Swimming... swimmers only please?

Question

All right i am a 15 year old boy, and a freshman at high school. I really want to make it to districts next season for highschool. I am doing two teams in the summer and im currently lifting weights. I wanna make districts in the 50, 100, 200, and 500 free. I go a 25.04 in the 50, and i need a 23.60 to make districts. Go a 1:59:45 and need a 1:56.00 for the 200. Go a 55:12 and need a 52.10. Well the 500 is a stretch but i go a 5:39:05 and need a 5:19.00. What are my chances of making any of these events. I want to see what you think.

Answer 1

if you haven't already, then join a club team.  I think you should practice your 200/500 because distance can help your sprint but  practicing for the 50 won't help your distance.  

If you keep working hard, then I think you can do it b/c boys drop a lot of time during high school.  If you don't make them this year I think you'll definitely get them next year if you join a year-round program

Answer 2

best advise I could give is to get a good stroke coach to watch you. Many people can shave seconds off their times just by making a few small changes. Once you have the changes you need then you need to practice them until they are a part of your natural stroke. Then go back to the stroke coach and make sure you are still doing it the right way. Just swimming and lifting will make you strong but not always better.

Answer 3

I think it's a stretch to drop almost 2 seconds in the 50 in a year, but you can stand a pretty good chance if you put in some good work. However, I think those goals are more realistic in 2 years, when you are a junior. Do a lot of strength training, like running and weight lifting, and it's important to talk to your coach about your goals. Good luck!

Answer 4

if you really work hard this summer and not jerk around on those two teams, then i think that you have a pretty good chance good luck =]

Answer 5

I suggest you concentrate primarily on the 50-100 *or* the 200-500. Based on your times alone, it looks like you have a better shot at the longer distances.  

I have seen many people make a big drop to 5:20 and under in the 500 after they start swimming year round. A fast 500 is hard to do if you only swim 3 months a year. You have adequate speed already. If you concentrate on longer distance training this summer, I think the time drops will come.