Mental Issues in Swimming

Question
Hi George, I swim competitively and have been swimming since age 7 (now 15). I swim 7-8x a week and coach on the weekends, teaching technique etc. So I have really good technique and a really good kick but my times aren't amazing. My coach keeps telling me it's in my head but I don't know how to get around it. Any suggestions? Thanks. :)

Answer
Hannah--
Here's a couple of suggestions.
First of all, make sure you're having fun.  If you are putting pressure on yourself, for any reason, stop.  At 15, you should be swimming because you enjoy it.  Don't feel that you need to perform well for anyone but yourself, not your parents, your coaches or anyone else(I know what I'm talking about, I gave myself an ulcer, at your age, stressing about whether my parents or coaches thought I did ok.).  Relax and enjoy what you're doing.  If you're coaching/teaching, I'm sure you make sure the kids you coach have fun.  Do the same for your self.  You're not old enough to worry about anything but getting good grades in school, so swimming shouldn't be something that stresses you out.
Second, challenge yourself in other races to get your mind off of how you think you are doing.  Play games with yourself while racing, streamlining longer than the person next to you, or something to that effect. Get your mind off the fact that you are competing.
Hope this helps,
George