Sports Psychology for Swimmers

Sports PsychologyAnd Swimming Performance

Patrick J. Cohn, Ph.D.

Peak Performance Sports

Orlando, Florida

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Sports Psychology

About improving performance

Uncover negative thinking

Help healthy athletes get better

Improve practice efficiency

Improve team unity & cohesion

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We earn Competencein a Lifetime,

but Choose ourAttitude Every Single Day

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Ten Signs YourMind is in the Tank

1. Meet times are slower than practice times.

2. Lose focus during critical times of the race.

3. Confidence dives when you go to big meets.

4. Best technique on the team, but slow times.

5. Swim worse when others are watching you.

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Ten Signs YourMind is in the Tank (Cont.)

6. You have negative thoughts before meets.

7. You feel sick or really scared before meets.

8. You focus too much on your competitors.

9. You worry about mistakes & embarrassment.

10. You worry too much about what others think.

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Mark of Champion Swimmers

Dreams of greatness

Clear and simple goals

Belief in one’s ability

Focus on one stroke at a time

“See” the successful race

Perform improves in meets

Ability to discard doubts

Let it happen, not force it

Ability to let go of mistakes

Train like a champion

Swim without mental roadblocks

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The Three C’sfor Success in Sports

Confidence

Concentration

Composure

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You Must Believe Before You Can Achieve

What is self-confidence?

Sources of confidence for swimmers

Take control of your confidence

Focus on reasons to be confident

Fight the “doubter” inside you

Prepare to feel confident

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Focusing on the Process Brings Desired Results

Define what’s important to focus on

Know what’s not important to racing

Immerse yourself in those tasks

Be aware when you get off task

Learn to refocus when off-task

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Choose to Stay Composed

You can control your reactions

Stop the dwelling!

Focus on improving for next event

Be your own best coach

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Common Challengesfor Swimmers

Nerves before races

Doubt or low confidence

Intimidation from others

Can I beat this gal/guy?

Protecting your lead

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Positive Thoughtsfor Mental Toughness

“Take it one stroke at a time”

“I have no limitations”

“I’ve trained & deserve to win”

“No one can distract me today”

“It’s just me and my lane”

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Commitment is a ChoiceYou Make Everyday

Self-motivation

Personal goals

Practice plan

Self-monitoring

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Choose to Learn & Growin the Face of Failure

What are the positives?

How can you learn?

How can confidence grow?

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Tips for Coaches

Encourage a process focus

Focus on goals, not outcomes

Reinforce athlete’s confidence

Use objectives, not expectations

Utilize specificity training & routines

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8 Guidelines for Parents

Sports should be just a game.

Your agenda is not your child’s.

Emphasize process not results.

Model composure & poise.

Refrain from game-time coaching.

Detach self-esteem from achievement.

Ask the right questions.

Pledge: P.A.Y.S. Parent’s Code of Ethics.