• Using distraction to reduce perception of effort and to relieve the boredom of training/endurance events. The requirements of becoming the best that you can be in a rowing context will include long hours of training and the repetition of sequences of action over extended periods of time. Distraction has been found to be a useful tool in addressing the challenges of such situations. Music is often used by rowers in this context, but audio books, podcasts and similar audio support can work equally as well. In relation to music, you may be interested to know that different types of music can impact on various elements of performance. The motivational qualities of different pieces can serve to increase endurance and enhance affect (mood). In relation to rowing, when selecting music to listen to, choose a rhythm that approximates your desired rowing pace. Ideally, it should be something that you are familiar with and that you like, the lyrics should be suggestive of some desired outcome or psychological state (e.g.
of your rowing career. You might recall previous “tough” challenges and dissatisfaction you experienced at meetings challenges. There are numerous possibilities that you could shape into a powerful response to those difficult moments.
“Heroes”, “Things can only get better”, etc). If you want to increase your arousal level, choose loud, fast,
percussive
music...and so on.
• Develop a mantra, a phrase, a way of thinking that you can use to counter negative thoughts or situations. The word “inevitable” might be too strong, but it is highly likely that you will encounter situations where you are thinking “why am I doing this?”. At times like this, it may be useful to have an habitual response at your disposal where you can bring to the surface the positive and aspirational reasons for being involved in rowing. You might bring to mind the goals you have set yourself and imagine the sense of achievement and success at meeting those goals. You might recall a particularly positive experience that you have encountered as part
Conclusion Rowing is an extremely challenging and rewarding sport. The demands on rowers can be complex, time- consuming, extremely physically challenging, and will include demands on both physical and emotional reserves. As an applied sport psychologist, one of the exciting things for me in working with rowers is seeing how embracing some of the techniques and processes associated with sports psychology can improve rowers’ performance in some small way, or in a transformational way. The suggestions above are scratching the surface of what is on offer. However, I hope that you find them useful. ROW360 Dave Alcock (C Psychol, MSc (Counselling), BA(Hons) PGCE(FE) is a chartered sport and exercise psychologist and a senior lecturer at the University of the West of England. His sport psych experiences include involvement with Bristol rugby (current position), women’s elite rowing, England women’s football, international rifle and pistol shooting, gymnastics, professional rugby league, and a range of other sports.
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