Women Moderator
00:00 - 00:01
Right on cue, Tommy Tortoise asks,
Guy Moderator
00:02 - 00:03
How do we make a start? Love it.
Women Moderator
00:04 - 00:18
And Ricky Rast just doesn't. Yes, let's go. Ready for action. Physical Skills Training for Athletes. It's right up there with the physical and the technical stuff.
Guy Moderator
00:18 - 00:26
You got it. And we're diving into a really unique resource for this. Script and Screenplay eBook, Version 1. It's by Dr. John M. Hogg.
Women Moderator
00:27 - 00:33
Based right here in BC, Canada. PhD, coach, a real OG in the swimming world, especially.
Guy Moderator
00:33 - 00:42
He really is. And this eBook, it's connected with Lifespan Aquatics Program's Current Wave of Canada and ISCA, the International Swim Coaches Association.
Women Moderator
00:43 - 00:49
And the cool part is how it's designed. It's literally a script. The idea is you use it for role-playing with your athlete.
Guy Moderator
00:49 - 00:53
Actually having athletes act out these scenes. What a way to get these concepts to stick, you know.
Women Moderator
00:53 - 01:02
Such a valuable learning experience built right in. And this is part of a larger course, an LMS course, over at read.swimisca.org. We'll put the landing page link in the show notes for you.
Guy Moderator
01:03 - 01:12
Scene one, the importance of mental skills training. Picture this, sunny afternoon, athletes milling about before the ninth annual Allcomers Animal Games.
Women Moderator
01:13 - 01:20
Right. And the core question they hit right away is, OK, you've done the technical work, the physical, the tactics. What else is there? What's missing?
Guy Moderator
01:20 - 01:49
and English Then Ekin Rabbit, track athlete. Questions if maybe it's all a bit mindless, just doing the physical stuff.
Women Moderator
01:50 - 01:56
And Bonnie Beaver, triathlon. She shares a story physically ready, but a mental slip up, something but a hammer.
Guy Moderator
01:57 - 02:02
Ouch. Oof. Ricky Ratt from hockey jumps in. Thinks strategy and tactics are the key.
Women Moderator
02:03 - 02:10
Makes sense for hockey. Maxi mass, tennis, needs like three things. Consistent skill, fitness, and smart plays.
Guy Moderator
02:10 - 02:15
And Lynette Lynx, Gymnastics, talks balance and agility. Vital for her.
Women Moderator
02:15 - 02:24
So you see all these different priorities, right? But Eddie Eagle pulls it together. He's like, OK, skill, fitness, strategy, important, yes. But they don't give you complete control over results.
Guy Moderator
02:24 - 02:30
That's the kicker. And Ernie Emu asks the big one. Is something else missing? The mental part.
Women Moderator
02:30 - 02:37
Bingo! Eddie Eagle confirms it, says Eakin Rabbit's comment about the mindless approach really sparked the idea of the place of the mind.
Guy Moderator
02:37 - 02:42
then Olly Owl introduces the term mental skills. Could that be the thing to boost performance?
Women Moderator
02:42 - 02:49
Which leads Kerry Cougar to ask pretty directly, so what are mental skills and silence?
Guy Moderator
02:49 - 02:50
Yeah, nobody really knows how to define it yet.
Women Moderator
02:50 - 03:02
Until Oral Hoops Orangutan steps up. He says it's about using your mind just as much as your body. Things like visualizing, controlling emotions, aiming for that optimal performance.
Guy Moderator
03:02 - 03:07
That clicks for MaxiMouse. Like, ooh, these are skills. We need to learn them, practice them.
Women Moderator
03:07 - 03:15
And then the discussion opens up. Different animals, different sports, different ideas about what works for them, thinking, feeling, doing, that mind-body connection.
Guy Moderator
03:15 - 03:22
and the coach kind of guiding things behind the scenes leads them to realize basic mental skills that apply to everyone.
Women Moderator
03:22 - 03:27
Then they start thinking about specific needs. Penny Pian wants positive self-image for a couple of others.
Guy Moderator
03:27 - 03:30
Harry Horse mentions self-awareness, knowing your strengths, weaknesses.
Women Moderator
03:30 - 03:36
Betsy Batt is thinking about imagery, alternatives to just visualizing. Bonnie Beaver clearly needs goal setting.
Guy Moderator
03:36 - 03:41
Eakin Rabbit thinks Bernie Bulldog could use some relaxation. Probably true after chasing cats.
Women Moderator
03:41 - 03:49
Deanna Donkey suggests positive self-talk for Fiona Flamingo. Octavio Ostrich sees Katie Kangaroo needing better attention control.
Guy Moderator
03:49 - 03:54
It's interesting how they immediately start diagnosing each other. But Eddie Eagle pulls them back.
Women Moderator
03:55 - 04:01
Smart move. He says, focus on yourselves first. Think of these skills like a mental toolbox you build now, so you're prepared later.
Guy Moderator
04:02 - 04:05
Ollie Owl adds some wisdom. Change starts with yourself.
Women Moderator
04:05 - 04:10
And Carrie Cougar points out that, hey, this mental work, it can actually be refreshing, stir you into action.
Guy Moderator
04:10 - 04:14
So they agree. Need to balance the physical and the mental in training and competition.
Women Moderator
04:15 - 04:21
Katie Kangaroo commits to it after the technical, physical, tactical prep. She'll add the mental. Baby steps.
Guy Moderator
04:21 - 04:27
Which prompts Tommy Tortoise's classic question. How do we make a start? Love that character.
Women Moderator
04:27 - 04:31
He keeps things grounded. Marie Mongeau suggests they help each other out, share what they already know.
Guy Moderator
04:32 - 04:37
And Eddie proposes daily meetings. Talk about mental skills, ideal performance states, emotions.
Women Moderator
04:37 - 04:47
He stresses starting with the basics, even if it feels a bit tedious. You got to examine the ideas, learn the skills, integrate them, monitor, refine. It's a process.
Guy Moderator
04:47 - 04:48
Right. It's not a quick fix,
Women Moderator
04:48 - 04:48
which
Guy Moderator
04:48 - 04:50
flows perfectly into scene two then.
Women Moderator
04:50 - 04:52
Scene two, the skill of awareness.
Guy Moderator
04:52 - 04:57
Yep, Eddie kicks this one off asking, basically, anyone know anything about self-awareness?
Women Moderator
04:58 - 05:03
Initial thoughts. Penny Peehan says it's knowing or understanding yourself. Pretty straightforward.
Guy Moderator
05:03 - 05:08
Ronnie Rhino thinks it's knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Eakin Rabba adds knowing your potential, your capabilities.
Women Moderator
05:09 - 05:13
Then Ricky Ratt, always impatient, is like, yeah, yeah, I know myself. Next skill.
Guy Moderator
05:14 - 05:22
But Betsy Batt pushes back. She makes a great point. Just spending time alone doesn't mean you know yourself. Sometimes others see you more clearly.
Women Moderator
05:23 - 05:27
That's insightful. Olly Owl links it to self-perceptions, how you see yourself.
Guy Moderator
05:27 - 05:30
Which brings up Sammy Snake, who apparently has a negative view of himself.
Women Moderator
05:30 - 05:37
Kerry Cougar expands it, saying self-awareness includes your feelings about yourself. Maxie Mouse adds acceptance and trust in yourself and others.
Guy Moderator
05:38 - 05:50
Fiona Flamingo shares her own experience again. Positive self-image leads to confidence, good scores, negative, self-doubt, poor scores. Very direct link for her.
Women Moderator
05:50 - 05:56
Otilater talks about self-reflection, looking back at performances, good and bad, to learn. That's key.
Guy Moderator
05:56 - 06:02
And Linda Lama journals, writes down her deepest concerns, thoughts, feelings, actions.
Women Moderator
06:02 - 06:06
Which Octavio Ostrich immediately says is not for him. No journaling there.
Guy Moderator
06:07 - 06:31
So Maxi Maus tries to sum it up. Self-awareness is looking at your strengths and limits, then deciding what you need to change to succeed. Makes sense. But Fiona Flamingo is hesitant. She calls it inner shoveling, afraid what she might dig up.
Women Moderator
06:31 - 06:39
That's a real fear for some. But Ernie Emu argues you have to look inward to make positive changes, change your thoughts, change things.
Guy Moderator
06:39 - 06:48
Eddie Eagle then gives this more complete definition. It's a thorough look inside, courageous journey, requires responsibility, self-control, being open to change.
Women Moderator
06:48 - 06:51
It's presented as a significant undertaking, not just a quick checklist.
Guy Moderator
06:51 - 06:53
And guess who asks the next question?
Women Moderator
06:53 - 06:54
Gotta be Tommy Tortoise.
Guy Moderator
06:54 - 06:55
How do we make a start? Yep.
Women Moderator
06:55 - 07:04
Eddie explains, self-awareness is step one towards self-control. And that naturally leads to the next skill, goal-setting. Gives you direction, motivation.
Guy Moderator
07:04 - 07:07
Tommy asks again. He really wants the practical steps.
Women Moderator
07:08 - 07:14
Patience, Tommy. Maria Mongoose suggests some actual exercises for self-awareness and self-confidence. And the group is ready to jump in.
Guy Moderator
07:15 - 07:18
OK. Leads us right into scene three, the skill of goal-setting.
Women Moderator
07:18 - 07:23
Right. And we meet a couple of newcomers here, Lenny Lyon from judo and Manny Moose, ice hockey.
Guy Moderator
07:24 - 07:32
Eddie reminds them about the self-awareness work. Now, based on knowing yourself better, having more self-faith, trusting others, you can set realistic goals.
Women Moderator
07:33 - 07:35
Ricky Rat, predictably. Oh, get on with it.
Guy Moderator
07:35 - 07:40
Eddie just calmly points out again, goals give you direction and motivation. Can't skip it.
Women Moderator
07:40 - 07:46
Bonnie Beaver really believes in goal setting, calls it a powerful mental tool if the goals are positive and realistic.
Guy Moderator
07:46 - 07:50
Maria Mongoose adds that the mind needs purpose, otherwise it just drifts.
