Balance Skills | Mediterra Swim & Run

Hip-Leg Alignment

by Coach Mat | 8 Nov, 2013

Another problem area for the swimmer is in the hip and leg alignment. I will first re-state that the head is the anchor for alignment of all these other body parts. Work on the head first, then the lower back, hips and legs will be much, much easier to correct. So if...

Head-Spine Alignment

by Coach Mat | 1 Nov, 2013

This is Part 2, following Core Strength And Control… Let’s divide the body into these sections of focus as we examine alignment and core strength in the swimmer: Head Spine Waist Hips Legs This article will address the head and spine: The head is...

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...

Core Muscles For Swimming

by Coach Mat | 20 Jul, 2013

Here is an essay my wife, Gail, elected to write for this blog. She is a licensed occupational therapist (OT) who has helped me develop an appreciation for the therapeutic advantages of TI (therapeutic as in both ‘rehabilitation’ and in ‘performance...

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...

Got Talent?

by Coach Mat | 13 May, 2013

Here is my two-cents to add to those who’ve been doing a great job busting the myths behind talent (Like Daniel Coyle in The Talent Code): Talent is just the gift of a head-start. It isn’t what gets you through a practice, across the finish line or onto...