No Progress | Mediterra Swim & Run

Focus On Small, Specific Pieces

by Coach Mat | 20 Nov, 2016

We are continuing from Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3 in this discussion of the features of Ericsson’s Deliberate Practice concept. We will look at the importance of focusing training upon small, specific pieces of skill. I am referring to Chapter 4 “The...

Build Your Speed Skills

by Coach Mat | 24 Oct, 2016

If you have been taking time to absorb Total Immersion methods and coaching, you may have (or I hope, you should have) encountered our argument that Speed Is A Skill. Many of my posts are dedicated to explaining some facet of that concept. If you are wondering what...

Failure Leads To Speed

by Coach Mat | 24 Sep, 2016

This is a continuation from the previous post The Speed You Must Earn. Race day (if you like racing) is the great test of your abilities – this is the event most competitive athletes are focused upon. On that day you want to succeed in everything you have...

The Speed You Must Earn

by Coach Mat | 17 Sep, 2016

This is a continuation of thoughts from Going Beyond Easy Speed. There are some ‘easy’ breakthroughs in speed which come from that initial – and usually radical – improvement in body shape and movement control. But the other way to appreciate...

Going Beyond Easy Speed

by Coach Mat | 10 Sep, 2016

You may have begun your training in a structured, methodical program like TI and made dramatic improvements in your ease and in your speed in those first few months of devoted practice. But then progress seemed to slow down. What happened? There are some big,...

Improve Your Weekly Practice Plan

by Coach Mat | 7 Sep, 2016

This week at swim camp in Kaş Turkey I was talking with one of our devoted swim practitioners. He pointed out an insight he gained from his recent work in our Training Plan 5K in the Online Coaching Program. Like every mastery-minded swimmer, he has many skill...