In addition to physical training, elite swimmers require mental training to increase their confidence and self-esteem in order to bring out their best possible performance.
Many swimmers experience frustration during the inevitable ‘slumps and plateaus’ that come during competition and training. But true champions are able to cope with these difficulties and continue to improve. All swimmers have the ability to overcome the occasional poor performance and bring out a great swim at any time, regardless of previous performances.
It is crucial to not let a lack of self-confidence tear you down after a poor performance. The key is to bring out memories of past great swims – they are always within you, waiting to inspire you and spur you on! Your only limits are those you impose on yourself – so believe in yourself!
Key Points:
- The important thing to know about ‘slumps and plateaus’ is that they are completely normal!
- But what makes them true champions is how they cope with these plateaus, and then bounce back even stronger than before.
- Swimmers are human beings, not machines, so ups and downs are inevitable, but know this; most swimmers possess within them the ability to dig deep
“This does not mean to say that we should be complacent when we have plateaued out for a while. We should always endeavor to move forward and look at new ways of improvement”
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