My 50 fly time was 26.78, but it’s outdated. I’ve been trying to figure out what event I should focus on to improve. Any advice?
You seem like more of a sprinter than a distance swimmer. Sprint fly and free would be your best bets, but keep in mind those are very competitive events in your age group.
Sun said:
You seem like more of a sprinter than a distance swimmer. Sprint fly and free would be your best bets, but keep in mind those are very competitive events in your age group.
Thanks for the advice. My team does a lot of 100 pace sets, but I struggle with my kick and underwaters. I’ve always thought the 200 fly might suit me because my back half is usually strong, but I’ve never swum it tapered.
@Arin
For the 200 fly, balance is key. The first half needs to be fast enough to stay competitive, but you have to conserve energy for the second half. 100 pace sets are great, and a drill we used in college was paced 100+50s: swim 100 at your 200 pace, rest for 5 seconds, and then sprint a 50. Take a long rest after each set. Improving your underwater and turn efficiency will also help your fly without needing drastic changes to your above-water stroke.
@Sun
This is super helpful. I’ll definitely try incorporating those drills. Thanks so much for your advice!
Arin said:
@Sun
This is super helpful. I’ll definitely try incorporating those drills. Thanks so much for your advice!
You’re welcome. Good luck with training and your races!
Focus on fly for sure.
If you feel drawn to the 200 fly, keep at it. Race it differently each time and experiment with pacing. Fly seems to be a strength for you, so improving your kick and technique could help a lot. For high school events, the 200 free and 100 fly could be a better lineup than the 100 fly and 500 free. Also, remember—you don’t suck. Acknowledge your strengths and build on them.
@Carter
Thanks. I’ve struggled with the 200 free—it’s hard to get everything to click for that race. I once split a 2:05 during a 500, though.
Arin said:
@Carter
Thanks. I’ve struggled with the 200 free—it’s hard to get everything to click for that race. I once split a 2:05 during a 500, though.
200s are tough because they require a balance of control and effort. Try to get opportunities to swim it at meets where you can experiment with pacing. With practice, it’ll get easier to manage.
@Carter
Most meets I swim the 200 medley relay, 100 fly, 200 IM/500 free, and the 400 free relay. We don’t have other flyers on the team, so I’m usually the go-to for both fly and the 500.
Definitely not breaststroke. 
Vaughn said:
Definitely not breaststroke.
My breaststroke is so bad it hasn’t improved since I was 11. I did a 1:20 once last summer, but I leave that to the actual breaststrokers on my team.
@Arin
It’s a tough stroke for sure. Your sprint times are strong, though! Work on starts, turns, and underwaters to bring those times down even more.
You’re being too hard on yourself. Your 100 fly time is solid. Focus on improving your technique and building confidence in your races. If possible, ask your coaches to analyze your stroke and make adjustments. You’ve got a good foundation to build on.
@Tegan
Thanks. I’ve been working on being less nervous in the 100 fly. My breaststroke times are ancient, so they don’t really reflect my current ability.
Your fly time isn’t bad, and not many people want to swim it, so that’s an advantage. In high school meets, a 57 or 58 could score points for your team.
Day said:
Your fly time isn’t bad, and not many people want to swim it, so that’s an advantage. In high school meets, a 57 or 58 could score points for your team.
I usually swim the 100 fly and 500 free. I almost always win the 100 fly (around 1:01 at small meets), but the 500 right after is tough—I rarely break 5:45. I’m the only one on my team willing to do either event.
@Arin
That’s great team spirit. Any idea why your kick isn’t stronger? Is it flexibility or strength?
Tyler said:
@Arin
That’s great team spirit. Any idea why your kick isn’t stronger? Is it flexibility or strength?
Probably flexibility. I was a football kicker, so I’m not sure why it’s weak for swimming. I should probably stretch more.