Quick Dip: Why Are Relays About More Than Individual Speed?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Team & Club  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Your speed matters in a relay, but the team’s result also depends on how well you connect your swims.

In a medley relay, the coach needs a combination of swimmers across all four strokes. Being the quickest at front crawl does not automatically make someone the best choice for another stroke.

Know your stroke, distance and place in the order. Listen when your coach or Team Manager checks the team. Ask before going to the blocks if anything is unclear.

A relay changeover connects one swimmer’s finish to the next swimmer’s start. The incoming swimmer needs to swim firmly into the wall. Easing up or taking an unexpected extra stroke can make the timing harder for their teammate.

The outgoing swimmer watches the approach and uses the changeover they have practised with their coach. Their feet must not leave the block before their teammate touches the wall. Leaving early can disqualify the team.

Practise both parts together. A good finish helps the next swimmer make a good start.

You may be selected for a relay without an individual event. Your swim counts towards the team’s result just as much.

Support your teammates before and after the race. If a changeover goes wrong, listen to the coach’s feedback and work on it together.

Did you know? Medley relay order is backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly then freestyle. Backstroke comes first so that swimmer can start in the water.

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team