By Robert Griswold, Swimming World College Intern.
At all levels of swimming from novice to elite, there is a dirty word that every parent fears and every swimmer resents. Plateau. This word can mean something different to everyone but it is mostly regarded in swimming circles as a stall in progression or regression in performance of an athlete or athletes. Everyone in the swimming community knows someone who has experienced this at some point in their career and the emotional turmoil that it can cause. However, it is important to note that athletes who experience this can move past the plateau and succeed thereafter.
1. Realize that it is okay to be in a plateau in the first place.
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Athletes in every sport experience temporary setbacks then and again. Just because an athlete isn’t improving every time that they compete doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with them. In the sport of swimming, there are many elite level athletes who may not go a best time for four to eight years at a time or even longer. There are several different factors that can cause a swimmer to plateau. These can range form physical changes to coaching as well as factors outside of one’s control. It is important to realize that plateaus are normal and can be overcome.
2. Focus on the process.
One thing that many swimmers ignore is the focus on the process that is needed in order to achieve the results they desire. There are several benefits to focusing on the process. The first of these is the renewed focus on the building blocks of high performance such as technique, conditioning, nutrition, recovery and mental training. By focusing on these points, it allows the athlete to focus on the aspects of the sport that facilitate improvement instead of the outcome. Focusing on the process allows the athlete to set small, short-term goals and see successes throughout the journey as opposed to the outcome.
3. Sometimes, a break is needed.
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In order to return to peak form, sometimes a break is needed. This can be executed in several ways. Sometimes this point may apply to a particular event or a stoke or even swimming in general. Caeleb Dressel is a great example of this. In early 2014, he took time off from swimming because he needed a mental break. Since then, he has become one of the most versatile sprinters that the US has ever seen. The purpose of a break is to allow the body and the mind a fresh start so that the individual can work to move forward and improve.
4. Focus on off events.
Photo Courtesy: Sam Upshaw Jr.
This is a great way to see success in the pool during a plateau. In addition to providing an opportunity to have success in another event, focusing on other events allows a swimmer to learn and hone their skills which will help them in other events. One of the great things about swimming is that many skills are transferable from one stroke to the other which can help athletes across the board.
5. Reach out to those close to you for support.
Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien
During a plateau, many athletes feel down on themselves because their happiness in swimming is directly tied to their performance. Having others there to support you during this time is imperative. This kind of support can manifest itself in several ways. Parents and coaches as well as teammates and friends can be good people to talk to during tough swimming times. Do not be afraid to talk about your plateau, because there are likely many people around you who can closely empathize.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.