Sunday 25 March 2012
Blog 1187: Leicester League etc
Sat in amongst the parents last night gave me an opportunity to watch and listen. The main focus was starts and turns and once again I have to point out a few simple facts. No other clubs program have focus sessions on starts and turns, they are incorporated into sets just like ours. It is down to the swimmer to take on the advice of the coach when doing a start or a turn and not be lazy in doing so, as it showed last night those swimmers with poor training habits took them into the races, something myself and the other coaches have warned against time and time again to these swimmers. Every time you do more than one length you do a turn so practice every turn you do in training as if it were a race turn even if it is not at race pace you can still focus on the skill level. Every time you do a sprint set from the blocks when the coach says take your marks, take your marks, don't just flop down on the block and fall into the pool, do a proper racing start. When someone commented on how strong the opposition looked I took it upon myself to speak to their coach afterwards and he told me his swimmers (13 and under) were doing 7/8 sessions a week totaling around 12 hours and many were working with the local performance club (City of Leicester - ours is Derventio), if you don't match the hours you won't be able to compete so I ask, please attend as many sessions as possible, we as a club are on the verge of something special we just need you, the swimmers, to push us over the line with focus hard work and increased attendance.
Blog 1186: Leicester League
Long Eaton finished in 5th place in the final of the Leicester League held at Braunstone on Saturday. Once again several swimmers were missing due to injuries, but credit to all swimmers who on the night showed determination and commitment, racing against strong opposition.
A number of races produced very close finishes and when this happens small but important details like not breathing in the final five metres can make a significant difference in the final positioning of the race, and subsequently the final points tally at the end of the gala.
Once again I would like to thank all the officials and Team managers for their help over the three rounds of this competition. Finally also a big thank you to all the swimmers who swam over the three rounds, especially to those who braved the wintery conditions in early February, to attend the second round at Leicester. (also thanks to the parents for getting the swimmers there)!
Bob
Sunday 18 March 2012
Blog 1181: County Wrap up
Friday 16 March 2012
Blog 1179:Exploring Stress in Sport
My name is Rachel Arnold and I am currently studying for a PhD in Sport and Performance Psychology at Loughborough University.
For my PhD, I am exploring the pressures that sport performers have experienced as part of their participation in competitive sport.
To explore this, I have developed a short indicator (which takes around only 10 minutes and is very easy to complete).
(survey click here)
The indicator can be extremely helpful to sport performers, since it can help them to identify the factors that are creating stress for them within their sporting environments, how they typically cope with these pressures, and the impact this might have on their emotions, satisfaction, behaviours and performance.
All that the indicator requires is that you are 18 years / 18 & over and have participated in competitive sport over the past month at a club or university level or higher. Any personally identifiable information that is provided on the indicator will remain confidential. Apart from the researchers, nobody will have access to any responses.
Looking forward to receiving your survey
Kind Regards
Rachel Arnold