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Step 1
Decide upon a stroke. Swimming competitions feature four different types of strokes--butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle--along with "medley" competitions which feature all four strokes in the same competition. You should determine which stroke you wish to focus on (or if you want to compete in multiple strokes) and train accordingly.
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Step 2
Determine which distances suit you best. Different swimming matches feature different distances, from the comparatively short (200 meters) to the fairly long (1600 meters). You can compete in as many as you like, but it helps to know if you swim best over short "sprinting" distances or are more suited to lengthy, endurance-style swimming.
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Step 3
Decide if you wish to compete individually or try swimming as a part of a relay. Relay teams train together, competing over all manner of distances and using all four strokes (as well as medleys). You can compete in both individual and relay events if you wish.
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Step 4
Look for competitions in your area. Start with local swimming meets, which can help you gauge your progress against other swimmers, and then move on to larger regional meets if you feel confident enough. The United States Masters Swimming association hosts swimming competition for adult swimmers all over the country.
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Step 5
Train. Even casual swimming competitions require a great deal of dedication, and you should be prepared to practice as often as you can. Work on honing your stroke technique and improving your time across your chosen distances, and if you intend to race in a relay, find three partners with whom you can train as a team.
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Step 6
Find a coach or trainer who can help you improve your swimming. While swimmers need to be self-motivated, a good coach will help you overcome any problems in your technique and give you an honest assessment of your chances of compeiting successfully in swimming competitions.
