Instructional Clinics

Olympians are often used as models for performance. However, we have tested thousands of competitive swimmers, including Olympians from a dozen countries, and have found that every swimmer (even the world’s fastest) has technique limitations. For this reason, Dr. Havriluk developed MONA (Modél Optimál NAtación) - a biomechanical model that presents only the positive elements of technique without any limiting factors. (Dr. Havriluk is a biomechanist and the president of STR.) The example below is one position within the butterfly stroke cycle.

The standard format for an optimal technique clinic includes both classroom and pool instructional sessions. The clinic begins in the classroom with a presentation of a biomechanical model of optimal technique (MONA). A pool session follows with a progression of exercises that focus on cues to help you swim like the model.

Swimmers are given visual and kinesthetic cues - specific body orientations to see or feel - so that they know if they are complying with the model. The "cue-focused" practice helps swimmers progress very quickly. Swimmers are given reminders before each swim and individual feedback after each swim. As clinic participants show compliance with the cues, focus on additional cues is recommended.

In addition to our unique "cue-focused" practice, we also include "skill-isolation" drills. Our drills are designed to isolate specific cue elements so that swimmers can best focus on individual cues. Drill progressions add successive cues to simulate the actual swimming stroke.

The success of our instructional strategies has been well documented. Click for more info.