When a swimmer tries hard and gives great effort, give positive reinforcement no matter what the outcome. Make sure you give truthful and specific praise about their effort or what they did well so that they understand the reason you are recognizing an “unsuccessful” outcome. You’ll see that team member make even greater efforts in the future.
Examples of “Unsuccessful” Efforts to Reward
Opportunities to reinforce unsuccessful effort abound!
Example 1:
Your swimmer does not qualify for the state meet but swims her personal best.
Example 2:
Your swimmer swims the 100 IM for the first time ever and does not win but completes all 4 laps with a legal start, legal touches, and turns and a legal finish.
Example 3:
Your swimmer misses his turn on the 50 Free but his finish was his strongest of the season.