Portland Coach Offers Remote Swimming Technique Sessions
Athletes can now use Zoom to learn the Alexander Technique for improving movement and reducing tension in the water.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Swimming
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Portland swimming coach Brian Holliday is helping athletes refine their technique through remote coaching sessions conducted via Zoom. This approach integrates the Alexander Technique to help swimmers improve their performance through heightened awareness.
Why it matters
By focusing on the connection between mind, body, and water, this training method aims to reduce physical stress and tension during swimming. It offers a unique alternative to traditional instruction for swimmers looking to improve their movement efficiency.
The coaching model relies on the Alexander Technique to prioritize play-based learning over rigid instruction. The efficacy of this approach in a remote, digital environment compared to in-person coaching remains under investigation.
The players
Brian Holliday
A 54-year-old swimming coach and author who specializes in applying the Alexander Technique to help athletes improve their movement efficiency.
The details
The program emphasizes movement, breathing, and mind-body awareness to resolve common physical tensions that hinder swimming. Drawing from his book, Why Front Crawl Feels Hard, Holliday teaches participants to shift from prescriptive training to a focus on play. This method helps swimmers develop a more intuitive relationship with the water while addressing the root causes of muscular strain.
Timeline
August 2026: Brian Holliday relocated to Portland.
Health Landscape
The Alexander Technique provides a framework for physical education that contrasts with standard, repetition-heavy athletic training programs. This coaching style marks a departure from traditional, drill-heavy swimming instruction by prioritizing postural awareness.
If you struggle with tension or fatigue during your laps, this approach might offer a new way to re-evaluate your relationship with the water. Consider discussing your current training routine and any persistent physical discomforts with a qualified coach or your primary physician.
The takeaway
Adopting a play-based approach to swimming can help reduce bodily stress and improve movement quality. Consider tracking how your level of muscle tension changes throughout a workout to identify areas where your current technique may be causing strain.
Further reading
Explore more techniques for optimizing your movement in Swimming.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dorset Echo.
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