My kid is a terrific swimmer - to a degree. He has Jr.Nat's cuts & has even placed quite high at things like JO's & Sr.Champs. However, he does best when he comes in 9th. He can swim super fast in Prelims, but if he comes into finals higher than 9th, he seldom (if ever) improves upon his morning time. If he is 9th or worse, he will always improve & so may have two best times in one day. I have to say, I think he likes being the big fish in the small pond - if he seriously outclasses everyone, he often will do a best time then, as well. I think he has a psychological block or something about performing well in finals & other high pressure situations, but I don't know how to help him get past it. Also, I don't want to screw him up by saying something stupid! He has one more big meet this year, and then he is going into semi-retirement for 2 years, so I'd love to see him perform at his best. Can anyone help me/him?
This is a really complicated question.It is hard to go faster in finals than prelims.Everybody wants too,but many don't.Is he "Psyched Out" swimming in the top eight,was he mad that he didn't make the top 8 and he swims faster mad,was he so psyched up to make the top 8 that when he did he relaxed a little too much,is it your idea of a big fish in a small pond,or is is something or things else? Knowing the causes makes it easier to correct.
There is no one size fits all solution,but visualization and positive imagery rarely hurt and usually help.
Is he aware of this tendency and what does he say?
This is a really complicated question.It is hard to go faster in finals than prelims.Everybody wants too,but many don't.Is he "Psyched Out" swimming in the top eight,was he mad that he didn't make the top 8 and he swims faster mad,was he so psyched up to make the top 8 that when he did he relaxed a little too much,is it your idea of a big fish in a small pond,or is is something or things else? Knowing the causes makes it easier to correct.
There is no one size fits all solution,but visualization and positive imagery rarely hurt and usually help.
Is he aware of this tendency and what does he say?
