FCST Newsletter - Apr. 11
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Apr. 11, 2021 |
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TEAM NEWSLETTER |
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Office Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Office Phone: (281) 969-8759 |
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News & Updates:
Upcoming Meet Information: CLICK HERE for the FCST Competitive Suit Policy
*Families are responsible for communicating meet entry issues with their athlete’s respective coach, as their primary coach is most responsible for their athlete’s training and competitive plan **Once the final entry deadline has passed, no changes may be made on FCST’s end. Athletes can deck-enter at the meet (if allowed by meet management) at their own expense and with the coach’s permission. This is not the most ideal way to enter a meet, having schedules planned ahead of time is very beneficial to the athlete.
Coaches Corner: Mental Toughness by Coach Mandy As we prepare to dive head first into long course season, I hear a few concerns from parents and swimmers, alike. “Our youngest swimmers can swim long course?!” “Coach Mandy, the pool is so long!” Our staff recently attended an annual coaches clinic. One of the presenters works with clients such as Ryan Lochte, Katie Meili, and Misty Hyman, as well as collegiate and high school athletes. She asked a large group of her athletes, “What are you thinking behind the blocks?” The overwhelming majority of them answered, “What if I die?” The fears listed above apply at every level- an Olympic gold medalist, an FCST swimmer in the White group, and everyone in between. So, how do we approach long course training when these fears are so real to the overwhelming majority of our athletes, and, sometimes, their parents? 1. Train Your Brain- Henry Ford puts it best, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t- you are right.” As coaches & parents, our job is to give our athletes the tools they need to build their own confidence. When it comes to that long, seemingly impossible long course training set or to that first big race at Junior Nationals, it is won or lost before it ever begins. How? Because our mind is the most powerful part of our body. Train your brain to focus on the things you know and can control. Parents, let the coaches teach our athletes the techniques they need; so they feel confident and prepared on race day. Coaches, don’t underestimate the effort and attention that should be dedicated toward the powerful minds of our athletes.
Our minds are so powerful. They control our innermost thoughts, which, ultimately, control everything we do. It is so true that swimming is 10% physical and 90% mental when you consider everything our athletes must think about throughout a single practice. We must make sure we are teaching our athletes how to control their minds. If we don't, our athletes most certainly will let their minds take the reins. |
