The Best Way to Make the Swim Team

The difficulty of getting onto a swim team depends on the age of the athletes. College and high school swim teams are generally more difficult to join than elementary and middle school swim teams, since the skill level and pool of competition is usually greater. Yet no matter what the age, a swimmer can greatly improve his chances of making the swim team.

Things You'll Need

  • Pool for practice
  • Swimsuit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice orchestrated swim workouts as much as possible in the months before the team tryouts. Using planned swimming workouts, with timed intervals to improve speed and endurance, will help you show your best skills at swim team tryouts.

    • 2

      Work out in a gym to be in the best possible shape for swim team tryouts. The coaches will see you as fit and ready for competition. Specifically target muscles in the legs and arms, as strength in those body parts is essential for successful swimming.

    • 3

      Make yourself known to the coaches. Whether you are in a junior high, high school or college environment, find out who coaches the swim team, approach them three months before tryouts and express your intentions to make the team. Ask for tips on swim workouts and preparations, and follow their advice; this will help the coaches see your focus and discipline, which are valuable traits for athletes.

    • 4

      Join an intramural swim team or league, perhaps at a local YMCA or community center. The experience will be valuable and will help you make connections in the local swimming community.

    • 5

      Don't give up during the tryout, even if you feel as though you are falling behind or not doing well. Especially in younger age groups, coaches don't look only for the strongest or fastest swimmers but those with the best work ethics and attitudes.