Sports Psychology And Swimming Performance

1. Sports PsychologyAnd Swimming Performance Patrick J. Cohn, Ph.D. Peak Performance Sports Orlando, Florida

2. Sports Psychology • About improving performance • Uncover negative thinking • Help healthy athletes get better • Improve practice efficiency • Improve team unity & cohesion Peak Performance Sports

3. We earn Competencein a Lifetime,but Choose ourAttitude Every Single Day Peak Performance Sports

4. Ten Signs YourMind is in the Tank • Meet times are slower than practice times. • Lose focus during critical times of the race. • Confidence dives when you go to big meets. • Best technique on the team, but slow times. • Swim worse when others are watching you. Peak Performance Sports

5. Ten Signs YourMind is in the Tank (Cont.) • You have negative thoughts before meets. • You feel sick or really scared before meets. • You focus too much on your competitors. • You worry about mistakes & embarrassment. • You worry too much about what others think. Peak Performance Sports

6. 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 Peak Performance Sports

7. The Three C’sfor Success in Sports • Confidence • Concentration • Composure Peak Performance Sports

8. 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 Peak Performance Sports

9. 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 Peak Performance Sports

10. Choose to Stay Composed • You can control your reactions • Stop the dwelling! • Focus on improving for next event • Be your own best coach Peak Performance Sports

11. Common Challengesfor Swimmers • Nerves before races • Doubt or low confidence • Intimidation from others • Can I beat this gal/guy? • Protecting your lead Peak Performance Sports

12. 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” Peak Performance Sports

13. Commitment is a ChoiceYou Make Everyday • Self-motivation • Personal goals • Practice plan • Self-monitoring Peak Performance Sports

14. Choose to Learn & Growin the Face of Failure • What are the positives? • How can you learn? • How can confidence grow? Peak Performance Sports

15. Tips for Coaches • Encourage a process focus • Focus on goals, not outcomes • Reinforce athlete’s confidence • Use objectives, not expectations • Utilize specificity training & routines Peak Performance Sports

16. 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. Peak Performance Sports