Trying to plot the "net time delta" for different swim events over different dates

The data are three:

Dates
Event #
Net time delta

My goal:

1. I'd like the dates to go across the x-axis;

2. I'd like a time scale on the y-axis that has zero in the middle, trending up to negative numbers (event improvement) and trending down to positive numbers (slower times). These times can be anywhere from less than a second to perhaps 10 seconds (kids have good and bad days); and

3. I'd like a series to be one event # (say, event #8). it would have markers at each date and show that event's net gain/loss in time.


There are 7 to 10 meets each season with a swimmer doing 2 to 5 events each week.

Here's an image of some sample data I made.

The X-axis would be column A;
The series would be from column D;
I'd like the y-axis to have a range of say 00:05.00 to -00:05.00, in theory.


Excel charting isn't very intuitive. I catch on quick if someone can help.

As always, thanks!


Screen Shot 2015-07-08 at 5.31.41 PM.png

I don't know if a pivot table/chart would be useful here, because I do not use them. It may be one option to consider.

If you do not want to pursue a pivot table approach, I would first rearrange the data into something like:

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Then select the block of cells, and insert the chart. If needed, select "switch row/column" or enter the select data dialog if Excel does not correctly interpret your desired series definitions. In order to get negative numbers towards the top, select the vertical Y axis, format the axis, and select "values in reverse order".