Training | Mediterra Swim & Run

The Discipline Of Restraint

by Coach Mat | 28 Jan, 2017

One of the ways you can detect truly elite coaches is by the emphasis in their teaching and marketing on ‘going-smarter’ rather than ‘going-harder’ (though this is required also). Mature coaches seem to echo the refrain: listen to your body. If...

Can You Practice When Injured?

by Coach Mat | 21 Jan, 2017

This title will likely attract attention because injury seems to accompany serious swimmers who persist in the sport long enough. The questions are common: should I practice when injured and if so, how? Injured By Swimming The first scenario to address is when...

Practice Involves Feedback

by Coach Mat | 25 Dec, 2016

Along with the previous article in this series describing the role of focal points (mental representations), we are getting to the heart of the practice with the feedback loop. If you have ever learned to play an instrument (or tried to) or just listened to music...

Form Better Mental Representations

by Coach Mat | 17 Dec, 2016

Anders Ericsson declares that “the main purpose of deliberate practice is to develop effective mental representations.” (page 75). It would therefore be very important that we figure out what mental representations are in the context of our deliberate swim...

Full Attention Required

by Coach Mat | 26 Nov, 2016

We are continuing our series on the application of Deliberate Practice in our way of training: Part 1 – The Definition Of Deliberate Practice Part 2 – Follow A Proven Effective Path Part 3 – Difficult And Enjoyable Practice Part 4 – Focus On...

Focus On Small, Specific Pieces

by Coach Mat | 20 Nov, 2016

We are continuing from Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3 in this discussion of the features of Ericsson’s Deliberate Practice concept. We will look at the importance of focusing training upon small, specific pieces of skill. I am referring to Chapter 4 “The...