How can I get on a swim team?

Question

I am 18 and know very little about stroke technique (I basically only know freestyle/front crawl). I would like to swim seriously on a team, but I'm unsure as to whether or not there are teams available for those with little experience. I have tried looking for upper-level swimming classes but the only ones my Y has for adults are for people scared of water. I can swim; that's not my problem. I just don't want to train on my own doing the absolute wrong thing.

So do I practice alone or what? I want to be involved in a rigorous swimming program, but it seems that the kids on the YMCA teams have been swimming competitively for years. I'm doing this because I want to get in shape and be a beach lifeguard in summer.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Look in to lifeguard swin teams i know that there are few where i live but if that doesnt work join the team with the experianced kids it will only help you in the long run

Answer 2

Unfortunately, most competitive swim teams are all for people your age and under that know Butterfly, Backstroke, Breastroke, and Freestyle and can swim those well. Even though you can't join a team, try to go to colleges. Like the swim team in my area, they are located in a community collage. At around 7-8pm, they have a class for adults for swimming, it is not just for people afraid of water.

Source(s):

BRAIN

Answer 3

well if i were you i would see how much personal lessons are. Then I would take a few lessons to learn the other strokes. It is hard at first but after a while you get the strokes down and then you could join a masters team. A masters team is basically adults (ages 18 and up) and they swim to stay in shape or to compete.
You can even join a masters team and there are different levels you can choose whichever level you wanna be in.
Hope this helps =) Good luck!!

Answer 4

Most cities have a community competitive swim team that is not club, but is still good. I used to be on one of those teams and theyre good

Answer 5

look for a rec team or a summer league, ya dont have to nesicaraly swim in the meets, just swim at the practices get yardage in and get in shape and learn the teckneeqs(sp??)

Answer 6

try going to a local YMCA and join their team

Answer 7

Check out the masters swim teams in your area, designed for the 18 & up crowd. Most masters teams have cool coaches, and the swimmers vary in experience. Some just want to improve their form, some like me like to compete once in a while.

check out the link:

Source(s):

http://www.usms.org/

Answer 8

Usually kids on the YMCA teams have been swimming for a while, but don't let that stop you or threaten you. Try asking a friend to help you with the technique that way you understand what you are doing, most YMCA's have a swim team, so don't procrastinate and get going!

Source(s):

Competitive swimmer of 13 years.