At Fitter & Faster Swim Camps, we know that race day isn’t the time to suddenly try new techniques or hope for a burst of discipline. The habits your swimmer builds throughout the entire season will come to the forefront on race day—whether they’re good or bad. That’s why it’s crucial to lay the foundation now to ensure they’re race-ready!
Below are 5 key habits your swimmer should establish now to set themselves up for success.
5 Habits That Will Lead to Big Wins
1. Fast Starts
Every great race starts with a great dive. Encourage your swimmer to practice their perfect racing start each day—this will train their body to execute fast, efficient dives, no matter the race.
2. Tight Turns
Every turn is an opportunity to shave time off their race. Focus on executing smooth, tight turns—approaching with arms extended, tucking tightly, and pushing off with perfect streamline form. This includes every push-off!
3. Disciplined Finishes
Race-winning finishes are earned in practice. Swimmers should always swim fully into the wall, touch with full extension just below the surface, and avoid the temptation to glide in or stop short. Consistency here can make all the difference in a tight race!
4. Breathing Pattern
Consistency is key for every stroke, including their breathing pattern. If they plan to follow a specific breathing pattern (like breathing one up, one down in butterfly), it’s essential that they practice this pattern every time they swim that stroke in practice.
5. Nutrition and Hydration
Good habits outside of the pool are just as important. Encourage your swimmer to fuel and hydrate consistently throughout the season, the same way they plan to on race day. Sudden changes in nutrition can throw off their digestion and performance. Keep things steady to stay strong and energized!
Small habits lead to big wins!
By staying disciplined and consistent with the little things now, your swimmer will be primed for success when it counts the most. Join us at a Fitter & Faster Swim Camp for a focused, high-performance experience that will build their skills and help them reach their full potential.
Here are the other blog posts from this series:
