Teaching Swimming Workbook: Green

Better Swimming; Fun and Effective Instruction (FREE) Fun and Effective Swimming Teaching Swimming Workbook: Green

Method and Delivery for swimming instruction

The green section details how Aquatic Professionals can best teach swimming. From how to set up a class to how to speak and organize the flow of lessons or practices, the green section covers the practical details of being an instructor.

Words Create Action: The Art of Teaching Swimming Through Method and Delivery

Teaching someone to swim goes far beyond arm strokes and kicking drills. It’s about creating a connection between teacher and learner, building trust, and crafting each lesson with care. That’s exactly what the Method and Delivery section (pages 70–102) of Teaching Swimming: Fun and Effective Instruction focuses on: transforming instructors into communicators, motivators, and leaders.

This lesson dives into the key insights from this powerful green section, showcasing how swim instructors can maximize their impact using structure, empathy, and creativity.

Communication is the Foundation

“Teaching swimming is using your words to create action and movement in someone else.” – Page 70

Clarity is key. Swim instructors must choose words intentionally. Commands like “Lock your thumb. Squeeze your ears. Look down.” create immediate, understandable action. When paired with visual cues, these commands become transformational tools.

Use Command Language

Avoid trailing off with “okay?” or using filler words. Instead, issue full, confident instructions and demonstrate every movement. Confidence breeds clarity, and clarity builds trust.

Example Script:

“Show me streamline. Lock your thumb, squeeze your ears, and look down.”

Feedback is the Most Powerful Tool

“Giving high quality feedback is the MOST important thing the swim instructor should do.” – Page 72

Use the formula:

[What they did] + “Next time…” + [What to do differently]

Praise effort, not just perfection. Celebrate small steps forward with verbal and non-verbal reinforcement.

The 80/20 Rule: Prioritize for Impact

Instead of correcting everything, instructors should focus on the 20% of issues that will yield 80% of the results.

Example from Page 76:

A swimmer struggling with posture and kicking? Start by fixing head and hand position for the biggest gains.

Strategic Class Setup & Instructor Placement

Where the instructor stands matters. Being close for feedback, especially with beginners, builds safety and success.

Use benches, walls, and shallow water creatively to keep swimmers moving, supported, and engaged.

The Rotation Method: From Traffic Cop to Coach

Start by directing traffic—“go now,” “come back”—but evolve to automation. Let swimmers know the routine so you can focus on what matters: feedback.

“The rotation method works. I cannot over stress how effective it is when it’s done well…” – Page 84

Final Thoughts

The Method and Delivery section is a masterclass in effective instruction. From communication to empathy, from structure to creative engagement, every lesson becomes more impactful when approached with intention.

When swimmers know what to expect, feel supported, and are encouraged to explore joyfully, they thrive.

This section teaches you how to be more than an instructor—it teaches you how to lead.

Ready to Transform the Way You Teach Swimming?

Discover the proven techniques, engaging strategies, and instructor tools that have helped thousands of swim teachers build trust, boost learning, and bring fun back to swim lessons.

“Teaching Swimming: Fun and Effective Instruction” – Fourth Edition is your step-by-step guide to teaching with confidence. Packed with illustrations, scripts, progressions, and games, this workbook is designed for swim instructors who want to make every lesson safe, structured, and full of joy.

What you’ll get: