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?
OMG, you guys make me sound so horrid! I am NOT the split taking critique person you are making me out to be! (I hardly even cheer at the meets!)
Ouch that hurts… I said that I was the split taking critiquing person, but I didn’t think I was horrid… I just thought I was an involved parent.
And now you have me questioning my cheering at meets. When I’m not working as an official, I always am cheering for my kids. Heck, I even cheered (less vociferously) at my computer screen when I had to watch them via internet at nationals.
And he doesn't really communicate with his coach, but he does with me.
Since your son communicates with you (be thankful for that), what are his swimming goals? And is he satisfied with his swimming accomplishments? Also, you originally stated “I think he likes being the big fish in the small pond” if this is true, and he gets to be happy being a big fish in a small pond, then there is nothing to fix.
OMG, you guys make me sound so horrid! I am NOT the split taking critique person you are making me out to be! (I hardly even cheer at the meets!)
Ouch that hurts… I said that I was the split taking critiquing person, but I didn’t think I was horrid… I just thought I was an involved parent.
And now you have me questioning my cheering at meets. When I’m not working as an official, I always am cheering for my kids. Heck, I even cheered (less vociferously) at my computer screen when I had to watch them via internet at nationals.
And he doesn't really communicate with his coach, but he does with me.
Since your son communicates with you (be thankful for that), what are his swimming goals? And is he satisfied with his swimming accomplishments? Also, you originally stated “I think he likes being the big fish in the small pond” if this is true, and he gets to be happy being a big fish in a small pond, then there is nothing to fix.
