any swimmers out there?

Question

i swim competitivlly for my high school. i am the fastest 50 free style swimmer on the team, but at practice, im rather slow. is it because im more of a sprinter with no endurance? or am i more "pumped" for meets?

Answer 1

You are competitive and there is none when you practice, So you neen to compete with your self.

Answer 2

I swim high school too (plus on a club team). My best events are the 200, 500, 1000, and mile (club only). I have the same problem. It's especially frustrating for me because my younger brother is able to maintain his speed in practice (5:27 in both meet and practice, go figure...). Because you're older, your arms begin to get tired during workouts and therefore your times in practice are slower. It's also common for your in-season meet times to be slow. Usually the body does not begin to recover itself until a taper has begun. About two weeks before state (or your biggest meet), your coach will begin to rest you during practice. You will do less yardage and have lots more rest. Then, when you swim at state, your body will be totally rested and ready to race. Don't worry about your speed in practice. My 500 changed from my previous best at 5:24 to 5:35 during the season and then at state i blasted out a 5:07. It really works!

Answer 3

Sounds like you have fast-twitch muscles. You have the explosive speed, but not the endurance for longer swims. I was the same way in high school, only it applied to running. You are also faster at a swim meet because your adrenaline kicks in. Your races will always be faster than practice, no matter what sport you train for. Adrenaline is your friend and improves your performance when it really matters.

Answer 4

I was in the same position as you in high school. I was the fastest on my team in 50 and 100 free, but one of the worst in practice, especially on long sets. For me I was slow in practice because I lived for the moment. There is nothing like stepping up on the blocks ready to hit the water and go, you can not recreate that feeling in practice. I was all about the adrenaline of racing. Without it I was slow. You are probably in the same place that I was in. You live for the rush of racing.

Answer 5

u are probably a sprinter and ur pumped for meets. try swimming longer stuff like the 500 or 1000. if the times don't turn out too well... then u don't have much endurance. thats why they invented sprints!

Answer 6

I thing I am doing same thing what I was thinking is because we cant go so fast during the practice and our speed is just for short muches like 100 free or 50 free when it comes to 50 or 100 free we know we have to go as fast as we can.

Answer 7

It's defenatly because your're more pumped. However, you should practice as hard as if you were in a meet. The only way that you are going to get better is if you go longer distances so when it comes meets, a sprint will be easier and you will find yourself going faster at your sprints.

Answer 8

its always good to be excited for meets but it cant get you too far. You need to work on your endurance. Also try building muscle and eating high protien and carb thing before and after meets. Its good to ba sprinter but if your dying on a hundred or higher you need some work.

Answer 9

I would say that you get more pumped up at the meets! I go pretty slow at practices unless i am racing or comparing my self with someone else! So if you want to go faster at practice try to keep up or pass some one that is fast at practice!!!! The competitiveness will help trust me!!! Good Luck!!!

Answer 10

I swam on my high school and a club team. I think your more of a sprinter.