Q: My daughter can beat several girls in the senior training group, but her coach won't move her up. Why not? A: While your child may have the physical skills or times to move to the next group, move criteria may also be based on emotional, social and cognitive skills. Additionally, having performance times does not necessarily equate to being able to train in that group. Progression from group to group is set by the coaching staff to ensure long-term development. This allows proper training to be introduced at the...

Q: I worry that my child is overwhelmed by all of his commitments. What can I do? A: Talk to your son. Is this your perception or is it really happening? If your son is overwhelmed, it’s time to work together in establishing priorities. Be sure to make any observations of “wasted” time in his day. After helping him establish his priorities, help your son determine whether it is necessary to drop some activities. Then, some decisions have to be made by you and your child to relieve this pressure...

Sport as Life Skills Education A key phrase used by coaches an parents is that sport is "an extension of the classroom." That is, they believe student-athletes should be learning life lessons through sport. 84% of the student-athletes agreed that they are learning life skills through their sport participation that will apply to life beyond athletics. Focus group participants said they saw sport as a "microcosm of the real world" in which student athletes are able to learn life skills in a controlled athletic environment and apply these skills to...

Preparing the Mind While an elite athlete can spend countless hours training his or her body, too often, little time or attention is devoted to preparing the mind for the challenges and demands of sport. Because an athlete's state of mind can significantly affect his or her performance or the eventual outcome of competition, developing strong mental skills can help athletes of all levels searching for a competitive advantage. Some of the influences affecting an athlete's state of mind include: the pressure and desire to win managing a unique and...

Q: Are there some exercises that prevent injuries to growing muscles and bones? A: Physical activities like swimming are considered repetitive movements. Training for swimming will enhance the ability of the muscle to work over and over in the same movement pattern. These types of activities do not typically place large strains on the bones and joints. However, to prevent injury, it is important to develop and maintain strength and flexibility in the joints, as well as to use proper stroke technique. The use of certain training aids, or swimming...

Have you ever set a goal for yourself, like getting fit, making honor roll, or being picked for a team? Like lots of people, maybe you started out doing great, but then lost some of that drive and had trouble getting motivated again. You're Not Alone! Everyone struggles with staying motivated and reaching their goals. Just look at how many people go on diets, lose weight, and then gain it back again! The reality is that refocusing, changing, or making a new start on something, no matter how small, is...

Q: What are "Process" goals? A: There are two types of goals that swimmers can set: - Outcome Goals: focus on the end result of performance. “Win, make finals.” - Process Goals: relate to process of performance. “Breathe every 3rd stroke, streamline.” Swimmers have much more control over Process Goals. Outcome Goals are uncontrollable since they also involve the performance of other competitors. Swimmers and coaches, especially at the Age Group level, should concentrate on Process Goals.

Am I Too Fat or Too Thin? TV shows, movies and magazines show pictures of people who are thin. Does that mean being thin is the "right" size? Not necessarily–the "right size" is the weight that's healthiest for your body type and individual size. If you are too thin, you may be eating less food than your body needs. Eating food is like putting fuel in a car–if you've ever ridden in a car that runs out of gas, you know what happens: it stops working! You need the right...

Reminder: Please RSVP to Colleen at [email protected] ASAP. ALL PST FAMILIES Please join us for a Back to School Beach Bash- Saturday, September 11th at 10AM. The PST Booster Club is sponsoring a FAMILY PICNIC at John U Lloyd Beach State Park, in Dania, at The SEAGRAPE PAVILION. Burgers, hot dogs and drinks will be supplied by the Booster Club. Families are asked to bring a favorite picnic food. A-K bring a dessert, L-U bring a side dish, V-Z bring a fruit dish. RSVP to Colleen at [email protected]

PST 2010 Fall Practice Schedule - Starting August 16, 2010 Sectional & Grand Prix Monday & Friday - 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. - Water Tuesday & Thursday - 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. - Gym Mon. Tues. & Thurs. Fri. - 4:20 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Dryland Monday thru Friday - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Water Saturday - 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Senior Monday & Friday - 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. - Water - By Coaches Invite Tuesday & Thursday - 5:30 a.m. to...