How to achieve success in swimming is no secret. To be successful, swimmers must take full advantage of the latest and greatest performance-enhancing techniques available. One such technique is known as visualization which involves harnessing the power of the imagination to boost swimming performance. The science behind it is quite fascinating and surprisingly simple. When the brain conceives something it desires, over and over again, neural connections form making the likelihood of achievement far more possible. For example, the more often swimmers visualize themselves swimming the perfect race and achieving personal best times, the more likely it will happen. The expression, “if you can see it, you can be it” relates beautifully to the science of visualization.
Even though the term suggests seeing the desired result, swimmers should begin the process by writing out a detailed script of the perfect race. Doing so helps to organize the details and clarify the image. From there, swimmers should visualize their script before going off to sleep each night and first thing in the morning. To help in writing your script, follow the steps below:
THE PERFECT RACE
Step 1: Chose an event and write down a 100 Goal Time for this long course season. If you don’t swim long course, chose a short course time.
Step 2: Write down a few words that describe how you look standing behind the block.
Step 3: Write down a few words that describe how you feel standing on the block.
Step 4: Write down a few words that describe how your stroke looks or feels throughout the race.
Step 5: Write down a few words that describe how your turns look or feel throughout the race.
Step 6: Write down a few words that describe how you mentally feel throughout the race.
Step 7: Write down a few words that describe how you physically feel throughout the race.
Step 8: Write down a few words that describe the way you react when you achieve your goal time.
Step 9: Starting tonight, visualize each step until you commit them to memory.
Step 10: Go out and swim The Perfect Race!