SwimPsych | Swimming Psychology
Sport Psychology for Swimmers, Swim Coaches and Swimming Parents
When it comes to preparing for swimming competition, most swimmers put more into the physical than the mental aspects of preparation. Indeed, there is an awful lot more to preparation than packing your bag and getting physically ready. Taking Responsibility and Feeling Confident It’s important for swimmers to take responsibility for those aspects of their [...]
Why use Goal Setting? People tend to equate goal setting with motivation, and tougher goals with higher levels of motivation, but that’s a simplistic view that can lead to ineffective goal setting, anxiety and problems with confidence. On the other hand, effective goal setting can help swimmers: Focus on the right things at the right [...]
If I had to name the single most important psychological factor in swimming performance, it would have to be confidence. Confidence is a motivator, but it is also a protector. It acts like a shield and helps you to overcome setbacks, doubt and anxiety. The good news is that confidence isn’t magical or elusive. It [...]
Reviewing your performance is one of the key skills that a young swimmer can learn. After all, how else do you know what to work on to improve? That’s what matters – continual improvement – whether you’re an agre grouper or an Olympian. I used to envy the guys that could throw away a bad [...]
It’s long been believed that there’s an ideal level of physiological arousal for performance (the ‘Inverted U’ Hypothesis), and more recently that each individual has their own level (e.g. IZOF). However, even the view that each person has their own ideal level of arousal is simplistic. Whatever your level of physiological arousal, this can be [...]
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