On Saturday April 26^th Connecticut Swimming's Senior Committee sponsored a coaches’ clinic featuring Ernie Maglischo as guest speaker.  Over 30 Connecticut Swimming coaches attended the clinic that took place in the Kiphuth Trophy Room, a sight to behold in its own right, at the Payne Whitney Gymnasium on the campus of Yale University.  Yale University Assistant Coach Tim Wise and Connecticut Swimming Senior Chair Henk Jansen organized the event.  They obtained additional sponsorship from Speedo and Metro Swim Shop, who provided shirts for all attendees as well as raffle prizes, and Connecticut Swimming provided each coach in attendance with a travel mug to commemorate the event and lunch. The clinic was held at no cost to CSI coaches. 

Ernie started his talk with enthusiasm at 10:00 am, and spoke about the importance of shoulder adduction across all four strokes.  He spoke with an incredible knowledge of physiological concerns and referenced numerous studies to illustrate the evolution of popular thought among coaches.  He attempted to debunk many of the myths and misconceptions that dominate much of the thought among coaches today and he simplified his points to relate to the practical application of the science to swimmers of all ages.  The coaches remained engaged throughout his two-hour discussion on shoulder adduction and he spent the final forty minutes before lunch answering questions related to the subject. 

After lunch Ernie returned to the subject of shoulder adduction, per the amount of questions asked and clarified some of his points with the aid of some video of Olympians racing.  After this brief synopsis he changed gears and discussed the physiological aspects of training athletes.  He used many examples from his own coaching and how his philosophy had changed over the years.  It was obvious that he had an incredible grasp on the science of coaching: what was necessary for success both in stroke mechanics and development muscularly and for the cardiovascular system.  It was an invaluable presentation since much of the time the science of the sport is lost in the mix of day-to-day operations, and Ernie really emphasized how necessary it is to keep these concepts at the forefront of our minds and plans. 

-Submitted by Jeremy Howard