Jeff N
Teaching Swimming: Preparing Swim Instructors
Clear Progression of Essential Skills One of the most defining features of Teaching Swimming: Fun and Effective Instruction is its clear, methodical structure for building swim competence through a carefully curated sequence of fundamental skills. New instructors often come to the pool deck with varying degrees of knowledge—some may have swum competitively but never taught …
Instructor placement matters
Where you stand in a swimming lesson is almost as important as the feedback you give. Almost. Have you ever thought to yourself, “How could I make this swim lesson just a little bit better?” Maybe, or maybe not. I spend most of my days thinking about how to improve swimming lessons. When I am …
Teaching Swimming v4 released!
The latest update to the Teaching Swimming: Fun and Effective Instruction workbook is LIVE on the “Download Files” page! Version 4 is the most recent update from version 3 which was released in 2019. I’m super excited to share the entirety of Teaching Swimming v4 with everyone! There are so many new updates, changes to …
Drill: One arm Only Free
I found this video on YouTube today and it is a perfect little clip showing off how to do the drill “One arm only Freestyle” with weak side breathing. This drill is excellent for promoting hip rotation, anchoring of the stroking arm, and a good head roll to the side to promote better breathing. This …
April 2025: Level 4 Repeatable
I think of Level 4 as “swim team ready.” It’s the level where swimmers are beginning to be independent in the water and truly expressing that independence with long-distance swimming, butterfly, and breaststroke. You can structure your level 4 class in many different ways; coaching, out of water instruction, endurance building, and advanced progressions. This …
March 2025: Level 3 Repeatable Plan
Level 3 is a great stage in swimming. Its full of growing independence, comfort and confidence, and the tipping point from supported swimming to freedom. I love teaching Level 3. Can you guess why? There are so many moments where the light of success blossoms in swimmers. You can see them exalt in joy when …
February 2025: Back Streamlines into Backstroke
Back glides are an essential part of the beginning swimmer and usually a sign of true comfort in the water. One of the most unnatural and uncomfortable things for new swimmers to do is lay upside-down, on their back, and to move backwards without being able to see. Backstroke can be scary. Following the supportive …
Swim Teams: Teaching Circle Swimming
Coaching a developmental swim team is a rewarding and exciting experience. I totally enjoyed guiding swimmers from total beginners into competitive swim team participants. You can find an exhaustive guide on how to structure your Developmental Swim Program in the new Developmental Swim Team online course! It includes everything from planning out your group structure …
Advanced Lesson: Week 2
On Deck yoga flow: Review rotation method: Get in and go! Get in the water and touch the bottom 5 times: 2 x 25 Position 11 Kicking with a kick board; Fins allowed Breath to the side with a free arm stroke when needed. 1 x 50 FLY Kick in soldier with or without FINS …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Shark Breath Race
Name Freestyle Breathing Drill: “Shark Breath Race” Core Skill The primary objective is to improve freestyle side-breathing technique while maintaining a consistent stroke and proper form. Who This game is suitable for all swimmers who have practiced basic freestyle breathing, from young beginners to intermediate swimmers. What The Shark Breath Race is an engaging drill …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Bubble Blaster Countdown
Name: Bubble Blaster Countdown A playful and engaging swimming game designed to help young swimmers gain confidence submerging their faces and blowing bubbles underwater. This challenge is perfect for beginner swimmers who are learning to become comfortable with underwater activities while having fun. Core Skill The core skills taught in the Bubble Blaster Countdown are: …
January 2025: Transitioning from Supported to Independence
Why streamline and short distances can build confidence and bravery! Kicking off January of 2025 we’re going to look at how to move those Level 1 swimmers that just graduated in Level 2 to gliding by themselves short distances. We’ll focus on strategies and techniques that encourage independent attempts, using kicking for propulsion, and leveraging …
Swimming Game: Holiday Gift Giving
Name Gift Giving Core Skill The core skill in this game is to encourage creativity and communication while enhancing swimming abilities through playful interaction with swim tools and toys. Who This game is appropriate for all levels and abilities, ranging from Level 1 beginners through to developmental swim teams. What Gift Giving is a fun …
Swimming Game: Holiday Snow Plow
Name: Snow Plow Core Skill The Snow Plow game focuses on developing and refining the swimmer’s kicking technique, body position in the water, and teamwork. This game emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong, steady kick and proper body alignment while managing to move objects through the water. It also fosters communication and cooperation among …
Freestyle Drills: One arm, Long Dog, Sculling
This video from Effortless Swimming is a great example of 3 effective drills for developmental and advanced competitive age group swimmers. One Arm Free: Streamline first like normal, then, put one hand next to your side in soldier. Swim Freesytle with the other hand, breathing on every stroke and turning your face towards the arm …
Advanced Lesson: Week 1
Dryland Activities: Dryland Yoga Flow for Swimmers: Question of the Day: When we say go three times streamline plus three free, what does that mean?Correct = Jump in the water 3 times.Wrong = Kick with a kickboard from the wall to 1/2 way and back. Warmup in water: Touch the bottom 3 times: 100 IM …
Backstroke Kick Drill: Titanic
From the Olympics Channel; Elizabeth Beisel explains an awesome drill. Elizabeth Beisel came to our pool to work with our Age Group and Senior swimmers. It was awesome. She taught this drill to our swimmers and it is still in the toolbox of approved drills for Age Group. This is an excellent drill for swimmers …
December 2024: Glides and Underwater
Glides are one of the primary vehicles for getting swimmers to go underwater. If you do consistent supported front and black glides throughout your lessons then you’ll develop the habits and body posture that serves as the basis for all swimming while working on that crucial first step to swimming lessons: going underwater. Going underwater …
Swimming Game – Magic Statue
Name Magic Statue Core Skill This game is designed to help young swimmers practice maintaining their swimming poses and positions like streamline or position 11. It also encourages body control, spatial awareness, and fun role-playing. Who This game is perfect for Guppies and Level 1 swimmers. What Inspired by the Bluey episode where Bluey and …
Swimming Game – Police and Baddies
Name Police and Baddies Core Skill The core skill of “Police and Baddies” is to enhance swimmers’ confidence and proficiency in basic swimming techniques such as front and back glides, underwater submersion, and unsupported floats. This game also encourages imaginative play and teamwork. Who This game is suitable for swimmers in Guppies, Level 1, and …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Frozen Magic
Name Frozen Magic Core Skill This swimming game focuses on front and back glides while incorporating the element of fun through imagination and role-play. It helps young swimmers practice staying in a streamlined position and maintaining body control in the water. Who This game is perfect for children aged 3-6 years who are at the …
Instructor Training Challenge: Rock, Paper, Scissors, CHEER!
Name Rock, Paper, Scissors, CHEER! Core Skill The core skill developed in this game is team bonding and camaraderie. This challenge serves as an icebreaker for new staff members or a fun activity to reinvigorate veteran staff. It encourages communication, enthusiasm, and team spirit among participants. Who This game is ideal for swimming instructors and …
18 Challenges and Games for Going Underwater
Going underwater is one of the essential swim skills. It is the foundation of all other activities; they all build off of a learner’s ability to go under. I recommend a loving, caring, trusting environment for learning to go underwater. Swimming Ideas classifies “Level 1” as the core place for learners ages 3+ to master …
Swimming Game – Dancing Jumps
Name Dancing Jumps Core Skill The core skill developed in this game is jumping entries with proper body positioning and control. Swimmers will practice maintaining specific poses in the air and during their water entry, improving balance, body awareness, and transition into swimming skills. Who This game is designed for level 2, level 3, level …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Flip Flop Flap
Name Flip Flop Flap Core Skill This game helps swimmers develop balance and coordination while transitioning between front float and back float positions. It also introduces the concept of controlled movement in the water and promotes water confidence through dynamic activities. Who Suitable for swimmers of varying skill levels, from beginner to intermediate. Perfect for …
November 2024: Short Distance Training
When will my kid learn to swim? Why are they only swimming short distances? My kid never gets a chance to swim a full length of the pool. How will they get better if they’re always stopping short? I love these questions because they illustrate an opportunity to educate parents on how swim lessons work. …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Macarena Position 11
Name Macarena Position 11 One-liner Streamline then Position 11 across the pool;hile kicking in Position 11 rotate palms up and then down one hand at a time to the beat of the song “Macarena.” Core Skill The core skill developed in this game is maintaining Position 11 with hands stretched outwards at the surface or …
Swimming Game – Big Bad Wolf
While floating on a noodle or life jacket, use your breath to blow a ping pong ball from one bench to the other.
Core Skill
This game focuses on breath control and coordination, essential for developing swimming skills in young learners.
Swimming Game – Challenge: Noodle Scull
Name Noodle Scull Core Skill The core skill being developed in this challenge is sculling. Swimmers will learn how to use their hands to push against the water to move. This helps them understand the feeling of water resistance and how their efforts translate into movement. Who This game is suitable for Level 1, Level …
Swimming Game – Treasure Dive; variation on diving for toys
Name Treasure Dive Core Skill This game focuses on building confidence and improving underwater swimming skills. Who Suitable for Level 1 and Level 2 swimmers who are comfortable submerging their heads underwater. What Participants will need a few small waterproof toys or objects to serve as “treasures.” These can be placed at the bottom of …
October 2024: Teaching Swimming v4 Preview
Every year is has a new focus of improvement for people running swimming lessons and swim instruction. This year I’m focusing on updating the Teaching Swimming workbook. Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 will see the rollout of version 4 of the Teaching Swimming Workbook: Fun and Effective Instruction. Teaching Swimming v3 was published in 2019: …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Kick on Side Helicopter Arm
Name Kick on Side Helicopter Arm Core Skill This challenge focuses on improving the swimmer’s front crawl (freestyle) technique, particularly enhancing body rotation, arm movement, and kicking strength. Who This challenge is suitable for: What The “Kick on Side Helicopter Arm” challenge involves swimmers pushing off the wall in a streamlined position on their belly, …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Position 11 Cartwheel
Name Position 11 Cartwheel Core Skill The core skills targeted in this challenge are Position 11, Streamline, and Flip Turns. These are essential for developing efficient swimming techniques and improving overall performance in the water. Who This challenge is designed for Level 3, Level 4, and Developmental swimmers. These swimmers have a foundational understanding of …
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Swimming Game – Challenge: Hurdles and Limbos
Name Hurdles and Limbos Core Skill The primary skill developed in this game is underwater comfort and breath control. Swimmers will practice going underwater and holding their breath, which is essential for building confidence in the water. Additionally, this game helps improve coordination and body control as swimmers navigate over and under obstacles. Who This …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Superman, Save Me!
