4 Tips for A Successful Start to Your Season

4-tips-for-the-start-of-the-season
Photo Courtesy: Central Bucks Swim Team

By Emily Messina, Swimming World College Intern

It can be a challenge to get back into the pool and begin another season. We know the task we are about to undertake and the sacrifices that we will have to make. However, it is nice to get back into the swing of things and devote ourselves to the sport that we love. We might get caught up in the rush of excitement or be overwhelmed with all we need to do to prepare.

Here are four tips that can help you stay focused and make the most out of the beginning of a season:

1. Be Punctual

swim-pace-clock

Photo Courtesy: Ironman

One of the best ways to make the most of your workout is by doing all of it. This starts with showing up early so that you are ready to start the workout on time. Give yourself ample time to put a suit on, grab equipment, and get situated. Getting there early it will give you time to socialize with friends and talk to your coach without cutting into your warm-up or feeling rushed. You will have time to prepare yourself for the set and think about what you want to accomplish during practice.

2. Form Good Habits

coach-instruction

Photo Courtesy: Total Performance Sports Camps

The start of the season is the prime time to focus on forming good habits. The beginning is about showing up to practice, concentrating on perfect technique, and getting back into swimming shape. In addition, try to formulate some important habits outside of the pool, such as eating healthy and implementing dryland and lifting regimens. The endurance and speed will come with the massive about of training you are about to put in, but you have to start with a good base. Go to every practice. Do all of the yardage and work on the specific things your coach is telling you to.

3. Set Goals

Robin-Sparf-goggles-race-before

Photo Courtesy: Robin Sparf

Setting goals is crucial to having a successful season. At the start of the year, it is important to take some time and think about what it is that you are striving to achieve. These are what you will spend your whole season thinking about. These are the things that you will sacrifice your time and energy to accomplish. Make your goals important and significant to you. They have to be challenging, yet realistic. In addition, they need to be specific. Set them early on and chase them all year long.

4. Be Accountable

nicole-johnson-kicking-with-teammates

Photo Courtesy: Michael-David Morales

This tip rounds out all of the other points. You have to be responsible for your performance. It is your job to show up to practice, to figure out what you find important, and to stick to it. Furthermore, be someone your coaches and teammates can count on.

The start of the season can be stressful time. However, it is also a very exciting period. You can be riding on a great high from having a phenomenal previous season or you can concentrate on making some changes and turning things around. You get to start fresh and you get to decide how this season is going to turn out. Be smart and have fun!

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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