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?
Diane Nyad posted this USAT article on her Facebook page: www.usatriathlon.org/.../mental-fitness-pt-2-athletes-011012.aspx
It categorizes athletes' motivation as "Fear of Failure" or "Desire for Success". An athlete who falls into the "Fear of Failure" category will do much better when he/she is the underdog, or when he/she is the clear favorite.
This was actually a pretty good article,although I am always wary of the generalization that there are 2 kinds of people.( There are 2 kinds of people,those who think there are 2 kinds of people and those who don't.My favorite in that genre is "there are 3 kinds of people,those who understand math and those who don't.)(Sorry about getting off topic for a second.)
Diane Nyad posted this USAT article on her Facebook page: www.usatriathlon.org/.../mental-fitness-pt-2-athletes-011012.aspx
It categorizes athletes' motivation as "Fear of Failure" or "Desire for Success". An athlete who falls into the "Fear of Failure" category will do much better when he/she is the underdog, or when he/she is the clear favorite.
This was actually a pretty good article,although I am always wary of the generalization that there are 2 kinds of people.( There are 2 kinds of people,those who think there are 2 kinds of people and those who don't.My favorite in that genre is "there are 3 kinds of people,those who understand math and those who don't.)(Sorry about getting off topic for a second.)
