Streamline Cues with MONA
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4 Technique Tips That Will Benefit Almost EVERY Swimmer
Every swimmer has different strengths and limitations. However, research has shown that almost all swimmers can make improvements on these 4 technique elements to swim faster. 1. Butterfly - Limit head submersion on arm entry. Cue: Feel the water level at the top of the head when the hands enter the water. 2. Backstroke – Increase hand [...]
Loch Ness Monster Neck
Loch Ness Monster Neck (Otherwise known as breathing position in breaststroke!) During a recent meeting with a client, I was asked: What’s up with the Loch Ness Monster neck you recommend for breaststroke breathing?” It took only a few seconds to understand the question - - and a few more to stop laughing. What a great question though - - [...]
5 Swim Practice Habits That Will Help You Swim Faster
1. Chunk your workout. Dedicate a specific distance to specific technique elements, speed, or effort level. For example, swim a set of 10 x 25 yards fly focused on keeping your head motionless at the surface of the water on the non-breathing strokes. 2. Commit to an improvement plan. Set a short-term goal and determine how you will measure progress. [...]
5 Scientific Concepts Behind Optimal Technique
Do you know the real effect science has had on swimming? Here are 5 of the most important scientific concepts behind today’s most competitive swimming technique. 1. Swimming forces are composed of both lift and drag. Why is this important? Research on lift and drag forces made it possible to determine optimal angles for the hand pitch and the hand [...]
Unconventional Backstroke Start
Racing starts can vary from swimmer to swimmer, but there is one constant: the desire to start the race as fast as possible. Based on biomechanics, we’ve got a take on the backstroke start that you may not have seen before. When executed correctly, this small change helps swimmers begin their race with maximum propulsive force. Swimmers typically [...]
Fly Stroke Counting Exercise
If you’re reading our blog, you’re at least a little interested in swimming biomechanics and our science-based approach to technique. One question we often hear from coaches is, “Where do I start?” It’s a good question: How do you begin to introduce this new approach to your club? We suggest that a great way to begin is with numbers! In [...]
Phelps vs. Manatee
Just for fun, we thought we’d take a look at how the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, compares to a few familiar aquatic animals. You might be surprised at the results!
Triathletes: Losing your race on the swim leg?
The competitors beating you in the water aren’t faster because they spend more time in the water. They’re faster because they have better technique. Many triathletes stand to make substantial time drops in their swimming leg by making small changes to their freestyle technique. And here’s the best part—technique changes (even drastic ones!) are best done in SHORT, focused training [...]
