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?
Can anyone help me/him?Just a couple of observations for you.
First, I assume as a terrific swimmer your son has good coaches for some time now. I also assume you are paying these coaches. So be very careful in taking advice from a bunch of Masters Swimmers who don’t know the capabilities, talents and abilities of your son. Let your professional coach coach, it appears he is somewhat successful with your son.
Second, are you personally more proud of your son’s accomplishments or more disappointed that he’s not coming in first? If you are proud of his accomplishments and the person he is becoming, then let him know and leave it at that. If your disappointment outweighs your pride, then I suggest you look at what motivates you.
When my son was an age group swimmer, the head coach gave me some great advice. I was one of those parents who sat in the stands with a stop watch taking splits and then sitting down with Noah to critique each race. After one such session the coach took me aside and suggested that I let him do the coaching that I was paying him to do, to sit back and just enjoy watching my son improve and celebrate his success. Also to remember this is Noah’s swimming not Rob’s; my job is to chauffer, pay the bills and enjoy the show.
So for what it’s worth, if you are proud of your son, let him know; pay the bills, drive the car and enjoy the show. For me it was a great show… I hope yours is too.
Can anyone help me/him?Just a couple of observations for you.
First, I assume as a terrific swimmer your son has good coaches for some time now. I also assume you are paying these coaches. So be very careful in taking advice from a bunch of Masters Swimmers who don’t know the capabilities, talents and abilities of your son. Let your professional coach coach, it appears he is somewhat successful with your son.
Second, are you personally more proud of your son’s accomplishments or more disappointed that he’s not coming in first? If you are proud of his accomplishments and the person he is becoming, then let him know and leave it at that. If your disappointment outweighs your pride, then I suggest you look at what motivates you.
When my son was an age group swimmer, the head coach gave me some great advice. I was one of those parents who sat in the stands with a stop watch taking splits and then sitting down with Noah to critique each race. After one such session the coach took me aside and suggested that I let him do the coaching that I was paying him to do, to sit back and just enjoy watching my son improve and celebrate his success. Also to remember this is Noah’s swimming not Rob’s; my job is to chauffer, pay the bills and enjoy the show.
So for what it’s worth, if you are proud of your son, let him know; pay the bills, drive the car and enjoy the show. For me it was a great show… I hope yours is too.
