Drills | Mediterra Swim & Run

Using Drills Appropriately

by Coach Mat | 14 Nov, 2015

I received this comment on a blog post recently… I tried to practice Spear Switch drill. I do this along with two beat kick instead of flutter. When I switch, I don’t see any forward propulsion in my body due to the switch or kick. I do see a propulsion due to...

How Much Drill Work?

by Coach Mat | 4 Oct, 2014

This question came up recently in the context of how we should go about training at home after swim camp (or workshop). So, I would like to elaborate here on the comments I made at camp… How much drill work should I do? Good question, but it is not easy to give...

Snorkel For Drills?

by Coach Mat | 10 Aug, 2013

Here is a question I am often asked in workshops: “Can I use a snorkel when doing drills?” The short answer is “Yes.” The obvious advantage in using a snorkel while doing drills is that it allows the swimmer to concentrate on the drill without...

Drills For Proprioception

by Coach Mat | 9 Feb, 2013

Did you know that your skin houses the extremities of your brain? Yes. The nerve endings (all various kinds) covering every square centimeter of your skin are extensions of the brain itself, not a separate organ. All those nerve endings are in constant contact with...

Definition Of A Drill

by Coach Mat | 5 Feb, 2013

A question raised on my last post: You point out that when our stroke breaks down, we asses where and why the stroke is not right and go back to drilling. What if we can not find the answer from the drills…..especially if self-coached, how would you suggest we “think...

The Drill Sequence

by Coach Mat | 2 Feb, 2013

Here is a brief explanation of how to set up an effective learning pattern with drills and whole stroke. [I recommend that you read Using Focal Points and Using Drills to complement this essay. ] We develop the stroke, and then performance itself, beginning with gross...