there and I've been on this team for 5 years now. But, there is another swim club near us, and my mom think's I'd do a lot better there, and it's cheaper. I just don't know what I should do. Should we talk with my coach, or change teams? Thanks for you input. :)

Answer 1

If its below your level then you should seriously consider switching.  But maybe if there are others at your level that aren't swimming workouts that challenge them, maybe you could request something harder and more difficult from your coach?

Coaches tend to stand there and tell you what to do, because you're probably at the stage where your training rather than focusing on technique.  If you want to improve technique, then finding a club or maybe even private teacher would be better, especially if the coach doesn't focus on it at all.

Answer 2

It doesn't sound like your current situation is working very well. I agree with your mom and think you should give the other team a try. It's one thing to have coaches that are not actively coaching, but another thing to have cancelled practices that they're not telling you about. You should be part of a program where the staff is working together -- not a group of uncoordinated sub-teams. Don't worry about leaving friends -- you will make new friends quickly if you swim with the same people twice a day.

Having a coach that focuses on technique is ESSENTIAL. Don't compromise. It's too many hours in the pool to waste on mediocre (or non-existent) coaching.

Answer 3

This is a tough situation.  You should start by talking to your coach.  Your coach has put a lot of work into getting you to the level you are at and you need to show them some respect for that because whether they show it or not they care about you and your swimming.  From this conversation you should get some insight into their training plan that you are not aware of.  After that conversation it should be easier to make this decision and whatever you decide your coach should respect that you have made a careful decision which will help maintain a good relationship with them.  Don't let your parents make the decision, it is your swimming not their's, but listen to their comments out of respect for them.