By Dirk Smith, MSc, SDL (He/Him).
Over the last few years, there has been an increasing emphasis on the psychological and mental well-being of athletes and how it impacts sports performance. The topic of sports psychology is becoming increasing relevant as we are learning that performance outcomes are rooted in the mental capabilities of the athlete as much if not more than the physical. Many studies have shown a relationship with mental health and sports performance, making the field of sports psychology and the tools to coach athletes through Psychological Skills Training ever more relevant. Have you ever felt the butterflies in your stomach before stepping up to give a speech in front of a crowd? Nervous before a big game? Worried about embarrassing yourself on a date? Perhaps, feeling like your heart is about to beat out of your chest when all the pressure is on you to perform, unable to cope with the anxiety and stress. These are things we’ve all experienced and serve as the basis for Psychological Skills Training.
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By Dirk Smith, MSc, SDL (He/Him).
Swimming is considered a low-impact sport, meaning that there are few forces either from ground contact or other players and the risk of developing a traumatic injury is low. The kind of injuries most commonly seen in swimmers are overuse injuries which are injuries that result from repetitive movements. Overuse injuries are caused by the repeated stress and tension on muscles, tendons and ligaments that without proper strength and tension can lead to inflammation and pressure build up within the tissue. Inflammation and pressure can lead to pain, reduced flexibility, mobility and strength while impeding general performance that could lead to a prolong recovery period in which you will not be able to continue training or competing. This is why it is crucial for athletes to include training exercises that reduce the risk of developing overuse injuries. Common injuries that swimmers experience include... |
Dirk SmithDavid "Dirk" Smith M.Sc, SDL, CSCS, (He/Him), is a sport psychology expert, performance coach, teacher, writer, journalist, and athlete. He brings over 10 years of experience as a coach, athlete, personal trainer, fitness instructor, and sports psychologist to drive athletes to build their own self efficacy and express themselves through sport. Learn more about Dirk here! Archives
April 2022
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