The POWER of the mind.

At sometime in life we have all used or heard the phrase "Mind over Body".  Whether it is pushing ourselves through a workout or telling our body that we don't hurt to push it to the finish line, our mind can do some pretty powerful things if we use it.

The study of Sports Psychology has been something very important to me and my coaching.  PMA and everything that comes with it has helped me and my student-athletes get the best out of everyday and every opportunity life presents us.

There are a couple of other important parts of Sports Psychology that can really make a difference: Visualization and Relaxation.  Yesterday I had to use them during a very scary part of one of my swimmers practices.

Towards the end of practice one of our swimmers was having trouble catching her breath.  She was so worked up that she was panicking and making it worse.  I got her out of the pool and had her sit on the side of the pool.  I talked to her very calmly and told her to listen to me and relax.  I told her to think about being in a grassy field, under a sunny sky.  I continued to tell her about the big white puffy clouds in the sky, the breeze blowing through her hair and the heat of the sun on her face.  I told her to picture that in her mind and relax. The smell of the grass and how peaceful it was in this field.  Slowly but surely she regained her composure and her breathing got back to normal.  It was impressive to watch it all happen and really showed that if you stay within yourself, you can take control.

The will and ability to do that sometimes comes from having to experience it first.

Mind over Body.

Coach Scott

Tomorrow we begin a great season...

Every race, marathon, triathlon, journey, adventure, or quest starts with a first step.  Tomorrow the 2012 edition of the Penfield High School Girls Swimming and Diving team begins their season.  A scrimmage against Spencerport.  Poetic Justice I guess, a meet against a team that I spent 7 years with.  Those memories and the chance that Coach Johnson gave me started my journey as a coach.

I am so happy and encouraged by the Pride and First Class attitude these girls have shown over the last couple of weeks.  You are never going to swim a best time every time you touch the water but you can execute a quality race plan and learn from every swim.

It won't be Mt. Dew that I am drinking on deck tomorrow, times change.  An ice cold bottle of water will keep me hydrated.  The message and cheering from me will be very similar.

Do your best...no one can expect anything more than that.

PMA!

Penfield Pride.


Coach Scott

Preseason comes to a close

One of my favorite parts of High School Swimming is Preseason training.  It allows the team to come together, work hard, and set the tone for the upcoming season.  Sure double practices, 7AM workouts, and running stadium steps in the sunshine are all a part of it.  All those years of Preseason while coaching at Spencerport showed me a lot.  Whether it is dry-land training, lap after lap in the pool, or team building activities the girls come together to become a team.

This year is going to be pretty unique I think.  This is a very skilled group of student-athletes.  I really do not think they even realize the great things that are to come.  I think we are going to have 2 girls under 1:00 in the 100 Fly, 2 girls under 5:15 in the 500, and a 400 Free Relay under 3:40.  That is what is on the top; the greatness of this upcoming season is going to be the overall improvement by each and every swimmer on this team.

When you measure success it is not on wins or loses, best times or yardage in practice.  You measure success on the overall sense of pride you have after doing your best every day.  That when you look in the mirror you are happy with who is looking back at you.

No doubts, no what ifs.

Penfield Pride!

PMA

Coach Scott