HR, Effort & Ease | Mediterra Swim & Run

Metrics 101: Aim For Stroke Length Ease

by Coach Mat | 5 Mar, 2014

This is related to the previous and following posts: Metrics 101: Stroke Length Metrics 101: SPL Development Process Here is a comment I received from a swimmer recently (and asked permission to repost): My usual SPL is around 17/18. On really slow tempos–1.6...

Technique And Fitness Unite

by Coach Mat | 9 Feb, 2014

I first acknowledge that TI Head Coach Terry is emphasizing this topic lately. It’s not coincidental that I am processing these ideas at the same time, though it is timely since several TI students have been asking for better understanding in this very area. So,...

Practice: Breathing

by Coach Mat | 14 Nov, 2013

I am posting this practice with my workshop students in mind. The terminology will make most sense to those who’ve taken TI lessons or a workshop before where we’ve introduced you to both the unique breathing Focal Points and the understanding for how to...

The Effort In Effortless

by Coach Mat | 12 Oct, 2013

Recently this questions has come up few times in various forms: How effortless should effortless swimming be? And here is one way I’ve answered that question: The sensation of effortless is relative – when you compare the sensation of swimming once...

Slide And Glide Example

by Coach Mat | 10 Jun, 2013

A recent comment I received on my post Long Live ‘Slide-And-Glide’ (drill) asked for a video example of this. I think Shinji’s 9-stroke video gets the idea across. Notice how there is no pause in the stroke. One arm is always moving, and moving...

Tune-Up Quick Guide

by Coach Mat | 12 Mar, 2013

Here is a more simplified guide on how a Tune-Up could be constructed: Distance/Duration: It could be from 10 minutes to 15 minutes for an already well-tuned swimmer, to the entire practice for an out-of-tune swimmer. I am very reluctant to lay out actual distance or...