Cold Showers Are Cool

by Coach Mat | 5 Dec, 2012

I mentioned in a previous post on this topic that while the sea was warming up last spring I noticed an interesting phenomenah – my body felt more chilled in 22 C water than it did in 21 C. I proposed a hypothesis that there was some sort of breaker switch in my...

Virtual Competition

by Coach Mat | 4 Dec, 2012

We’ve sparked some interest on the TI Forums in what Coach Suzanne, Terry and I call the Virtual Competition with Sun Yang. However, the format I’ve laid out can be used for a competition between any swimmers separated by space or time anywhere in the...

TI Training 102

by Coach Mat | 3 Dec, 2012

The answer to speed as we approach these limitations in physics and physiology is improving the shape of the hull and the prop-  what in physics (and boat-building) is called hydrodynamics. The longer, and narrower the shape of the hull, the faster the boat will slide...

TI Training 101

by Coach Mat | 3 Dec, 2012

Total Immersion has two dimensions as a technique: A technique for shaping a swimmer’s stroke into superior form A technique for how to train a swimmer to swim at optimal performance with that superior form Let me discuss this #2 aspect briefly: Total Immersion as a...

Meet The Tempo Trainer Pro

by Coach Mat | 3 Dec, 2012

Below is a simple reference guide to learn how to use the buttons on the Finis Tempo Trainer Pro. You can get the manual here for the complete and official instructions from Finis. ** It has three buttons. One on top and two on the bottom. TURN ON – press the...

Simplified Improvement Strategy

by Coach Mat | 3 Dec, 2012

Here is a guideline for how to take a neurological perspective into your advanced performance training. So many students ask for advice on how to structure their practice times so we’d like to offer at least one idea for how to do that, though we could propose many...

Drill Guidelines

by Coach Mat | 3 Dec, 2012

The question is often (and naturally) asked after our workshops, “How do I start to practice all this next week?” TI introduces you to a new way to train. It is based on a neurological perspective, that places the practice of swimming in the realm of how we would...

3 Principles Of TI

by Coach Mat | 3 Dec, 2012

Balance Fore/Aft Balance- create a rigid frame along the spine, balance over chest using weight of the head and arms in front versus the legs and hips in back. Rotational Balance- create a rigid frame held at an angle by activing core muscles. Streamline Passive...

C U With My Hands

by Coach Mat | 1 Dec, 2012

What does swimming and swim coaching have to do with a pomegranate? My family and I are fortunate to have a few pomegranate trees in our yard. Deep red and deeply sweet like this one appears to be. They are a rewarding treat, but a seemingly chaotic bundle of juice...

Begin The Catch

by Coach Mat | 27 Nov, 2012

I am enjoying the comments and questions on this topic. But we may be reaching the limits of what I may be able to effectively describe with words. I will do my best… Here is a play-by-play, radio commentary on what I think about when forming the catch: The...