Name: Superman, Save Me! Core Skill The core skills targeted in this game are streamline, position 1, and position 1 breathing to the side. These skills are essential for developing efficient swimming techniques and improving overall water confidence. The game also encourages fun and engagement, making learning enjoyable for young swimmers. Who This game is …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Be a submarine
Name: Challenge – Be a Submarine Core Skill: Buoyancy Control and Breath Control This game focuses on helping swimmers improve their buoyancy control and breath-holding skills. It also enhances their ability to maintain a stable position underwater while managing an additional challenge. Who: This game is suitable for swimmers of all ages who are comfortable …
Creating the ultimate swim lesson curriculum with Katie Crysdale and Lakeview Aquatic Consultants Ltd.
#totdecks #levelstructure #activityactivitychallenge #formula #funandeffective #swimgame Thank you very much for the opportunity to talk at length with you, Katie, about swimming lessons and Swimming Ideas. I had a wonderful time talking with Katie and seeing her unique point of view facing aquatics in Canada. There are many areas of commonality and significant differences (specifically …
Paid Newsletter: Starter Pack
Here is a starter pack of lesson plans to begin your journey teaching better lessons tomorrow. Swimming Ideas’ goal is for everyone to teach fun and effective lessons. Leverage the “Activity, Activity, Challenge” formula written into every lesson plan and maximize your student’s time on task, effort in the water, and promote deliberate practice opportunities …
Enhancing Instruction with Command Language and Rotation Methods
Effective swimming instruction is crucial for fostering water safety and developing proficient swimmers. Command language and rotation methods are two essential techniques that instructors can employ to enhance instruction, improve clarity, and ensure equal attention for all swimmers. This article will delve into the significance of these methods, discuss their benefits, and provide training tips …
Making a Splash: How Effective Supervision Makes Summer Swimming Lessons a Success
Summer beckons with its promise of warm days, sunshine, and cool water. For many children, this also means the opportunity to participate in summer swimming lessons. These lessons are invaluable for developing water safety skills and building confidence in the pool. But behind the scenes, ensuring a safe and positive learning environment hinges on one …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Singing in the Rain
#swimgame #challenge #level1 #guppies #goingunderwater Name Sing in the Rain Core Skill The core skill focused on in this challenge is water comfort. Swimmers will practice being comfortable with water on their face and head, which is essential for developing confidence in the water. Who This challenge is designed for Guppies and Level 1 swimmers. …
Swimming Game: Secret Messages
Name Secret Messages Core Skill The core skill of this game is going underwater and observation. It encourages participants to go underwater and open their eyes as players try to decipher the secret messages. Who This game is inclusive and can be played by anyone who can go underwater, including non-swimmers or weak swimmers. They …
Parent & Tot (Infant)
Ages: 6 months through 3 years old. Parents and children should be in the class together. Appropriate for all children at least 6 months old and up to 3 years old. The Parent and Tot class is designed to introduce parents and infants to swimming in the water through a fun, loving, and caring environment. …
Thoughts on watching my 3-year-old in her first lessons
My 3-year-old daughter is in her 3rd swimming lesson without my wife or I in the water without us. She’s in level 1. And she’s been that kid that cries on the side of the pool clinging to us like we’re about to abandon her to flail in the water alone. I feel for her. …
Swimming Game – Car Wash
Name Car Wash Core Skill The core skill developed in Car Wash is water acclimation and breath control. It’s a gentle introduction to water on the face and the concept of submersion. Who This game is suitable for young children accompanied by an adult, perfect for parent-tot classes and Level 1 swimmers. What Car Wash …
Swimming Game – Circle Circle and Under
Name Circle Circle and Under Core Skill The core skill focused on in this game is swimming agility and comfort with submersion. It encourages children to practice quick movements in the water and become more comfortable with the idea of going under the water. Who This game is designed for children who are learning to …
Membership Benefits: Adaptable Level Structure
All Access Membership gives you and your entire team tools that hook into Swimming Ideas’ level structure. Each daily lesson plan is custom made for a corresponding level and includes multiple activities and challenges aimed at that level’s testable skills. Follow our lesson plans and your swim instructors will teach all the core skills to …
Lesson plans for beginners and veterans
I love using our lesson plans daily. Even when I get in the water and sub for a class or teach a group of 3 year olds I’m reaching for the TerraSlate printed lesson plans. Why? Because even for a veteran instructor like me, I need to knock the rust off the metal a little, …
Guppies: Playing with Parents and Toddlers
Welcome to our guide on running a successful Guppies swim class. This post is designed to provide Aquatic Professionals with practical advice on training staff to create an engaging, educational, and fun environment for both toddlers and their parents. We’ll cover the importance of instructor energy, parent engagement, and tips for empowering young instructors to …
Level 4 Day 3
1 x 100 IM Kick In order, a 25 of each stroke: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, FreestyleAll done in soldier position. 2 x 50 Instructor’s choice of swim, kick, or drill. Use fins, or not. Can be a combination or all the same stroke. Question of the Day: What does “bilateral breathing” mean? Correct: 25 Free …
Improve your swim instructor training with this one easy step
Swim instruction is a vital skill, imparting not only the ability to swim but also instilling confidence and a love for the water. However, many swim programs face a common challenge: the lack of a robust instructor training program. This gap can lead to inconsistent teaching methods and a subpar learning experience for students. The …
Swimming Game – Swim then Coach
Name Swim then Coach Core Skill Peer Coaching and Technical Execution What This challenge is tailored for swimmers at levels 3, 4, and those in developmental swim teams, aiming to enhance their technical execution and peer coaching skills. How The process unfolds as follows: Difficulties Participants Might Face Participants may encounter challenges with memorizing the …
Great Level Breakdown Video Series: King’s Swim Academy
I found these videos from King Swim Academy and think that they’re great examples of swim lessons. You may see some similarities and differences between their lesson structure and Swimming Ideas. Great job King Swim Academy! Kings Swim Academy – Bay Area Swim Lessons & Classes Parent and Me Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 …
Swim Lessons: On-Boarding, Training, & Longevity Plan
Hire a swim instructor Put up a job application somewhere online. The application should follow your hiring rules with a job description, expected work hours, pay rate, compensation, and typical activities. Schedule an interview with your applicant. I prefer to do things digitally and remotely because it lets me to a lot of meetings without …
Guppies: Playing games with toddlers
Teaching swimming to toddlers can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Toddlers are curious, energetic, and eager to learn new skills, but they also have short attention spans, limited body control, and varying levels of confidence. As a swim instructor, you need to balance safety, fun, and learning in your classes. In this blog post, …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Guard Tube Raft
Name Guard Tube Raft Core Skill This challenge aims to improve the swimmers’ balance, core strength, teamwork, and fun. Who This challenge is suitable for swimmers of any level who can sit on a lifeguard tube. It can be done with two or three swimmers per tube. What The swimmers are given a lifeguard tube …
Swimming Game – Fill the Bucket, Empty the Bucket
Name Fill the bucket, empty the bucket Core Skill This challenge aims to improve the swimmers’ streamline, arm strokes, back float, and coordination skills. Who This challenge is suitable for swimmers of Levels 1 to 4. It can be done in two separate lanes or in one lane with an even number of swimmers. What …
Membership Benefits: Teaching Swimming Workbook PDF
The PDF version of the Teaching Swimming workbook. Print it. Use the digital resource online. Share it with you or your staff. Color-coded sections for easy reference: Blue sections are the essential swim skills. Learn how to teach each of the essential swim skills with tips and guidance related to each one. Lean what to …
Membership Benefits: Online Courses
Swimming Ideas currently has 4 online courses. 2 of the online courses are intended for teaching and learning new material: Level Structure and Teaching Swimming. The other 2 courses serve different needs. Downloads, Tools & Tutorials is a “holding” course where you can find all your downloadable files like lesson plans, visual skill sheets, workbook …
Membership Benefits: Lesson Plans; Formula for Success
Are you looking for a way to improve your swim instruction, save time, and train your staff more effectively? If so, you might be interested in becoming an All Access Member of Swimming Ideas. As an All Access Member, you will get access to our proven lesson formula that works for any level, any skill, …
Membership Benefits: Lesson Plans; Games & Challenges
Aquatic Professionals know that we don’t all know everything. We reach out for more information, we like to connect with others, and see how other instructors and professionals tackle common problems. My goal with Swimming Ideas and the All Access Memberships is to provide clear and simple tools that make your training, instruction, and swimming …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Giving Love; your favorite toy
Name Giving Love Core Skill Sharing and swimming skills Who This challenge is suitable for swimmers who can swim at least 50 yards or meters with different toys, tools, or aids. What This challenge is a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing your favorite swimming items with others and trying new ones. How …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Striking Love
Name Striking Love Core Skill Throwing accuracy and swimming skills Who This challenge is suitable for swimmers who can throw objects over a distance and swim different strokes. What This challenge is a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day by throwing “Cupid’s Arrows” into floating hula hoops and swimming to retrieve them. How Difficulties the …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Cupid’s Heart
Name Cupid’s Heart Core Skill Cardiovascular endurance and social skills Who This challenge is suitable for swimmers who can swim at least 25 yards or meters without stopping and can find their pulse. What This challenge is a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day by combining swimming, heart rate monitoring, and positive affirmations. How Difficulties …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Otter Eating
Name Otter Eating Core Skill Back Float Who This challenge is suitable for 3 – 5 year-old swimmers who are in level 1 or 2. What The goal of this challenge is to have the swimmer float on their back while holding 2-3 floating toys on their belly without letting them float or splash away. …
Instructor Training Challenge: Conquer Fear Dance
Name The Wild and Goofy Dance Challenge Core Skill Confidence and creativity What This challenge is designed to test the participants’ ability to do something they have never done before, without fear or hesitation. It also encourages them to be creative and have fun. How Difficulties participants might face Some possible difficulties that participants might …
Instructor Training Challenge: Non-Verbal Directions
Name Non-Verbal Directions Core Skill Non-Verbal Communication and Feedback What This is a challenge that tests the participants’ ability to communicate and give feedback without using words, as well as to follow non-verbal cues from others. How Difficulties participants might face How this challenge relates to swim instruction Beyond Words: The Power of Non-Verbal Feedback …
What makes a lesson plan good?
Swimming lesson plans are essential tools for swimming teachers to deliver fun and effective lessons to their students. A good lesson plan should have the following characteristics: Provide a clear progression of level relatable skills A good lesson plan should have a clear aim and objective that is relevant to the level and ability of …
Lesson Plans: Engaging the Parent Tot Parent
As a swim instructor or an aquatic professional, you know how important parent tot swimming lessons are. They are not only a way to introduce young children to the water and teach them essential skills, but also a way to educate and empower parents to be their child’s first and best teacher. However, you also …
Instructor Training Challenge: Leading the Blind with Commands
Name Leading the Blind with Commands Core Skill Communication and Leadership What This is a challenge that tests the participants’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively, as well as to lead and guide others in a difficult situation. How Difficulties participants might face How this challenge relates to swim instruction
Instructor Training Challenge: Find Your Folk
Name Find Your Folk Core Skill This challenge tests the participants’ non-verbal communication and grouping skills. What The participants will quickly separate into three groups based on their personal characteristics without speaking. How Difficulties participants might face Some possible difficulties that participants might face are: How this challenge relates to swim instruction This challenge relates …
Instructor Training Challenge: Name and Food Match
Name Name and Food Match Core Skill This challenge tests the participants’ memory and observation skills. What The participants will try to remember and match the names and food preferences of everyone at the training. How Difficulties participants might face Some possible difficulties that participants might face are: How this challenge relates to swim instruction …
Instructor Training Challenge: Max Class Setup Pictures
Name Max Class Setup Pictures Core Skill This challenge tests the participants’ planning and organizing skills for setting up a pool for multiple classes. What The participants will draw a picture of how they would arrange the pool, the benches, and the toys for different levels of classes. How Difficulties participants might face Some possible …
Instructor Training Challenge: Random Skill Test
Name Random Skill Test Core Skill This challenge tests the participants’ knowledge and demonstration of various swimming skills. What The participants will randomly select a swimming skill from the Teaching Swimming workbook and explain and show how to perform it. How Difficulties participants might face Some possible difficulties that participants might face are: How this …
Instructor Training Challenge: Fast Performance
Name Fast Performance Core Skill Communication and creativity What A game where one person (the Speaker) speaks as fast as possible to give instructions, feedback, and praise or criticism to another person (the Partner) who has to follow them physically. How Difficulties participants might face How this Challenge relates to swim instruction
Evaluating your swim instructor staff
Swimming instructors are essential for teaching people of all ages and abilities how to swim safely and enjoyably. However, not all swimming instructors are equally effective or qualified. As a supervisor or manager of a swimming program, you need to evaluate your swimming instructors regularly and provide them with feedback and training opportunities to improve …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Diving Ring Pickup Progression
Name Diving Ring Pickup Progression Core Skill This challenge aims to improve the swimmers’ underwater skills, such as breath control, body position, buoyancy, and coordination. Who This challenge is suitable for intermediate to advanced swimmers who are comfortable with diving and staying underwater for a few seconds. What The swimmers must each have their own …
IPRA Conference 2024: Aquatic Operations
Three big areas people are interested in: Tracking swim lesson levels, skills, and report cards. You can use SwimLessons.Pro, our online lesson management system when you’re an All Access Member for Teams. This is a constantly evolving system based on a simple site that is custom built for your team. You have full control over …
Agencies – One Sheet Info-graphic
What are the benefits of an All Access for Teams membership? How to Teach Swimming with Fun and Effective Instruction Are you looking for a way to teach swimming lessons that is fun, effective, and easy to follow? Do you want to train your staff to a single standard and ensure quality instruction? Do you …
Agencies – Getting Started with New Members
You have an All-Access Membership for Teams. That means you and anyone you share your membership with will have full access to all of Swimming Ideas online courses, tools, and documents. It is the easiest way to share training, ensure consistency, and provide resources for you and your staff to deliver high quality fun and …
One thing to improve your swim instruction
There are so many different things we can talk about that can improve your swimming instruction. We could detail how using a formula like “Activity, Activity, Challege,” allows for more deliberate practice and lessons full of fun and excitement. Or, I could outline how you should be self-evaluating your performance during each day and looking …
Swimming Game – Keeping the line
Name Keeping the Line Core Skill Front Glide with Face in the Water Who Level 2 or Level 3 swimmers in a lane What A team game where swimmers push off the wall holding a pool noodle and try to keep it straight until they reach the flags. About 5 yards. How Difficulties an instructor …
How the Free Lesson Plans Help You
Check out our free lesson plans hosted on gumroad.com. Seriously. They’re awesome and free. Download samples of our daily lesson plans for level specific instruction, a few pages of our visual skill sheets, and even pages from our Teaching Swimming and Lesson Coordinator workbooks. At the bottom of every post, game, page, and tool on …
Swimming Game – Magic Mirror
Name Magic Mirror Core Skill This game can help swimmers practice their breath control, underwater vision, and body awareness. Who This game is suitable for swimmers who can submerge their heads comfortably and hold their breath for at least 10 seconds. It can be played with a minimum of two swimmers and a maximum of …
Improve Collaborative Leadership and Staff Morale
Running a swimming lesson program for a park district or agency can be a rewarding and challenging task. You have to manage a team of instructors, lifeguards, and other staff members, while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of your participants. How can you make sure your program runs smoothly and effectively? In this blog post, …
How Swim Games and Challenges Enhance Our Swimming Lesson Plans
At Swimming Ideas, we believe that learning how to swim should be fun, engaging, and effective. That’s why we have created a comprehensive collection of swimming lesson plans that cover all the essential skills and techniques for swimmers of all ages and levels. But our swimming lesson plans are not just about drills and exercises. …
Putting yards into 2024
New Year, New Goals: How to Improve Your Swimming and Swim Instruction in 2024 Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to dive into 2024 with enthusiasm and determination. As a swim instructor and a swimmer myself, I always look forward to the new year as an …
Collaborative Leading for Managers
Collaborative Leading: How to Lead a Successful Swim Program with Your Team Collaborative leading is a leadership style that fosters teamwork, trust, and empowerment among co-workers. It is especially useful for managing a swim program, where you have to coordinate with different staff members, instructors, lifeguards, and participants. In this post, we will explore what …
New Years for a New Program
Why New Year’s is the Perfect Time to Start a New Swimming Lesson Program New Year’s is a time for new beginnings, new resolutions, and new opportunities. If you are an aquatic professional looking for a way to improve your swimming lesson program, this is the perfect time to start with Swimming Ideas. Swimming Ideas …
Christmas Holiday: Swimming into the Festive Season
Hello Swim Coaches, Aquatic Professionals, and Swim Instructors, We’re warming up (despite the dropping temperatures!) to dive into the vibrant and joyous Christmas season. As professionals who bring the joy of swimming to many, you all must have unique ways to spread the Christmas cheer in your swimming lessons and practices. We’re eager to know …
Swimming Game – Christmas Presents
Name Christmas Presents Core Skill This game is designed to reinforce the basic skills of swimming, such as streamlining, breathing, kicking, and stroke technique. Who This game is suitable for developmental swim team swimmers who are at least level 4, meaning they can swim 25 yards of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, and perform flip …
Swimming Game – Reindeer Jump
Name Reindeer Jumping Core Skill This game helps swimmers practice their fly stroke and explosive power. Fly stroke is one of the four competitive swimming strokes, also known as butterfly. It requires swimmers to move both arms simultaneously over the water, while using a dolphin kick to propel themselves forward. Explosive power is the ability …
Instructor Success: Be knowledgeable
Why Knowledge Matters for Swim Instructors As a swim instructor, you may have wondered how important it is to know the ins and outs of swimming skills, levels, and jargon. After all, you can teach swimming by simply demonstrating the movements and correcting the mistakes, right? Well, not quite. While practical skills are essential for …
SIP 102: Consistent Dedication to the Mundane
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/swimmingideas/episodes/SIP-102-Consistent-Dedication-to-the-Mundane-e2covi6 See “Finding Deliberate Practice,” “SIP 052: Swimming is a Habit,” and “SIP 067: Deliberate Practice.” Your framework and routine should reinforce the key things you want to accomplish with your swimmers. My number one goals: Coach behavior on deck: If you see something to fix, you must say sometime. Avoid socializing and standing in …
Advanced Lessons: Lesson / Swim Team Bridge
Advanced Lessons: Lesson & Swim Team bridge classes for swimmers that want to join a competitive team Are you looking for a way to prepare your swimmers for the next level of swimming? Do you want to give them a taste of what it’s like to be part of a swim team? If so, you …
Swimming Game – Tic Toc Around the Clock
Name Tick Toc Around the Clock Core Skill Freestyle arms recovery, where to enter the water, and where to initiate an arm pull. Who Level 3 swimmers who are learning front crawl arms independently. What A game that teaches swimmers how to do freestyle arms in the correct position with each recovery How ** Note: …
The Three Pillars of Effective Teaching for Swimming Instructors
Teaching is a complex and rewarding profession that requires a combination of skills, knowledge and passion. In this blog post, I will share with you the three pillars of effective teaching that I have learned from my experience as a swimming instructor and coach. These pillars are: follow the formula “activity, activity, challenge”, provide a …
Swimming Game – Do the Twist w/ Mirrors
Name Do the Twist Core Skill Freestyle hip rotation Who Level 4 swimmers who can swim freestyle for at least 25 yards What A game that uses in-water mirrors to help swimmers practice and compare different ways of rotating their hips while swimming freestyle Want some in-water mirrors for your program? We use these: https://amzn.to/3MZYNXV …
Swimming Game – 3 Thanksgiving Activities for Developmental Swimming Practice
How to Make Your Swim Practice More Fun and Festive with Thanksgiving Games Are you ready for some festivities at practice? Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and express gratitude for all the good things in life. But it can also be a time to spice up your …
Swimming Game – Singing and Rolling
Name Singing and Rolling Core Skill Gliding independently, Side breathing for front crawl Who Level 2 swimmers who can float and glide on their front and back with minimal support What A fun game that challenges swimmers to sing a song while gliding on their front and rolling their body or head to breathe How …
General Lesson Plans: When it’s time to let your instructors experiment.
