Photo Courtesy: Morgan Pestorius
By Natalia Kaczor, Swimming World College Intern
Championship season is coming to a close. Sectionals, state championships, conference meets, and NCAAs are all finishing up across the country.
Some swimmers have had rough seasons, despite all the hard work and effort they put in day in and day out throughout the season. Something just did not come together in the end. Others have had the best seasons of their lives: multiple best times, new championship cuts, and an overall positive mentality. It seems impossible to top such a perfect season. What can you do to carry your successes to the next season?
Meet With Your Coach
Photo Courtesy: Delly Carr / Swimming Australia Ltd.
Communication is key in any coach- athlete relationship. Why did your coach think of your season? What were your strengths and weaknesses? Hearing feedback from someone who knows what he’s talking about can help you form ideas about what led you to a great season. Your coach can also guide you to set new goals for next season, because a plan without goals is just a plan. It will allow you to stay focused on what you want to accomplish.
Continue Training Year Round
Photo Courtesy: Melissa Lundie
The only way to build endurance and strength is to stay in shape. Staying in shape requires commitment to a workout regime and constant training. Swimming and lifting or doing drylands year round helps swimmers maintain peak performance for when championship season creeps back up again.
Fix At Least Two Things Every Season
Photo Courtesy: Cokie Lepinski Photography
When you dive back into the pool for a new season, use the feedback from your coach to change something in your stroke or lifestyle. Even if you had a successful season, the only way to get better is to fix something in your training. Whether it is fixing your catch, focusing on underwaters, or watching your nutrition, a change can help ensure further success.
Have Fun
Photo Courtesy: Annie Grevers
Nothing is ever accomplished without fun. If you do not enjoy what you are doing, you will mentally drain yourself and not want to put 100% into your training. This will result in a bad mentality and attitude. A good way to stay on track is to have some team bonding where all swimmers can participate and enjoy themselves. Having a team themed potluck or beach day can create a close knit atmosphere that helps when the training gets tough.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
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