Is championship season right around the corner? Are you wondering how you’re supposed to prepare for your first swim meet? Whether you’re brand new to the sport or you’re a seasoned veteran, it’s important to know how to get ready for a big competition so that you can perform as well as possible. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about prepping for a swim meet—from a week out from the date all the way to the moment you enter the pool!
Things You Should Know
- Be consistent and don’t make any radical changes to your habits, diet, or behavior in the week leading up to the swim meet.
- Pack your bag a day or two ahead of time to ensure that you have everything you need.
- Get plenty of rest the night before the meet and show up early to warm up and get ready.
Steps
What Should You Eat The Night Before And During a Swim Meet?
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat should I eat the night before a meet?Community AnswerA carbohydrate-based meal that is low in fat, like pasta or rice, with a portion of meat/meat alternatives and vegetables. Try to avoid having anything sweet, like cake or ice cream, or really greasy foods.
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QuestionWhat if my swim cap falls off when I dive in?Community AnswerKeep swimming, don't worry about the cap until the end of your race, then you can get it.
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QuestionHow should I act around my opponents before my race?Community AnswerYou should try to act confident, but not cocky. You don't want to act like you're better than them, but you want them to believe that you're a fast swimmer. If you don't feel confident, fake it until you make it.
Reader Videos
Tips
- Keep yourself warm when you’re not swimming. Wear your favorite sweatpants and a comfy sweatshirt.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Right before you race, find a quiet spot and visualize yourself powering through the water with excellent form, hitting the touchpad, and seeing your goal time on the board. Creating this positive mental picture keeps you focused on success versus worrying about potential obstacles.
- Be sure to turn in early the night before a big meet and get a full night's sleep. Arriving early the day of allows time to slowly warm up muscles, get comfortable in the pool, and touch base with your coach for any last minute tips before your event. Rushing creates anxiety.
- When you're waiting around for your next race, cheer on and congratulate teammates as they finish theirs. Showing support and boosting morale reminds everyone you're a united team, which gets energy high for all to compete their very best.
- If you're new to swim meets, lean on veteran teammates or your coach to get insight on what to expect, how events are run, what to bring, and any race strategy suggestions. Their wise words calm nerves so you can swim confidently.
- Pack healthy, easy-to-digest snacks like fresh fruit, granola bars or plain crackers to much on between races. Avoid greasy fast food or sugary candy that could upset your stomach when it's time to compete. Proper fuel is key!
- When it's time to race, trust that your training has prepared you for this moment. Avoid overanalyzing. Instead, let instinct and muscle memory take over as soon as you hit the water. You've got this!
References
- ↑ https://swimswam.com/7-biggest-mistakes-swimmers-make-before-a-championship-meet/
- ↑ https://www.teamunify.com/snwst/UserFiles/Image/HAVING_A_SUCCESSFUL_SWIM_MEET.pdf
- ↑ https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2252/swim_meets_101.pdf
- ↑ https://swimswam.com/7-biggest-mistakes-swimmers-make-before-a-championship-meet/
- ↑ https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/pediatrics-articles/what-young-athletes-should-eat-before-and-after-the-game
- ↑ https://www.teamunify.com/snwst/UserFiles/Image/HAVING_A_SUCCESSFUL_SWIM_MEET.pdf
- ↑ https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/pediatrics-articles/what-young-athletes-should-eat-before-and-after-the-game
- ↑ https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/hydration-for-swimmers/
- ↑ https://www.usms.org/fitness-and-training/articles-and-videos/articles/the-five-ps-of-swim-meet-preparation?Oldid=3098
- ↑ https://www.usms.org/fitness-and-training/articles-and-videos/articles/the-five-ps-of-swim-meet-preparation?Oldid=3098
- ↑ https://swimswam.com/psych-101-focus-on-the-parts-of-swimming-you-can-control/
- ↑ https://www.teamunify.com/snwst/UserFiles/Image/HAVING_A_SUCCESSFUL_SWIM_MEET.pdf
- ↑ https://www.teamunify.com/snwst/UserFiles/Image/HAVING_A_SUCCESSFUL_SWIM_MEET.pdf
About This Article
In order to prepare for the demands of a swim meet, you need to make sure you’re rested, have everything you need, and have a gameplan to succeed. Even though you may be excited or nervous, go to bed as early as you can the days before your swim meet so you’re well-rested for the big day. The night before the meet, pack a bag of everything that you’ll need so you don’t have to rush around the next morning, such as your goggles, swim caps, towels, and snacks. To settle your nerves, know the events that you’re swimming. Visualize yourself winning your events to keep yourself energized and motivated. For tips about how to make sure you’re not sore for your swim meet, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
- "I had a huge A meet at the beginning of the season. Nervous that night, I did everything I could in my control to be prepared as possible. The next morning, I was prepared and calm and won both of my events with my relay teams. The music part helped!" ..." more