The Swimming Ideas All Access Memberships provide many tools for your swimming lesson program. One of those tools is the general lesson plan. This guide is a good reference if you are using Swimming Ideas’ levels and lesson plans and will serve as a reference guide if you’re creating your own levels and lesson plans, …
SIP 101: Routine for Developmental Swimming
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/swimmingideas/episodes/SIP-101-Routine-for-Developmental-Swimming-e2bre5a Establishing your habits, your consistency, and defining the framework that will lead to better swimmers faster. Why routine is important:SIP 052: Swimming is a habit (swimminglessonsideas.com)SIP 045: Importance of Routine (swimminglessonsideas.com) What is our routine and why do we do it? Warmup: 100 IM K50 Swim2 x 25 Position 11Question of the DayWhat is …
Training Module: Fixing non-position 11 free arms
Critical Issue with Free Arms One of the most common problems that swimmers face when learning freestyle is not using their free arms correctly. At a recent audit of Level 3 swimmers doing freestyle swimming not a single one was reaching forward in position 11. Instead I saw a disturbing amount of freestyle swimming with …
Protected: Level 4: Day 2
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Swimming Game – Mirror, Mirror, Pose
Name Mirror Mirror Pose Core Skill This game helps swimmers to improve their streamline, stroke technique, and body awareness by using swim mirrors to observe their own movements in the water. Who This game is suitable for level 3 swimmers who have learned the basics of freestyle, breaststroke, and butterfly, and can swim at least …
Swimming Game – Halloween Practice with Coach Drake
This series of games comes from Coach Drake and the Nazareth Easton YMCA. If they played these exciting games on Halloween then I think they must have had an exciting practice full of laughing memories and joyful learning. Keep up the great work Coach Drake and thank you for sharing your ideas and PDF for …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Witch Which Witch
Name Witch Which Witch Core Skill This game helps swimmers practice their streamline position, balance, and coordination. Who This game is suitable for swimmers who can swim at least 25 meters without stopping and are comfortable in deep water. What This game is a swimming challenge where swimmers pretend to be witches flying on broomsticks. …
SIP 100: A plan, a formula, a guide
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/swimmingideas/episodes/SIP-100-A-plan–a-formula–a-guide-e2b7j4b This can be that guide for you. But… you need to know where you’re going. What are you going to have as your plan? What is your formula for success going to be? How will you structure your swimming developmental program for fun and effective instruction. Fun. Children. Establishing habit. Enforcing excellence. You need …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Halloween Costume Stroke
Name Halloween Costume Stroke Core Skill Freestyle swimming with creativity and fun Who Level 3 and Level 4 swimmers who are familiar with the freestyle stroke and can swim at least half a length of the pool. What The challenge asks swimmers to identify what costume they’re going to wear for Halloween. Then, they must …
Swimming Game – Challenge: One Stroke FREE w/ Mirror
Name One stroke FREE mirror Core Skill Freestyle stroke technique Who Level 3 swimmers who can swim at least 25 yards of freestyle with proper breathing and body position. What A challenge that requires the swimmer to push off the wall in streamline, do one freestyle stroke over a mirror on the bottom of the …
SIP 099: Preparing for Developmental Season
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/swimmingideas/episodes/SIP-099-Preparing-for-Developmental-Season-e2au055 Document how to run an effective Developmental swim lesson program. What elements do you absolutely need to be effective?
Swimming Game – Zoom around the moon
Name Zoom Around the Moon Core Skill This game helps swimmers practice their back float, side-glide, front glide or position 1 glide skills in a fun and engaging way. Who This game is suitable for level 1 swimmers who are comfortable with being in the water and can follow simple instructions. The game requires one …
SIP 098: Create Challenges and Games for Swimming Lessons
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/swimmingideas/episodes/SIP-098-Create-Challenges-and-Games-for-Swim-Lessons-e2aj5j0 How to come up with a game or a challenge. Games:
Swimming Game – Challenge: One Finger Floating
Name One Finger Floating Core Skill The core skill of this challenge is to develop the swimmer’s confidence and balance in the water, as well as to introduce the concept of buoyancy. Who This challenge is suitable for level 1 swimmers who are learning the basic skills of swimming, such as breathing, floating, and gliding. …
How to Use the Rotation Method in Swimming Lessons
If you are a new swimming instructor, you might be wondering how to organize your class and make sure everyone gets a chance to practice and improve their skills. One of the methods that you can use is the rotation method, which is a simple and effective way to manage your class and create a …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Puppet Master Freestyle
Name Puppet Master Freestyle Core Skill Front crawl breathing Who Level 3 swimmers in small groups of 3-4 What A fun and challenging game that involves one dummy and the rest puppet masters in each lane. The puppet masters have to manipulate the dummy’s body to perform three full strokes of freestyle with one side …
Why swimming games are a crucial component of a swim lesson
Swimming is a great way to stay fit, have fun, and learn a valuable life skill. However, learning how to swim can also be challenging, boring, or even scary for some people. That’s why swimming games are a crucial component of a swim lesson. Swimming games can help participants get better at real swimming skills …
Swimming Game – Splash and Dash
Here is a swimming game for a guppies ? Name Splash and Dash Core Skill This game helps toddlers to practice their kicking and breathing skills in the water. Who This game is suitable for guppies level swimmers, who are toddlers aged 3 to 5 years old. They should be able to float on their …
Swimming Game – Challenge: One Breath Waltz
Name One breath waltz Core Skill Side breathing for freestyle Who Level 3 swimmers who have mastered the basic freestyle stroke and want to improve their breathing technique and coordination. What A swimming challenge that involves doing a streamline underwater, then at the surface they should take one freestyle breath while leaving the other arm …
Giving Feedback during swimming lessons
This is a summary of the pages found in the Lesson Coordinator Handbook. The handbook is included in the All-Access membership, or available for direct purchase as a PDF or print book. As a swim instructor, one of your most important tasks is to give feedback to your swimmers. Feedback is the information you provide …
Swimming Game – 6 Jumps from the blocks
Name Jumping off the Blocks Core Skill This game helps swimmers practice their jumping or diving skills from the blocks, as well as their underwater swimming and wall exit. Who This game is suitable for swimmers on a developmental swim team or in level 4, who have some experience with jumping or diving from the …
Swimming Game – Bench Crossing
Name Bench Crossing Core Skill Independent front glides Who Level 2 swimmers who can float and glide on their front with minimal support What The swimmer must cross a short gap between two benches in different ways How Challenges Some possible challenges that a swim instructor might face are: Some possible solutions that a swim …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Backstroke Kick Count
Name Backstroke Kick Count Challenge Core Skill Backstroke and kicking to the wall Who Level 3 swimmers who can swim at least 15 yards of backstroke with proper body position and arm movement What A personal challenge game where swimmers try to touch the wall on their back with the least number of kicks after …
Swimming Game – Challenge: 25 Position 11 Freestyle
Name 25 Position 11 Freestyle Challenge Core Skill Freestyle arms reaching to position 11 with every stroke Who Level 4 swimmers who can swim at least 25 yards of freestyle with proper breathing What A personal challenge game where swimmers try to swim a 25 with as few strokes of position 11 freestyle possible, which …
SIP 097: Training Swim Instructors in person
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/swimmingideas/episodes/SIP-097-Training-Swim-Instructors-in-person-e2a14f1 Today we look at the lesson coordinator handbook for finding an effective instruction segment on training swim instructors in person. We will do a brief overview of what’s included in the workbook as well as any discussion on why certain elements are included and what the activity activity discussion format looks like.
Swimming Game – Challenge: Stroke Switch
Name The Stroke Switch Challenge Who Level 4 swimmers who can swim 50 meters of front or back crawl, and have some experience with breaststroke and butterfly. What A personal skill challenge that involves switching strokes. Swimmers must do at least 3 strokes of each of the 4 competitive strokes, Fly, Back, Breast, Free before …
Fighting Burnout
How to Avoid Burnout as an Aquatic Professional After the Summer If you are an aquatic professional, you know how hectic and rewarding the summer season can be. You get to manage a large and diverse staff, oversee the operations of outdoor pools, and create memorable experiences for your guests. You also face many challenges, …
Swimming Game – Kickboard Chaos
Name: Kickboard Chaos Core Skill: Kicking Who: Beginners who are comfortable with water on their face What: A fun game that involves kicking, splashing, and buckets with kickboards and diving rings How: Struggles Instructors might face: Do you like this game?
Swimming Game – Superhero Glides
Name Superhero Glides Core skill Gliding on the front and back How The instructor stands in the water near the wall and holds a superhero toy or picture. The swimmer stands on the bench and waits for the instructor to show the superhero. The swimmer then leans into the swim instructor’s support and glides on …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Two Toe Tornado
Play this challenge as a simple one off individually with a simple pass or fail or play it as a competitive race with points! Challenge: The challenge is called Two Toe Tornado and teaches how important using your full leg from hips to knees, to legs are in kicking and movement. You need a kickboard …
Swimming Game – Splash and Sing
Splash and Sing is a fun and easy game that helps 3 year olds get comfortable with putting their faces in the water and blowing bubbles. The children will splash the water with their hands and sing a song of their choice.Lo
Swimming Game – Glide and Catch
Category: Level 2 – Glides and Crawls Core Skill: Front glide and recover independently Name: Glide and Catch How: The instructor gives the group of 4 or 5 a basket of balls or other floating objects. One swimmer glides on their front as far as they can or to a bench, then recovers to a …
Swimming Game – Flip a Coin Glides; AI generated
Flip a Coin Glides It would make sense to have swimmers move from bench to bench moving in a Wave, or all at the same time. Make sure there is enough space between swimmers so that they don’t glide over each other. Some challenges a swim instructor might face when conducting the Flip a coin …
Swimming Game – Bubble Pop; AI generated
Name: Bubble PopObjective: To teach toddlers how to blow bubbles in the water and control their breath.Materials: A pool noodle or a long inflatable toy.Instructions: Benefits: Source: Conversation with Bing, 8/29/2023(1) 5 fun and easy games that teach your kids how to swim. https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/teach-kids-swimming-with-five-fun-and-easy-games/.(2) Learn to Swim games | Videos & descriptions | Games to …
Swim Lesson Super Powers
Do you want to electrify your swimming lessons? See the spark of pure joy blossom in your swimmer’s eyes? We can capture lightning in a bottle. We can reproduce delightful laughter and thrilling accomplishment. We have two “super powers” in our toolbox. And you can use them in your lessons right now!! There is nothing …
Teaching Swimming Workbook Preview: 1 of 3
The Teaching Swimming Workbook PDF is an excellent tool to give to you and your staff a wonderful introduction into teaching swimming lessons. Broken into 3 different sections this book will serve as a resource for all 15 essential swim skills, guide instructors into effective teaching, and provide instruction on how to run a swim …
Choosing Levels
Why Swimming Ideas’ level structure makes instruction simple, effective, and robust. From Parent-tot through swim team competition we cover all the essential swim skills, prepare children and adults for competition if they want it, and quickly get swimmers moving. American Red Cross Level Requirements.pdf Swimming Ideas Levels Testable skills vs Good to know skills Not …
Teaching Swimming Workbook Preview: 2 of 3
The Teaching Swimming Workbook PDF is an excellent tool to give to you and your staff a wonderful introduction into teaching swimming lessons. Broken into 3 different sections this book will serve as a resource for all 15 essential swim skills, guide instructors into effective teaching, and provide instruction on how to run a swim …
Lesson Coordinator Handbook Preview 1 of 3
The lesson coordinator handbook is an excellent tool to give to your middle management or on the frontline staff. If you are running a swim lesson program then this is the workbook and pdf that you need to use to make sure your program is getting results. Color coded sections for easy reference. The first …
Lesson Coordinator Handbook Preview 2 of 3
The lesson coordinator handbook is an excellent tool to give to your middle management or on the front-line staff. If you are running a swim lesson program then this is the workbook and PDF that you need to use to make sure your program is getting results. Color coded sections for easy reference. The second …
Feedback: How to change behavior with words (Recording)
You can change swimmer’s physical behavior with your words. Are you a wizard? A sorceress? A magician? NO! You’re something much more powerful and impactful: a Swimming Instructor!
