Quick Dip: What Should I Do After a Race That Didn’t Go Well?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Racing  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

A race that does not go to plan can feel disappointing, especially when you have trained hard or hoped for a particular time.

It is okay to feel disappointed. Even very good swimmers have races that do not go well. The important part is what you do next.

If you have another race, follow your coach or Team Manager’s instructions and prepare for your next event. You do not have to work out the whole race straight away.

When you feel calmer, look at more than the result. Try to find:

• one thing you did well

• one thing you want to improve

The learning point might be your start, pace, turn, finish or how you followed your race plan. Choose something that you can practise rather than simply telling yourself to swim faster.

Do not try to change everything at once. One clear lesson from the race is more useful than a long list of mistakes.

You do not need to forget the race or keep thinking about every mistake. Take one useful lesson from it, then focus on what comes next.

One race is only one part of your season.

Ask your coach: What did you notice from poolside that I might not have felt in the water?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team