"E" is Emotional Control Whether it’s yelling at a parent, kicking a bleacher, or letting an expletive fly, most people have lost their “cool” at some point. Emotions are a part of every sporting event, and if we don’t recognize how they are influencing us, emotions can impact our performances. This article will focus on how to control your emotions by recognizing them, addressing them, and using them to your benefit. Are Emotions Bad? Most athletes perform their best when they keep their emotions to themselves. It is often the...

The Road to Nationals-Nathan Adrian Just days after returning to the water from his break following his second NCAA title in the 100-yard freestyle, National Teamer Nathan Adrian spoke with Swimnetwork about his goals for the 2010 ConocoPhillips National Championshipsand his sprint training. The University of California, Berkeley sprinter is looking to defend a few more titles at the meet in Irvine having taken gold in both the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyles at least year’s event. National Team Member: Nathan Adrian Distance from the 2010 ConocoPhillips National Championships: 415 miles...

The Road to Nationals-Elizabeth Pelton With the 2010 ConocoPhillips National Championships now just less than four months away, backstroke sensation Elizabeth Pelton is training hard for the meet in Irvine, Calif. At only 16 years old, Pelton has already competed at a World Championships – placing sixth in the 200-meter backstroke in 2009 – and is training with Bob Bowman’s elite group at North Baltimore Aquatics Club (NBAC). Swimnetwork caught up with the emerging phenom after her strong showing at the Columbus Grand Prixwhere she took gold in the 100...

D is for Dedication For many swimmers, their sport is more than just a hobby. It’s more than just something they do to get fresh air, meet people and get some exercise. There is nothing wrong if you swim just for fun, but if you treat sport as hobby, it’s hard for you to expect to swim your best. Anyone looking to perform to their potential needs to be dedicated to their sport. This article is for team leaders and individuals who want to take their performance and the performance...

Not to be out done by their younger counter parts, the senior groups at PST capped off the 2010 summer at the Senior Championships at Coral Springs . Highlights of the meet include Cheriesse Campbell taking 4.7 seconds off her previous best in the 200 Breast and Hailey Hernandez dropping 10 seconds in her 400 Free. Sivan Fraiman claimed the highest point scorer award with a total of 37 points. Sivan also took 5.6 seconds off her 200 IM time and dropped nearly 7 seconds in her 100 Fly. Also,...

The Road to Nationals-Caqroline Burckle National Teamer Caroline Burckle, who in 2008 broke the oldest-standing women’s NCAA record in the 500-yard freestyle and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, is already in the throes of intense training for Nationals this summer. The former Florida Gator swimmer moved across the country last fall to Fullerton, California to train under Sean Hutchison and other National Teamers Katie Hoff, Margaret Hoelzer and Ariana Kukors at FAST Swim Team. After returning from the National Team training...

“C” is for Confidence. Confidence is a Choice Many people think the only way to be confident is to be successful. While it is easier to believe in your abilities when you have had proven success, it is not the only way to feel a sense of confidence. Confidence is a choice. It comes from choosing to focus on your strengths and knowing that you are good. It comes from choosing to be positive with yourself. It comes from focusing on what you need to do to swim well rather...

2010 FGC Senior Championships July 23-25, 2010 Location: Coral Springs Aquatic Complex 12441 Royal Palm Blvd Coral Springs, Florida 33065 Warm-up & Events: Prelims: Friday, July 23, 2010 - Warm-up: 7:30 / Finals - Warm-up 4:00 p.m. Friday Events: 200 Back 100 Free 200 Fly 50 Breast 400 Free Prelims: Saturday, July 24, 2010 - Warm-up: 7:30 / Finals - Warm-up 4:00 p.m. Saturday Events: 200 Free 50 Back 200 Breast 100 Fly 400 IM Prelims: Sunday, July 25, 2010 - Warm-up: 7:30 / Finals - Warm-up 4:00 p.m. Sunday...

The Road to Nationals-Nick Thoman Nick Thoman enjoys a challenge, whether that is pushing himself in workout or racing in one of the most competitive events in US men’s swimming. The Mecklenburg Aquatics backstroker recently broke the short course 100-meter backstroke world record at the 2009 Duel in the Pool. Looking ahead, Thoman is poised to establish himself as one of the country’s top backstrokers at the 2010 ConocoPhillips National Championships. I caught up with Thoman just after he returned from the two-week National Team training camp in Chula Vista,...

How should I think to swim well? Every individual has a unique mental state under which he or she performs best. There is not one right way to think. The key is to know what you are thinking and how you are feeling when you perform your best. How do I know my ideal mindset? To identify your ideal mindset, think about the best performance you ever had. Ask yourself: · What did I do to mentally and physically get ready (music, routines…)? · Was I relaxed or pumped up?...