Tempo, Stroke Rate (SR) | Mediterra Swim & Run

Metrics 101: SPL Development Process

by Coach Mat | 9 Mar, 2014

First reference these previous two posts: Metrics 101: Stroke Length Metrics 101: Aim For Stroke Length Ease Let me explain a bit about the SPL (or Stroke Length) Development Process: Step 1. Reach SPL range. In the first stage you are developing the ability to...

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...

Over-Glide Problem?

by Coach Mat | 16 Apr, 2013

OVER-gliding is cited by some as a terrible problem in a swimmer’s stroke. UNDER-gliding is also a problem – a far more grave problem really, and unfortunately, left terribly under addressed in many coaching programs. Have you ever felt or been criticized...

Training Pace Perception

by Coach Mat | 7 Jan, 2013

It may or may not be surprising to you to learn that holding consistent Pace is one of the most important skills for any swimmer desiring to race or accomplish a particular distance goal for the best possible outcome. This applies to 50 meters sprints to 1500 meters,...

Private Virtual Competition

by Coach Mat | 29 Dec, 2012

This is how a virtual competition (with Sun Yang or any swimmer in the world you choose!) might work: Pace is a simple calculation of Stroke Length (SL) x Tempo. We will use SL because it is a universal measurement – it doesn’t matter what length pool you...

Measuring The Catch

by Coach Mat | 23 Nov, 2012

Here is a question I just received on my post Power From The Core… Is it possible to guess how much difference there are between a good and a bad catch, if counting SPL and if other factors are equal? My answer is given here to provide a better chance that it...