Learning Methods | Mediterra Swim & Run

Stroke-Change Skill

by Coach Mat | 21 Nov, 2015

I’ve approached questions and comments like these at least a couple times before on my blog, and let me try another… What if I am practicing the wrong thing? I don’t want to get good at something that is incorrect! Two recent blog posts address part...

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...

Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 3

by Coach Mat | 6 Jun, 2015

The practice advice continues from Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 2… *** You Can’t Do It All At Once You can’t perfect everything at once, or in one season. Yet, by race day, you’ve got to have some chosen skill improvements...

Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 2

by Coach Mat | 30 May, 2015

This essay continues from Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 1… *** Now, a bit of practical advice on Deep/Deliberate Practice. The Four Deliberate Practice Principles 1. Make it a specific, clearly-defined, skill objective. “I am going to swim...

Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 1

by Coach Mat | 23 May, 2015

I recently read Joshua Foer’s book “Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art And Science Of Remembering Everything” about his journey from an ordinary forgetful guy to the finals of the US Memory Championships a year later. Along the way he learned a great...

Education Or Entertainment?

by Coach Mat | 11 Jan, 2015

What is the difference between getting an education from the knowledge we consume versus just getting entertained by it? First, let me define those terms: Education = I have been changed by what I learned. It has improved my experience or performance noticeably....