By Cassidy Lavigne, Swimming World College Intern
We all have swam with them- that one teammate who knows how to push our buttons more than they push us to do better, the one who wants us to race fast, but not faster than they are, the one who talks under their breath after the coach critiques our stroke, or gives us back handed compliments. I bet you’re thinking of someone right now: A bad teammate.
While some of your best friends will be on your team, you won’t be friends with everyone, and that’s okay.
Swim teams are like families, and unless you or the person you don’t get along with switches teams, chances are you’re stuck with them. Yes, switching teams could be an easy solution to dealing with a bad teammate, but it may not be the best option- it doesn’t solve the problem, you are just running (or swimming) away from it.
Instead of running away (and facing finding another bad teammate on another team), you should try these seven ways to deal with a bad teammate.
1. Be Respectful
Photo Courtesy: Jeff Golden
You guys are on the same team, and having respect for one another, despite your individual differences will be good for all parties involved. You may not get along but you still have to be civil and respect each other.
2. Remember that it’s okay to not get along with everyone.
Every person is different. It’s unrealistic (and impossible) to be friends with everyone, let alone everyone on your team. You won’t be best friends with all of your teammates, and really, it’s okay, and is natural. Every team has hiccups among members, so don’t feel like you’re the bad guy for not seeing eye-to-eye with someone.
3. Talk to your coach
Photo Courtesy: Nick Peck
Communication with your coach is always important. They need to know what’s going on. While they aren’t there to solve the problem, they can help mitigate it. For example, when making rooming selections for hotels at away meets, your coach will know not to room you together. More importantly, as a coach, they can offer you support and advice for the situation.
4. Focus on yourself
Don’t let that one teammate get into your head and psych you our of your race, or make you miserable and unfocused for an entire practice. Swim in a different lane, leave five seconds after they do so you can pace with someone else, focus on your race and doing your best, not on them.
5. Don’t let individual difference falter team success
Photo Courtesy: Steven Sholdra
While #4 says to focus on yourself, swimming is a team sport. If you want the team to succeed, then you have to work as a team. You may have to swim a relay together or compete for the same spot on a relay team, either way, whatever happens is for the success of the team. After all, both you are your teammate are on the same team going towards a common goal, don’t let your differences get in the way of reaching that goal.
6. Don’t let your dislike towards each other affect others
The relationship you and your teammate have towards one another is just that: between you two. Just because you don’t get along with your teammate doesn’t mean your other teammates shouldn’t be friends.
7. Surround yourself with your friends
Photo Courtesy: Annie Grevers
Sometimes distractions can be the best solution for dealing with a bad teammate. Hang out with your teammates that make you happy, that push you to be a better swimmer and person, who make you laugh between sessions, and cheer you on from the stands, or racing in the same heat for the same relay spot. You have to hang out with your team a lot as a swimmer, so hang out with the teammates who make you smile and who you enjoy being around at those away meets and post-practice brunches.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
Have to say never had a “bad” team mate – in fact lucky enough they more like family – one guy is as close – he my brother – 44 years – so I am very lucky – swimming been very good to me
Emily Baker
Tell a bad team mate the truth.