Can anyone give my any suggestions to get over my fear of competion.?

Question

Im part of a swimming club, but im really nervous to race against other people. When i a nervous while i am swimming in a race i become really slow and mess up my flip turns. My coach i have a lot of talent and i am really good but it still doesn't not help. Can anyone please give me and suggestions based on how to get over this fear so i can swim my very best

Please and Thank You

Answer 1

Trust your training and relax you will do great!

Answer 2

You just have to get into a zone, and block out everything else around you, especially in an individual sport like swimming.  The more you only think about yourself and what you have to do, the less you will think about anyone else.  Just try to find a way to get  yourself to focus on only one thing - your swimming.  Don't think about anything else, it can only hurt, since you can't control any of it.

Answer 3

This is the worst thing for a talented swimmer.  You have to retrain your brain to think what you want it to think.  Try competing in everything.  During practice be the first one in, during tough sets be the best, when doing sprints in practice or kicking race your teammates.  Take this competition outside the pool as well.  Be the first one to get your homework done, the first to be outside for recess, the first to the car to go shopping, first one done at dinner, whatever.  Everyone else doesn't need to know you are racing them, but maybe it will give your brain an idea of what you want it to think.  See if that slowly helps your fear of competing since It will be an extension of what you do every day.  The things everyone else said are good things too.

Answer 4

Try visualization. Keep going through your ideal race in your head until it is a common feeling take note of how you feel your thoughts and the rehearse your race. When you are behind the block bring yourself back to your visualization 'in the zone' as it is referred to. Let your practice and visualization do the work and just enjoy the ride!

Answer 5

block everything else out, dont think about ANYTHING other than swimming your best, pretend no one else is there, literally act like NO ONE else is there. if you find it hard, keep repeating a song over and over in your head so you focus on that other than whatever is around you untill you get in the water