By Lisa Meyer
From the desk of Head Recruiting Coach Joyce Wellhoefer
There is no doubt that swimming is competitive in high school, but when it comes to the collegiate level, the competition gets tougher and the pressure becomes amplified. This pressure can remove a swimmer from their race and create a stutter in their stroke.
Many athletes dominate their sport in practice or training, but have a hard time playing to their potential in competitions. Pressure can be a direct result of these inconsistencies. Because college is so competitive, it would be wise to shed these nerves before the top spot is given to a teammate who doesn’t flounder in the face of pressure.
According to competitiveedge.com, the best way to perform better under pressure is to relax, which, let’s face it, is easier said than done. And even through the thought of removing nervousness entirely may seem unlikely, here are a few ways to reduce the jitters so you can remain mentally calm before a meet.
1. Stretch: Not only does stretching keep your muscles loose for the race, but it also emphasizes concentration on your body and not on what’s happening around you.
2. Focus: It is important to focus on yourself, rather than your competition. The easiest way to psych yourself out is by sizing up your opponent. Instead, visualize your swimming strengths and concentrate on your technique.
3. Listen: Instead of listening to the splashing in the pool or the excitement of the crowd, listen to music that gets you most ready for competition. Some athletes prefer high-paced music to get their adrenaline pumped, while others prefer soothing mellow melodies to be prepared. Whatever your vice may be, put on your headphones and hit play to keep the sounds of the meet out of your mind.
4. Distract: It’s inevitable that the thought of the race will cross your mind during prep time, but distracting yourself from the race will help relieve the continuous pressure. Do homework, play games, just don’t concentrate solely on your race.
5. Escape: Find a place in your mind that takes you away from the atmosphere of the competition. Whether it be before the meet or the night prior, imagine yourself in a place that you find most relaxing (i.e. beach, vacation spot, your bedroom).
6. Breathe: Take deep breaths from your diaphragm to help you relax. To do diaphragmatic breathing properly you slowly inhale through your nose and count to four, pause, then exhale through your mouth finishing a little faster to seven or eight. When the pressure starts to build, do this deep-breathing exercise and you’ll be ready to race.
Source: http://www.competitivedge.com/sports_article_swim_2.htm