Professional Development for Lesson Coordinators (Recording)
We review the green section for professional development found in the Lesson Coordinator Handbook. Get the full PDF when you subscribe to the All Access membership!
Teaching Swimming: Essential Swim Skills video 5 of 10
Join us when you’re a member of the All-Access and Aquatic Professional memberships as we go through the Teaching Swimming essential swim skills. We continue to use the online course Teaching Swimming and the print pdf books Teaching Swimming and Lesson Coordinator Handbook as our references. We’ll also loop in other documents available to you …
Swimming Question: How should I prepare for the first day of practice as a new High School Swimming Coach?
I get a lot of questions about swimming from a diverse range of people. Sometimes they’re interesting enough that I can share them with the world. This is one such question. I implore you to look at the list from SwimSwam. USA Swimming is a fantastic resource for coaches of all levels and skill. Dear …
Swimming Game – Toy Toss
Category: Swimming Games for Toddlers Core Skill: Going Underwater Name: Toy Toss How: This game is simple but fun. You need a toy that floats in water, such as a rubber duck or a plastic ring. You can use any toy that your child likes, as long as it is safe and easy to see. …
Teaching Swimming: Essential Swim Skills video 4 of 10
Join us as part of your all access and aquatic professional membership as we go through the teaching swimming essential swim skills. We continue to use the online course teaching swimming and the print pdf books teaching swimming and lesson coordinator handbook. We’ll also loop in lesson plans and describe how these essential swim skills …
Teaching Swimming: Essential Swim Skills Video 3 of 10
video number three covers flutter kicking, streamline, and position 11. Join me as we work our way through all 15 essential swim skills using our training materials as a guide to help you teach better swimming. In this video we are reviewing flutter kick and streamline along with a bonus position 11. We use our …
Swimming Game – Dumpy in the Dingas!
Category: Going underwater fun Core Skill: Playing, going underwater Name: Dumpy in the Dingas How: Do you want to make your toddler’s swimming lessons more fun and engaging? Do you want to help them overcome their fear of going underwater and learn to enjoy the water? If so, you might want to try this new …
Swimming Game – Mirror Me
Category: Personal Challenge Core Skill: Any swimming skill or activity Name: Mirror Me How: I would describe the Mirror Game for swimming to a swim instructor like this: The Mirror Game is a fun and easy game that can help swimmers practice their coordination, balance, and imitation skills. It can also encourage creativity and social …
Using feedback in a swimming lesson effectively
Feedback is an essential component of any learning process, especially in swimming. Feedback can help swimmers improve their skills, correct their mistakes, and increase their confidence. However, not all feedback is equally effective. In this blog post, we will discuss some principles and tips for using feedback in a swimming lesson effectively, based on the …
Swimming Game – Spray Dance Streamline
Category: Group activity, physical movements Core Skill: Learning swim terminology, practicing on land, following directions Name: Spray Dance Streamline How: The instructor leads the activity by introducing the directions and then demonstrating the pretend play and movements. It is super important that the instructor Demonstrates and participates in this activity. They must set the tone. …
Swimming Game – Animal Hunt (splashpad)
– **Swimming Game – Animal Hunt**: A pretend play game for 2-4 year olds in the splash pad where they have to rescue animals that escaped from the zoo by imitating their sounds and movements.
– **Core Skill**: Listening, playing, and following directions. The instructor leads the game by demonstrating the animal actions and the swimmers mimic them¹[1]. The goal is to build trust and encourage the swimmers to join in the fun²[2].
– **Examples of Animals**: Elephants, giraffes, lions, monkeys, snakes, and alligators. Each animal has a different water feature and a way of interacting with it. The instructor should make the motions goofy, funny, and interesting³[3].
– **Free Resources and Community**: The document invites the readers to join a free community of aquatic professionals and provides contact information and categories of swim lesson games.
Parent Tot Songs
Ring around the rosy Wheels on the bus: If you’re happy and you know it The Hokey Pokey London Bridge is falling down General swimming and preparation songs. Can play in the background at the start of class, or during “free play.” COCO Swimming Song Little Baby “Let’s go swimming”
Protected: Level 3 Hybrid 6yo + 11yo
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Tips for New Hires
If you are a new hire at a swimming pool and you are 15 years old, you might feel nervous, excited, or overwhelmed by your first summer job. You might wonder how to do your best as a swim instructor, how to get along with your coworkers and supervisors, and how to have fun while …
How to create swimming challenges/Streamline through Hula Hoops; an AI article
**Written by Bing Chat using www.swimminglessonsideas.com as inspiration. Edited and updated by Jeff N.** I’m constantly impressed by the quality of these articles and feel like they’re somewhat cheating, though they summarize and disseminate information from this website so well it seems stupid to waste time typing myself. Does it cheapen the information if it …
Swimming Game – Pool Noodle Surfing
** This game was created by Bing Chat AI. What do you think? ** How to Play Pool Noodle Surfing: A Fun and Easy Swimming Game for Kids Who Pool noodle surfing is a simple and fun swimming game that can be played by kids of all ages and swimming abilities, as long as they …
What’s wrong with this AI generated article on Breaststroke?
You may have noticed but I’ve become obsessed with Bing chat and chat GPT AI text generations. I find that they are incredibly useful for supplementing existing knowledge but not quite matching the nuance and details of a true experience journeyman or master of a subject. I asked it to use this website as a …
Tips on swimming butterfly; an AI written article in the style of this site
I’ll try to create that. Here is a short article about butterfly swimming using the style of swimminglessonsideas.com: “` I read through and listened to this article before posting. It’s accurate. I’m impressed and a little terrified. How to Swim Butterfly: A Beginner’s Guide Butterfly is one of the most challenging and rewarding strokes to …
Swimming Game – Glide or Die; an AI swimming game
I am tinkering with using BingChat AI to see how it works. It came up with the following swim game. What do you think? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A Swimming Lesson Game for Breaststroke Are you looking for a fun and effective way to teach your students the breaststroke arms and kick? Do you want to challenge them …
Get ready! Lesson Coordinator Handbook
The companion book for swim lesson managers is well underway! Are you ready to have a training guide for in-person staff on-boarding? Ready to have a resource that goes into detail for each of our Levels? We have the book for you: Lesson Coordinator Handbook: a companion guide for fun and effective instruction. This book …
Swim Instructor Training: Rotation Method and Discussion
What are some benefits to the rotation method? Is it okauy to not give feedback when a participant returns to the class location? Can two participants go to the instructor at the same time? Cna you think of a safe way to accomplish this? Keep Moving! Avoid being the Traffic Cop. Be the Feedback Director; …
Protected: Level 4 Day 1
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Swimming Game – Challenge: Elite; DO 4 BR kicks on back
The belly should remain at the surface of the water; ideally with the belly button over the surface. Do 4 breaststroke kicks keeping your knees underwater. This challenge works on balance and body control and is extremely difficult to do even for more elite swimmers. Pay special attention to the belly button and the knees. …
Protected: Level 3 Day 2
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Protected: Level 3 Day 1
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Protected: Level 1 Day 2
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Level 1 Day 1
Goals: Learn student names Introduce self (instructor) Give clear expectations: “We’re doing supported front glides. This is what it looks like.” Earn trust: demo activities first and offer modified alternatives if you sense fear. Focus on FUN and routines. Introduce framework: activity, activity, challenge. Smile, laugh, play! Challenge – Lift one foot above water and …
Protected: Level 3 Day 3
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Lesson Formula: Activity, Activity, Challenge
Better lessons and easier instruction starts when you can lean into a proven pattern. Your teachers will be more effective, be able to teach complex skills with predictable effectiveness and still provide a fun and exciting lesson for younger swimmers. Why use a formula? When you work with a large staff and have multiple lessons …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Vampire Sleep
This game can be played with a pool noodle or a floatie. The kids lie on their back on the noodle or floatie and close their eyes. They pretend to be vampires sleeping in their coffins. The instructor or another kid tries to wake them up by splashing water on them or making noises. The …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Streamline on Side to flags
Name: Side Streamline Challenge Core Skill: Body Position and Balance Who: Swimmers who have mastered the basic streamline position and can kick on their front and back. What: A challenge to practice maintaining a horizontal and streamlined position on the side, while looking at the wall. How: Swimmers start at one end of the pool, …
Parent Tot
Round 1: -Sit child on the side. -Splash feet or play with toys. Use the floating smiley faces. -Press smile underwater with 1 foot, then the other. -Press smile under with both feet.– Sing Ring around the Rosey, and at the end say “…all jump in!” -Jump in; see picture: Get together in the middle: …
Swimming Game – Breaststroke kick dance
Longer version:
Parent Tot 1/22/2022
Things to remember: -Go slow. Take your time with everything.-Play! The more you play, use toys, and explore the water the more fun your swimmer will have. -Relax. If you’re anxious or struggling, stop. Move on to an activity you’re familiar with. Your anxiety will pass to your swimmer.– Repeat everything over and over and …
Parent and Tot 1/15/2022
Round 1: -Sit child on the side. -Splash feet or play with toys. Use the floating smiley faces. -Press smile underwater with 1 foot, then the other. -Press smile under with both feet.– Sing Ring around the Rosey, and at the end say “…all jump in!” -Jump in; see picture: Get together in the middle: …
Minnows 12/30/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Kick w/ FINS1 x 50: FREE w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11, w/ FINS, together. review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What are the three things to SL and Position 11?Correct: Do your favorite ChallengeWrong: 50 Position 11 Challenge #1: …
Minnows 12/29/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE1 x 50: BK K w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINS, togetherreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What are two things you can do to make a flip easier?Correct: Stand at the T mark. Jump towards the wall and …
Minnows 12/28/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Kick w/ FINS1 x 50: BK Kick w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINS, togetherreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What group comes after “Minnows” on COHO?Correct: Swim to the flags with only a shark fin showing above water. …
Minnows 12/27/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK Kick w/ FINS1 x 50: BK w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:When swimming backstroke at a meet, what happens if you roll on your stomach, even for a second?Correct: Roll like a log …
Minnows 12/21/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE kick 1 x 50: BK 2 x 25: Position 11, Togetherreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:When swimming FREE you should breath to both sides. You should breath on every _______ stroke.Correct: Do 3 front flips and 3 back flipsWrong: …
Minnows 12/20/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Kick w/ FINS1 x 50: FREE w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINS, together review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Kicking is important to swimming. What is the name of the kick you do for FREE and Backstroke?Correct: Do …
Minnows 12/16/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Kick1 x 50: FREE Kick w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINS, together.review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What parts of your head should remain in the water when you take a breath during FREE?Correct: Walk from the wall …
Minnows 12/14/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK Kick w/ FINS no board1 x 50: FREE kick w/ FINS w/ board2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINS, together.review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:How many feet should you push off the wall with to do a FREE streamline?Correct: …
