Puzzles symbolize characters’ problems and the ways in which they work through them. Like most novels, Swim Team introduces a conflict and describes how characters are able to work through that conflict, following a traditional structure consisting of rising action, a climax, and then its resolution. Puzzles follow a similar trajectory, as solvers encounter them, determine how best to solve them, and then do so, finishing with the satisfaction of having completed them. In the novel, puzzles operate on two levels. First, Bree and Etta both appreciate solving actual puzzles, which helps them connect. However, the larger conflicts of learning to swim, joining the team, and then working to emerge victorious in competition are puzzles for Bree to solve, too.

Early in the novel, Bree receives a new puzzle from her dad, which she gets to work on right away. This puzzle shows readers that Bree enjoys working through problems, but at that point, she is not yet aware that she can apply the same process in other ways in her life. However, as she learns to swim, she recognizes that conquering her fears is like solving a math problem or puzzle: taking it one step at a time.