Women Moderator
07:50 - 07:56
Odell Otter, the swimmer, talks about his journey. Used to have goals set for him, now he creates his own expectations. Big shift.
Guy Moderator
07:56 - 08:02
Ollie Owl warns against impossible or unclear goals. Says they can suck the fun out of things.
Women Moderator
08:02 - 08:07
And Fiona Flamingo worries goals can become obsessive, cause anxiety. Valid concern.
Guy Moderator
08:08 - 08:13
Ernie Emu suggests keeping goals in perspective if they start feeling frustrating. Don't let them overwhelm you.
Women Moderator
08:13 - 08:14
in US English
Guy Moderator
08:31 - 08:34
That makes sense. And Bonnie Beaver actually shares her goal sheet. Remember
Women Moderator
08:34 - 08:42
that? Yeah. All the different types. Skill goals, performance, training, mental, individual, team, long term, short term, strategy goals too.
Guy Moderator
08:42 - 08:45
And she writes them down, posts them up, makes them real.
Women Moderator
08:45 - 08:51
Deanna Donkey connects it back again. With self-awareness, you can set really specific goals that fit you.
Guy Moderator
08:52 - 08:55
which contrasts sharply with Ricky Ratt's goal. I'm going to be the best.
Women Moderator
08:56 - 09:03
Way too general. Eddie Eagle jumps on that. Goals need precision. What's the end result? How will you get there? By when? How will you measure it?
Guy Moderator
09:04 - 09:12
Harry Horse learned that lesson. Focus goals on things you can control. Winning every race. Not entirely in your control.
Women Moderator
09:12 - 09:17
Fiona and Lynette can relate, with judges involved in their sports. Subjective element there.
Guy Moderator
09:17 - 09:22
Beacon Rabbit makes another sharp point. Achieving goals is often way harder than just setting them.
Women Moderator
09:22 - 09:26
True that. Execution is everything. And Tommy Tortoise. How do
Guy Moderator
09:26 - 09:28
we make a start? He's so consistent.
Women Moderator
09:29 - 09:39
Bonnie Beaver explains it starts with positive ideas. Possibilities. Turn those possibilities into goals. Celebrate when you hit them. Then set new challenges. Keep improving.
Guy Moderator
09:39 - 09:43
Fiona hopes reaching goals will boost her confidence. Seems logical.
Women Moderator
09:43 - 09:47
But Bernie Bulldog has had bad experiences. Goals just frustrated him, so now he avoids them.
Guy Moderator
09:48 - 09:49
Lenny Lyon keeps it simple with his goal.
Women Moderator
09:50 - 10:00
And Eddie sums up scene three. Better self-awareness helps set realistic targets and figure out the steps. But you also need to believe in your goals and have that inner drive, that motivation, to actually achieve them.
Guy Moderator
10:00 - 10:05
Belief and motivation. Key ingredients. Okay, that takes us to scene four. A big one.
Women Moderator
10:06 - 10:13
Scene four. The skill of relaxing and energizing. Both body and mind. Right on cue, Tommy Tortoise asks,
Guy Moderator
10:14 - 10:15
How do we make a start? Love it.
Women Moderator
10:16 - 10:19
And Ricky Rast just does a, yes, let's go, ready for action.
Guy Moderator
10:20 - 10:25
So wrapping up, you've seen the athletes really start this journey, realizing mental skills aren't just optional extras.
Women Moderator
10:25 - 10:28
Exactly. They've explored the absolute foundation.
Guy Moderator
10:28 - 10:36
And seeing this unfold through these animal characters with their different sports and personalities makes it so relatable, so practical.
Women Moderator
10:36 - 10:47
And remember that core design, this e-book, is meant for role playing. Having athletes embody these characters, speak these lines, debate these ideas, That's where the deep learning can happen in a team setting.
Guy Moderator
10:47 - 10:52
Absolutely. Using those scenarios directly, it really brings Dr. Hogg's material off the page.
Women Moderator
10:52 - 11:06
And this is really just scratching the surface. The full LMS course at read.swimica.org goes much deeper into these skills and introduces others, all based on Dr. Hogg's decades of experience. Definitely worth checking out if this resonates with you. Links in the show notes.
Guy Moderator
11:07 - 11:31
So here's something to chew on as we wrap up. We saw how these animal athletes started understanding themselves and each other better just through these structured conversations in the scenes. How could you, perhaps using these specific scenarios in the e-book as a starting point for role-playing within your own team or group, accelerate that process of learning and applying these crucial mental skills in a really practical way?
Women Moderator
11:31 - 11:35
That's a great question. Taking it from theory straight into practice, something definitely worth exploring.
Mark Rauterkus
11:37 - 11:58
We'd love for you to be involved. Get a copy of the book. Get onto the course. Get a site license for your team. Stay connected with the International Swim Coaches Association and these efforts from the mental skills for young athletes. Furthermore, come to the ISCA meets. There's meets throughout the calendar year. Championship meets at the end of short course and long course, as well as open water swims.
Guy Moderator
12:00 - 12:09
Make a few clicks and subscribe to the podcast. Heavy or not. The O.G. swim guide is in production.
