Competitive/Performance Training | Mediterra Swim & Run

Relaxation Paradox

by Coach Mat | 12 Dec, 2015

Sometimes it seems like we have a paradox with relaxation in swimming – a dissonance between the understanding that speed requires power and power requires muscle tension, yet speed is restricted unless there is relaxation in the muscles. In Easy Strength the...

Test for Progress and Weakness

by Coach Mat | 28 Nov, 2015

Here is an excerpt from the instruction in the12-week Master Class 1K course inside our Online Coaching Program. It is describing the role of the test swim and guiding the swimmer’s response to it: To test progress and reveal strengths and weak spots you need to...

How Long Will It Take?

by Coach Mat | 31 Oct, 2015

How long will it take to integrate this skill so that I can do it without thinking so much? That is a version of the question I hear from time to time. It is a good question with a very complicated answer, if I were to attempt to personalized it for each person who...

Swimmer Speed Curve – Part 4

by Coach Mat | 24 Oct, 2015

This is a continuation of Swimmer Speed Curve Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3… Maintaining best form when energy is abundant is a great Level 1 accomplishment. That is really a good functional goal for recreational swimming, and that may be as far as some want to go...

Swimmer Speed Curve – Part 3

by Coach Mat | 17 Oct, 2015

This is a continuation of Swimmer Speed Curve Part 1 and Part 2… In this diagram we see the curve of one swimmer, but with two options for how the curve will form. Below Node #1, when power is low, her swimming is beautiful, smooth, efficient. This is the Easy...

Swimmer Speed Curve – Part 2

by Coach Mat | 10 Oct, 2015

This is a continuation of Swimmer Speed Curve Part 1… In this diagram we see two swimmer speed curves. The further to the right the curve, the faster the swimmer is going. They both curve upward as the swimmer applies more power, and eventually reaches an...