In previous articles we explored the impact of autonomy and expectancies on performance. To wrap up the final aspect of the OPTIMAL...

In part I, we introduced the OPTIMAL theory of learning, which suggests that emphasizing autonomy, expectancies, and an external focus of...

As a coach, I am always looking for different ways to view the training process, new ways to understand how performance emerges, and new...

Improvements in training come from overload followed by recovery from that overload. This process results in an adaptive change* that...

The craft of coaching requires many skillsets to be effective. Learning to coach effectively is a lifelong process that only ends when...

This week’s post will be shorter in length, but no less in importance. We’ve examined the various training components and training...

As the coaching profession continues to move forward, in conjunction with the expanding presence and efficacy of technology, there has...

Once a program has established a sound plan for establishing posture and torso stability, acquiring and strengthening full range of...

As coaches, we constantly have to make decisions about any number of training-related issue, and we often have to make these decisions in...

Having developed a stable torso position and established appropriate range of motion through the joints, it’s time to create force. As...

It’s not uncommon to see articles promising simple advice to help improve our lives, particularly with relationships. They provide...

As discussed in the introductory article, acquiring and strengthening the range of motions required for successful swimming is a primary...

Accountability is critically important in any high-performance environment. While it is challenging for any one individual to meet or...

As referenced in the introductory article, maintaining postural alignment and stability is the fundamental skill that supports fast...

The importance of finding a good mentor is often impressed upon young coaches, and rightfully so. It can be a colossal difference maker....

Land training for swimming is controversial. It’s under-emphasized, over-emphasized, or simply ignored. While most coaches believe it...

Coaches operate in a complex environment where multiple factors interact to produce great performances. Coaches are constantly bombarded...

As coaches, we try to impart some sort of wisdom or knowledge to our swimmers on a daily basis. The impact of that message will depend on...

Dolphin kick is a stroke like all the others and must be trained as such if swimmers expect to improve their underwater ability. As...

Batman and Superman are two of the most popular superheroes from the comic book world. Both have a strong record of fighting crime and...

It's not about what you see. It's what you don't see. This is some of the best coaching advice I have ever come across. It probably...

As coaches, one of our directives is to enhance the skillsets of the swimmers we work with. One of the critical aspects of skill...

It is through the completion of training sets and training sessions that swimmers ultimately move closer to or further from their goals. ...

When considering the effectiveness of a given practice, coaches often evaluate the volume and intensity of the work performed, the...