Minnows 12/13/2021
Start of new season 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE kick w/ FINS1 x 50: FREE Drill: Fists w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11; together, w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:How many yards long is this pool? How many do we say it is?Correct: …
Parent Tot – 12/11/2021
Round 1: -Sit child on the side. -Splash feet or play with toys. Use the floating smiley faces. – Use buckets to pour water over body. Can sing “Itsey Bitsey Spider”– Sing Ring around the Rosey, and at the end say “…all jump in!” -Jump in; see picture: Get together in the middle: sing this …
Minnows 12/9/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FLY Kick1 x 50: FLY Kick w/ FINS on BK2 x 25 Position 11 w/ FINS (together)review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Is it okay to roll your body to the side when breathing during FREE?Correct: 3 x roll like a …
Minnows 12/8/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: Fists Drill: FREE w/ FINS1 x 50: BK w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 (together) w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Show a coach how you push the water during Backstroke.Correct: Swim to 1/2 way BK, pulling on the lane …
Minnows 12/7/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE w/ FINS1 x 50: Bk Kick w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 (together) w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:When doing a flip turn, what tells you you’re close to the wall?Correct: Jump off the T mark and get …
Minnows 12/6/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK w/ FINS 1 x 50: BK K w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINS (together)review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What was the name of last weekend’s swim meet?Correct: Do an extreme swim to the flags.Wrong: 50 FREE 2 …
Parent Tot 12/4/2021
Round 1: -Sit child on the side. -Splash feet or play with toys. Use the floating smiley faces. -Press smile underwater with 1 foot, then the other. -Press smile under with both feet.– Sing Ring around the Rosey, and at the end say “…all jump in!” -Jump in; see picture: Get together in the middle: …
Minnows 12/2/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: 3 kick pause, BK Drill1 x 50: BK K w/ FINS1 x 100: FREE Kick w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINS (together)review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What part of your hand enters the water first during backstroke?Correct: Float …
Minnows 12/1/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: Hip Slap Drill FREE1 x 100: FREE Kick w/ FINS 2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINS (together)review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:When you do a flip turn for FREE do you streamline after the flip on your side, back, …
Minnows 11/30/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: Both arms at same time (double arm) BK DRILL1 x 50: Finger Tip Drag Drill (FR) w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What stroke was invented first? BR or FLY?Correct: Do a 25 BR …
Minnows 11/29/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: CH1 x 50: Kick on your side, in position 1 w/ FINS2 x 25 Position 11 w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:How much turkey did you eat?Correct: 50 BK K w/ FINS with a huge turkey bellyWrong: 100 FREE …
Minnows 11/23/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: Finger Tip Drag Drill FREE1 x 50: Fists Drill: FR or BK 2 x 25: Position 11 ; do it together. review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What does “bilateral breathing” mean?Correct: Do a 50 FREE w/ FINS breathing to both …
Minnows 11/22/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: HLBw/R on BK w/ FINS1 x 50: FREE Kick w/ board w/ FINS2 x 25: Position 11 ; togetherreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:How many lengths did you swim at Laps for COHO?Correct: Do that many mini jumpsWrong: Do a …
Parent Tot – 11/20/2021
Round 1: -Sit child on the side. -Splash feet or play with toys. Use the floating smiley faces. -Press smile underwater with 1 foot, then the other. -Press smile under with both feet.– Sing Ring around the Rosey, and at the end say “…all jump in!” -Jump in; see picture: Get together in the middle: …
Body Line and Positioning
The last few weeks I’ve been teaching a parent at class while training new staff. It’s giving me some insight into why we do the things we do. Why are we spending so much time on body position and how to hold the child? During swim lessons why do we spend the majority of the …
Minnows 11/15/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: Back Drill: Fists1 x 50: FREE2 x 25 Position 11 w/ FINS; do together. review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:At a swim meet, what does the LOOONG whistle before your race mean?Correct: Sprint, swim as fast as possible to the …
Parent Tot 11/13/2021
Round 1: Sit on the side. Slide in, or let child lay on the yellow mat. Parent gets in, then child. – Motorboat song: “Motorboat, Motorboat…: …go so slow / …go so fast/ …step on the gas!”– Sing Itsy Bitsy Spider and pour water on the child with a bucket. Start pouring water on shoulders, …
Minnows 11/10/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Drill: Fists1 x 50: Backstroke2 x 25 Position 11; together. review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What habit does Coach Jeff want you to learn, the most?Correct: Do 1 Streamline that turns into a flipWrong: 3 x SL 1 x …
Minnows 11/9/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Drill: Fists1 x 50: BK; touch wall on your back.2 x 25 Position 11: Do this together.review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:How many more strokes do you take at the flags when swimming BACK?Correct: Do 3 x Front flip …
Parent Tot 11/6/2021
Round 1: -Sit on side. Splash and Kick-Motorboat Song-Push float toy underwater with feet or hands. -Humpty Dumpty Round 2: Front Floats and climbing out of the water. Throw a toy and get it. Round 3: Throw a toy and Get it. Motorboat to the toy. Go FAST and pull in an “S” shape. Back …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Streamline Push
Game – Streamline Push Create partners or groups. One person floats on their back or belly in streamline. Other person holds their feet. When they’re ready, the person holding the feet pushes using hands and feet on the wall to “Push” the streamline as far as you can go. The winner is the “streamline” that …
Minnows 11/4/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Drill: Fingertip Drag1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Drills are doing something different or wrong to make a stroke better. Name a drill that isn’t “Fingertip Drag”Correct: Do that drill to 1/2 way and backWrong: …
Minnows 11/3/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Drill: Fingertip Drag 1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What is a “drill” in swimming?Correct: Pick something specific to improve and do it: 50 FREEWrong: 100 FREE kick w/ fins w/ board 2 x {5 …
Minnows 11/2/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100: CHOICE (fly, bk, br, free) 1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:During FREE and BK you rotate along your “long axis.” What does that mean?Correct: Do a 50 HLBw/R on BK w/ FINSWrong: Do a 100 …
Minnows 11/1/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100: FREE Kick w/ Board 1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:How much candy did you get?Correct: Celebrate like you’re throwing your candy in the airWrong: Pout in the corner for at least 2 minutes. 2 …
Parent Tot 10/30/2021
Halloween! Halloween Round 1:– Sit on side. Splash and Kick. – Sitting on side, push the smile face floats underwater with hands and feet.– Throw a toy, jump in, front float to the toy, back float back to the wall. – Repeat. SONG: To scare some folks on Halloween,I’ll tell you what I’ll do.I’ll hide …
Minnows 10/28/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: Vampire Bat Attack!1 x 50 Zombie Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:If a Vampire Bat bites you, when do you become a vampire?Correct: Outrun the vampiric strain with a vigorous 50 FREE KICK w/ FINS w/ BoardWrong: Collapse …
Minnows 10/27/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100: FREE1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What is better, as a beginner, to focus on: speed or skill?Correct: Do a SL + 3 Super Good FREE strokes.Wrong: Do a 50 SPRINT FREE Kick w/ FINS w/ …
Minnows 10/26/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100: FREE Kick w/ board 1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What part of the body exists the water first when swimming Backstroke? during each strokeCorrect: Do 3 handstands for 3 seconds eachWrong: Do a 50 BK …
Minnows 10/25/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100 FREE Kick 1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Should you stop kicking during freestyle to breathe? Correct: Do 20 flutter kicks without moving in the shallow. Wrong: Do a 50 FREE where you never …
Minnows 10/21/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100: FREE Kick w/ FINS w/ Board1 x 50 Position 11review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:At a swim meet what do the 5 short whistles mean?Correct: Do 3 handstands that turn into front flips.Wrong: Do a 50 FREE 2 x {r1:5 …
Parent Tot 10/23/2021
Round 1: -Sit child on the side. Splash and Kick feet; Motorboat song.-Throw a toy from the side. Jump in together after your personal cueing. — Front float to get toy. — Back float back with the toy. – Repeat Song 1: Round 2:– Blast off the wall. Hold in back float, put feet on …
Minnows 10/20/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Wearing FINS helps your kick and makes you go faster. How does it help you breath to the side?Correct: 50 FREE w/ FINSWrong: 100 FREE K w/ fins w/ board …
Minnows 10/19/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: HLBw/R on BK1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:When swimming FREE show me how much your hips and shoulders should tilt with each stroke.Correct: 50 FREE w/ FINSWrong: 50 FREE Kick w/ board 2 x …
Minnows 10/18/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK Kick 1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What can you swim in a 50 FREESTYLE at a swim meet?Correct: Do a 50 “FREESTYLE”Wrong: Do a 50 back crawl 2 x {5 x SL + …
Minnows 10/14/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: HLBw/R w/ FINS on BK1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What swim skill is the BEST for a lazy swimmer?Correct: Do 2 x SL with no kickWrong: Do a 50 FREE w/ FINS w/ 2 …
Minnows 10/13/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FLY Kick w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINSreview all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What does “undulate” mean? Say or show.Correct: Do a 50 FLY K w/ FINSWrong: Do a 100 FLY K w/ FINS 2 x {10 x SL …
Minnows 10/11/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: HLBw/R 1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Is swimming like dancing?Correct: Do a 10 second swim dance.Wrong: Do 50 jumps in one place. 2 x {10 x SL + 5 Kicks in Position 11 + 1 …
Minnows 10/7/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK Kick in soldier1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Show me how you would begin (before you push off) a backstroke streamline.Correct: Push off the wall and do a back flip.Wrong: Do 3 x BK SL’s …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Handstand Rewind
I think that this is one of my favorite challenge games, and the best part of it is that the swimmer invented it on his own! I loved this! The kids on the swim team love this challenge and they can do it on their own during sets while they’re waiting for their turn or …
Minnows 10/6/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: Super Slow BK1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:How many more strokes do you take during BK after the second set of flags?Correct: Do 3 handstands that turn into front flips.Wrong: Do 3 x SL on …
Swimming Game – Challenge: Log Push
I often get asked what this game works on. A parent might be watching from the stands or the observation lounge or a coach might wander by with a curious look on their face. Great question. Let’s look at the pieces involved in this challenge: Yes, we play games with a purpose. Even if that …
Minnows 10/5/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE as slow as possible, still moving, still kicking.1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What part(s) of your foot pushes the water during flutter kick?Correct: Do a 50 FLY K w/ FINSWrong: DO a 50 FREE …
Minnows 10/4/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Kick w/ FINS w/ Board1 x 50 Position 11 review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What should STAY in the water when you take a breath on FREE?Correct: Do 10 spins above the water without touching the bottom.Wrong: Turn your …
Parent Tot 10/2/2021
Parent Tot – Safe Entry Song: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes Child seated on the wall. Parent in the water. Sing while touching your head and shoulders while you match lyrics. Touch child’s “head,” and “shoulders” with hands or splashes in tune to the lyrics.
