Should I join a swim Team?

Question

Im a 12 year old guy turning 13 in January weighing 170 lbs at 5'9.. I took swim lessons a couple of years ago and know how to swim free,back, and breast stroke.. I dont know how to swim the fly though and dont know how to start and flip turn.. Do I have to know that to be on the team or will they teach me?.. I am not the skinniest person but I am not an overweight blob.. Will I be ridiculed by team mates for not being at an ideal size?? Also, Is the training really intense?? I used to box so will swim practices be worse??

http://www.fbswim.org/1programs.html

This is the team that i want to join..

Age group 4 practices are 1 hour 3 days a week

Age group 3: 1 hr 15 min 3 days a week

Age Group 2 is 1 hr 15 min 4 days a week

Age group 1 is 1 hr 30 min..

Which age group is probably where I should be in??

It doesnt list the ages..

And the head coach is out of town until Sunday so he wont be able to answer questions and such..

Thanks..

Answer 1

be sure that once you DO join, you enjoy every second of it, have fun, and you are with your friends, dont do what you dont like to do

Answer 2

well I am doing the same thing, I just joined the CRST I am 12 turning 13 in 2 months 5'7" i weigh 140lb...so yeah it's really fun, training is a little hard but everyone there that has been there for more than a year says it get easy=D

So try it out... oh I would do age group 2=D

Answer 3

When the coach gets back ask him to watch you swim.  Most swim teams that have different levels have a try out the first day anyways where they will place you in the correct group.  Swimming is a sport that the best way to get better is just to practice a lot so joining a team is the best way to become better.  Swimming will benifit you for the rest of your life because it is a great workout that people can do no matter what shape they are in, so keep it up.

Answer 4

Just join.... as for your size, Yoda once said 'size matters not' and it doesn't which I have learned from playing many different sports. I would think that they would take the time and help you learn the strokes you don't know its just common courtesy. So join, there is shame in trying something new.

Answer 5

If you believe in yourself join the team, there's no shame in joining. Just like Phelps, he believed and succeeded.

Answer 6

Yes, u should join if u take this is important to your life. Trust yourself. U still younger. You will be the best if you be yourself. I hope u will sucess. When u make decision u must think first. Good luck............

Answer 7

Join. I was on my high school team and there was a kid that was like 300lbs.

You will learn what you need to learn, as long as you are committed.

You definitely learn faster when you have someone coaching and encouraging you.

Go for it buddy. It will be hard work. Don't give up.  

Answer 8

Sure, especially if you want to become a good swimmer!