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Coach's Corner . . . PRE-RACE JITTERS - How Do We Deal With Them?
In previous editions of Coaches Corner, I discussed the distinction between process-oriented athletes and outcome-oriented athletes. Process-oriented athletes typically experience less pre-race anxiety, as they focus on learning from each race—regardless of the result. In contrast, outcome-oriented athletes tend to concentrate exclusively on their performance times, making them more prone to pre-race nerves and anxiety. This document examines how such anxiety can affect the body and explains the importance of mitigating these effects.
Swim meets should serve as both an enjoyable and educational experience. When athletes are encouraged to engage positively with the learning process while maintaining enthusiasm, they move closer to achieving their full potential and are less likely to experience emotional setbacks that can impact performance.
It is important to support athletes in transforming nervousness into excitement. Both states result from the same physiological processes, yet nervousness often leads to physical tension and diminished performance, while excitement enables relaxation and confidence prior to competition. Mastering the shift from nervousness to excitement can be challenging; nervousness signals reluctance toward the upcoming task, whereas excitement reflects anticipation and openness to potential outcomes.
Cultivating this mindset may require practice, but it will contribute significantly to an athlete's ability to reach their full potential as a competitor. It takes both sides, coach and parent, to make this happen. Let’s team up and help our athletes learn to get excited and know that they are always moving forward if they’re learning.
Please take a moment and go over the document and see if you think your athlete can grasp the concept. If you have a older athlete, have them read this and then perhaps discuss it with them.
CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE
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