How to move during swimming lessons for beginners.
We get a lot of questions about what the rotation method is. I think that the single most important thing you should be teaching your swim instructors is to keep their students moving. Make the swimmers, swim. You can do that a few ways, but the most important and easiest thing you can do it …
Minnows 9/29/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE w/ FINS & breathing every 3 strokes (both sides)1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:A “6 beat” kick is where you do 6 FREE kicks every “_______.”Correct: Do a 50 FREE K w/ …
Minnows 9/28/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK Kick1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:During FREE, your hand exits the water next to what body part?Correct: ANYTHING to 1/2 wayWrong: 50 FREE 2 x {5 x 3 FREE + Front Flip 6 x …
Minnows 9/27/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What position should your arm be in when it enters the water during FREE?Correct: FLY Kick w/ head above water to 1/2 wayWrong: 50 BK kick …
Lessons 9/23
4 x SL or Front glide FINS and Kickboard8 x Go across to benches with face in the water
Minnows 9/23/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Kick w/ Board w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:If you breathe every three strokes, is it “bilateral?”Correct: Do 3 Dolphin flipsWrong: 50 BK w/ FINS 2 x {6 x 25 on …
Minnows 9/21/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:How do you hold the board for FLY kick? And for FREE kick?Correct: 50 BK or FREE or FLY K w/ finsWrong: BK K w/ FINS …
Minnows 9/20/21
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: FREE Kick w/ FINS and Board1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Show me the three ways to hold a kickboard. Correct: Do a 50 CHOICE kick w/ FINSWrong: Do a 50 FREE Kick w/ FINS 3 …
Lessons
4 x SL on the surface FREE arms review 6 x SL + 5 FREE + 1 breath to the side 4 x 25 FREE Kick w/ FINS 4 x SL on BK
Minnows 9/14/2021
Need fins today. 1 x 100 IM KickFly, Back, Breast, Free; all kicking. No arms 2 x 25 Position 11Review 3 things to SLReview 3 things to Position11 Question of the Day:What is the name of the freestyle and backstroke kick? Correct: Do 20 jumps in one place, always touching the bottom.Wrong: Do 100 flutter …
Minnows 9/13/2021
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 length of each stroke in order: Fly, Back, Breast, FreeAll in soldier; NO ARMS 2 x 25 Position 11: What are the 3 things to SL?What are the 3 things to Position 11? Question of the Day:What part of your arm should be the highest above the water when …
Minnows 9/9/2021
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick: one length of each strokeFly, Back, Breast, Free: all kicking in soldier position. 2 x 25 Position 11: Review 3 things to StreamlineReview 3 things to Position 11 Question of the Day: You should do a streamline every single time you push off the wall. True or FalseCorrect: Put …
Minnows 9/8/2021
Warmup:1 x 100 IM Kick 1 length of each stroke, Butterfly Kick, Backstroke Kick, Breaststroke Kick, Freestyle Kick 2 x 25 Position 11: Review 3 things to Streamline, and 3 things to Position 11 before we start Question of the Day: This pool is 20 yards. True or FalseCorrect: 2 handstands that turn into a …
Minnows 8/2/2021
Deerspring Pool: 50 Meters Review what 50 meters means and how we say it. 100 IM Kick: switch at 1/2 way.1 x 50 Position 111 x 50 FREE Question of the Day:This pool is 50 meters long. How long are Olympic Pools?Correct: Jump off the blocks 2 times. Wrong: Swim to the lifeguard chair and …
Minnows 7/29/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: Kicking on your side 1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. With FINS Question of the Day:What MUST touch the wall at the end of a 50 FREE race? Correct: Push off the wall with your hands and do a …
Minnows 7/28/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. W/ FINS Question of the Day:Good swimming has three things. Choose the wrong answer.Posture, Line, Balance, Variation. Correct: show good swimming to 1/2 way and backWrong: Do a 50 FREE Kick …
Minnows 7/27/2021
1 x 100 IM KICK; no board1 x 50: FLY Kick w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11; with FINS Question of the Day:When you’re doing a streamline, how far should you get before you get to the surface?Correct: Do 2 wrong streamlines.Wrong: Do 3 x streamline on the surface 3 x {1 x 100: BK …
Minnows 7/26/2021
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50 FREE w/ FINS2 x 25 Position 11; with FINS 3 x {3 x SL + 5 FREE + 1 Breath4 x 25 on 1:00 w/ FINS FREE1 x 50 BK no fins1 x Challenge} Challenges:
Swimming Game – Smile Face Float Boat and Push
Category: Group / Individual Core Skill: Getting comfortable with the water. Name: Smile Face Float Boat This is another game you can use with the floating smile faces. We use it as an introduction to getting in the water with hesitant 3 year-olds. It doesn’t hold up to anyone older as they’ll get a little …
Swimming Game – Smiley Faces
Category: Group / Individual Core Skill: Putting your face underwater Name: Smiley Faces How: Using the smiley face float toys have your swimmer smile as big as the toy, and hold it up to their faces. Then, using their face, push the floating toy underwater while keeping your smile as large as the toy. Smile …
Min / Sharks #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 NOT FREE1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; tell coach all 3 to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: We do position 11 every single day. Why?Correct: 1 x 50 CH w/ FINSWrong: 1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS 3 x {1 x …
Min / Sharks #2
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE w/ FINS1 x 100 BK w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS: tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go Question of the Day:Kicking is essential to a fast swim. What is the strongest kick? like which one will get you to …
Min / Sharks #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 IM 1 x 100 CH w/ FINS (kick, swim, drill)1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS: tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go Question of the Day:Next to what body part should your hand EXIT the water during FREE?Correct: Do 5 spins on …
About Swim Lessons PRO
Swim Lessons PRO gives you the power to create your own levels and skills, track them, and have parents see their own child’s progress. Want to modify Swimming Ideas’ level structure to fit your personal site-specific needs? You can do that! Want to use an easier method for tracking your swimmer’s progress? See each swimmer’s …
Jordan
1 x 50 Freestyle kick with FINS and a Board 3 x Streamline to the flags. 1) Lock your thumb2) Squeeze your ears3) Look down. Challenge #1:Push off the wall in AIRPLANE on surface with no kicking and get to the flags.Do it again, underwater 3 x Streamline to the flags then 3 free strokes …
Parent Tot #3
Notes: – Focus on kissing the water and building up to a gradual “going underwater.” Scooping:
Min / Sharks Week of 4/19/21 #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE Kick w/ Board1 x 50 FLY Kick w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before. Question of the Day:At a swim meet there are 5 short whistles, then 1 long whistle. What does the LONG whistle tell …
Min / Sharks Week of 4/19/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE Kick w/ Board1 x 50 FLY w/ FINS; 2 strokes then FLY Kick rest of each 251 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS: tell coach all 3 things to 11 and SL before you go. Question of the Day:Your body should rotate when you swim FREE and …
Min / Sharks Week of 4/19/2021 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE Kick w/ Board1 x 50 Free with fly kick w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:A drill is something we do that’s different to get better at a stroke. Name …
Sharks Week 1 #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK Kick w/ FINS1 x 100 FREE Kick w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11; no fins; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 Question of the Day:How many lengths do you do in a 50 at Deerspring?Correct: 1 super slow, lazy flip as slow as you …
Min / Sharks Week of 4/12/2021 #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FLY Kick w/ FINS1 x 50 FLY Kick no fins1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:There are two things you do when swimming to make you move forward. What are they?Correct: Use both arms …
Min / Sharks Week of 4/12/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE Kick w/ board and w/ FINS1 x 100 BK w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; tell coach all 3 things before you go Question of the Day:Building endurance is increasing your ability to swim longer without getting tired. Which distance would help you build greater …
Evaluations for swimmers in Lesson Management
Skill assessment is crucial to a robust swimming program. You need to be tracking skill progress and using metrics you’re comfortable with to guide your swimmer through your swimming progression. When you create your own skills and levels with our online Lesson Management database you can easily update your swimmer’s progress through evaluations. Evaluate swimmers …
Min / Sharks Week of 4/12/2021 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE kick w/ FINS and kickboard1 x 50 Position with FINS; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:Breaststroke has four key pieces: Arms, Breath, Kick and ….Correct: Push off the wall and glide as far as you can; NOT …
Easily add your own Levels and Skills
Setting up your swimming lesson program online has never been easier. You can now log into our online lesson management and create your own levels and skills within a few short minutes. Add your own levels: Click on “levels” then using the menu at the top click, “Add Level.” Type in the name of the …
Sharks Week 1: #2
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100: BK w/ FINS2 x 50: FREE w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going w/ FINS Question of the Day:What rotates along your spine while you’re swimming freestyle?Correct: Kick in SL to 1/2 way spinning the whole time w/ FINSWrong: …
Min / Sharks Week of 4/5/2021 #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE Kick w/ FINS & Board1 x 50 BK no fins1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 first. Question of the Day:Fins can make you faster if you use them. How do they make you faster?Correct: 50 CH no BR w/ …
Min / Sharks Week of 4/5/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE Kick w/ board1 x 50 FLY K no board.1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:Swimming is moving your arms and legs to move in the water. How does body “posture” help you swim …
Min / Sharks Week of 4/5/2021 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50 FREE Kick w/ FINS; rest after each 50. Turn your head to the side to breathe.1 x 50 CH w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11: w/ FINS; tell coach 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:Where should the flutter kick (free/bk) begin? …
Min / Sharks Week of 3/29/21 #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK w/ FINS1 x 50: Position 11 w/ FINS; tell coach 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:Name 2 ways you can make yourself go faster in the water.Correct: 3 Dolphin flips with FINSWrong: 50 FREE w/ FINS 3x {1 x 100 …
Min / Sharks Week of 3/29/21: #2
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50: BK K w/ FINS1 x 50: Position 11 w/ FINS: tell coach all three things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:Fins make you go faster. What skill does wearing fins help you with?Correct: Do 100 of any type of kicks between the wall …
Min / Sharks Week of 3/29/21: #1
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50: 2 strokes of FLY + Fly kick the rest of each 251 x 50: Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:What will happen at a swim meet if you jump off the bottom of the pool?Correct: Go …
Sharks Week 1; #1
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100: FREE w/ FINS1 x 50: BK1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:When doing a flip turn, where should your hands be when your feet touch the wall?Correct: Do 3x SL with any kickWrong: 50 FREE 3 …
Minnows Week 3; #3
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: CHOICE1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:What stroke is (11, Eat, 11) used in?Correct: Do 10 BR kicks underwater; look at your feet.Wrong: Do a 25 BR Kick on your back, then a 25 FREE 3 …
Minnows Week 3; #2
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:Should the knees rise above the water when you’re doing Breaststroke kicks on your back?Correct: Wrong: 3 x {2 x 50: BK; #1 with FINS, #2 w/o FINS3 x SL …
Minnows Week 3; #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 w/ FINS; tell coach 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day: During Freestyle, what part of your arm should be highest as you reach over the water back into position 11?Correct: Do a 10 yard “chicken …
Minnows Week 2; #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK K1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before starting. Question of the Day:You do a flip turn on which two strokes?Correct: Do 3 handstands that turn into front flips. Wrong: Swim to 1/2 way and back. Do a flip at …
Minnows Week 2, #2
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach 3 things to SL and 11 before starting; with FINS Question of the Day: Fins help you go faster. What part of the swim do they help you learn?Correct: Do 50 Flutter kicks between wall and flags; don’t have …
Minnows Week 2 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50 FLY Kick1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you begin Question of the Day: When you’re doing front flips, what skill are you working on?Correct: Do 3 flips of any typeWrong: Do 2 handstands and 2 front flips, then 30 …
Minnows Week 1, #2
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50: BK Kick in soldier1 x 50 Position 11; review all 3 things to SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day:The pinky finger enters the water first on which stroke? Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, or Freestyle?Correct: 50 CHWrong: 50 BK 3 x {1 x 100 FREE w/ FINS3 …
Minnows Week 1, #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50: FREE w/ FINS1 x 50 Position 11 with FINS; review all 3 things for SL and 11 before starting. Question of the Day:What is the official name of a freestyle and backstroke kick?Correct: 50 Kick with FINSWrong: 50 FLY Kick no fins 3 x {1 x 100 FREE …
Minnows Week 1, #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50 BK1 x 50 Position 11: review 3 things for 11 and SL before starting Question of the Day:What is the fastest position in the water?Correct: Do 3 x SL, top, bottom, or underwater, and on any side of body.Wrong: 50 FREE 3 x {1 x 50: Position 11 …
Creating your own swimming lesson levels
Swimming Ideas’ levels are designed to be quick and easy target points for skill assessment. They’re refined and concise to make testing and placement easier. When I was sixteen, over 25 year ago, teaching my first swimming lessons we followed the American Red Cross level system. At the end of the week we had to …
BR Arms Drill – Sitting on kickboard and sculling
This is another drill I picked up from the ASCA Level 2 class. Sit on a kickboard and scull. Here is a decent quick video. A few rules:– Arms must remain in front of your body. No pulling.– Press with your palms and move in circular motions. For most beginners they’ll have a hard time …
BR Kick Drill – Breathe, Kick, Glide
Using a kickboard, have your swimmers do 25’s or short distances (from the wall to 1/2 way). Start in position 11, holding the bottom of the board. Breathe: take a breath. Put your head back in the water. Kick: do a breaststroke kick. Glide: using the strength of the BR kick glide through the water …
Min / Sharks #3
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50: Kick on your side; always looking at Lifeguards1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:What is best for good swimming?a) strong arms. b) straight, long body. c) crazy fast kickingCorrect: 50 CHWrong: 50 BK Kick …
Challenges for advanced age group swimmers
Why they work and how to adapt your fun games to incite excitement and determination in veteran swimmers. Last night I did the above challenge with some advanced swimmers. These were kids that have been swimming for about 6 years on the team; since they were 5 or 6 and are now 11. I know. …
Min / Sharks #2
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50: 18 Kicks on your side, then 3 strokes of FREE (see picture)1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all three things to 11 and SL Question of the Day:When you’re swimming FREE, your hips should rotate. How much should they rotate?1) All the way to the sky, like …
Min / Sharks #1
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50 Position 11 for 5 kicks then 3 FREE1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach the three things for SL and 11. Question of the Day:When you do fly kick should you “snap” your feet?Correct: Do a 50 FLY KickWrong: Do a 50 BK K 3 x {1 x …
Min / Sharks #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 IM1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to 11 and SL before you go. Question of the Day:Where does the butterfly kick begin? What body part?Correct: Do a 50 FLY KickWrong: Do a 50 BK Kick 3 x {2 x 50 on 2:00: FREE Drill1 …
Min / Sharks #2
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE build; swim each 25 a little bit faster.1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:When you breathe during freestyle, where should your arm be? The one that you’re not breathing towards.Correct: 50 CHWrong: 50 …
Min / Sharks #1
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50 FREE: Kick / Swim x 25: kick on the first 25, then swim on the second.1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: What is the name of the turn you do at the wall for …
Min / Sharks #3
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50 FREE: K / S x 25; kick in soldier on the first 25, and swim on the second 25.1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you start. Question of the Day:Describe how you would swim this set: 2 x { …
Min / Sharks #2
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50 FLY K / BK x 25; 1st 25 = FLY K, 2nd 25 = BK1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:What does “IMO” mean in this context: 4 x 100 on 1:00 …
Min / Shark #1
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50 FREE: EZ / Fast x 25: 1st 25 = Easy, 2nd 25 = Fast. 1 x 100 BK: Have a strong kick. 1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you begin. Question of the Day: Describe how you’d swim the …
Min / Sharks Week of 2/21/21 #3
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 50: K / S x 25: kick down and swim back; your choice of strokes.1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all three things to 11 and SL before you go. Question of the Day:What rotates when you swim freestyle? Show me.Correct: Do 3 x SL + 1 …
Min / Sharks Week of 2/21/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 50 BK: EZ / Fast x 25; easy the first 25 and fast the second.1 x 50: Position 11: tell coach 3 things to SL and 11 before you go; then do them. Question of the Day:When you do a flip turn your feet land on the wall. Should …
Min / Sharks Week of 2/21/21 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach 3 things for SL and 11 before you start. Question of the Day:Name on activity we do, or challenge, that helps you work on flip turns.Correct: 3 front flips and 3 back flips in a ballWrong: 3 x SL + Flip …
Min / Sharks President’s Week #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 IM1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach 3 things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: What kick should you do during your streamline on FLY, BK, and FREE?Correct: Do around the world FLY K to the flagsWrong: Do a 50 Fly Kick 3 …
Min / Sharks President’s Week #2
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 IM1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you start. Question of the Day:What stroke’s kick is called the “whip kick?”Correct: Float on your back and only using your hands get from the “T” mark to the flags.Wrong: Do 3 x …
Min / Sharks President’s Week #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 Each 25 something different: kick, swim, drill; CH1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 first. Question of the Day: What strokes use “flutter kick?”Correct: Do 50 flutter kicks between wall and flags without movingWrong: Do a 50 BK K 3 x …
Week of 2/8/2021 #3
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 25 Speedplay: BK Kick (ez/fast, fast/ez, all fast, all ez)1 x 50 CH Swim1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all three things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:When swimming backstroke should you tilt your chin up in the air, or tuck it a …
Min / Sharks Week of 2/8/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 25 Speedplay FR (see below for how)#1: Easy / Fast#2: Fast / EZ#3: All Fast#4: All EZ1 x 50 Position 11: tell a coach all 3 things to SL and 11 Question of the Day:You need to glide during a breaststroke stroke. In what position do you glide?Correct: Do …
Min / Sharks Week of 2/8/2021 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 25: Speedplay FREE: see below for how to swim: #1: Easy / Fast #2: Fast / EZ #3: All Fast #4: All EZ1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: True or False: When swimming freestyle …
Min / Sharks Week of 2/1/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM kick1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 BK1 x 50 FLY Kick1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11. Question of the Day: What is coach Jeff’s favorite food? BONUS: Second favorite? Correct: Swim like your favorite food would if it could.Wrong: Do a 50 BK …
Min / Sharks Week of 2/1/2021 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 BK1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before you start. Question of the Day:What can you get rid of to help you sink?Correct: Float in a star on the surface, turn into a ball and sink to the …
Min / Sharks Week of 1/25/21 #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 Kick: FREE or BK in soldier1 x 100 FREE breathing every 3 strokes (to both sides). 1 x 50 Position 11; tell a coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:Demonstrate an example of “goggle in breathing” for freestyle.Correct: 50 double …
Min / Sharks Week of 1/25/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK1 x 100 FREE1 x 50 Position 11: tell a coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: True or False: Aerobic conditioning mean’s doing exercise that strengthens your heart and breathing ability.Correct: Do a 50 CHOICE; focus on relaxed but …
Community Questions: 1/26/2021
The place where you get to benefit from the community questions we get from our subscribers, clients, and visitors. We get emails and phone calls often asking about different aspects of teaching swimming. One of my favorite things in life is to give feedback and hear the story of how it went. Check out this …
Min / Shark Week of 1/25/21 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick8 x 25: stop at each wall for 10 seconds. FREE / BK x 25 (free one way, backstroke the other).1 x 50 Position 11 tell a coach 3 things for SL and 11 before you start. Question of the Day:What muscles get tired faster: your arms or your stomach?Correct: Do …
Private Lesson Bonus #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 Changing Kick: Do no more than 10 kicks of the same stroke in a row.1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all three things for SL and 11 Question of the Day:What is the difference between “jammers” and “speedos?” BONUS: what are they?Correct: Jump as high as …
Parent Tot #2
Throw a Toy and Get it Have the child or a parent throw a toy into the water. The parent does their cueing, “1, 2, 3, Go!” and then pulls the child into their arms in the water, and into a front float. Do a front float to the toy and get it Return to …
Private Lesson Week of 1/18/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 25: Speedplay BK Kick1. EZ/ Fast (halfway easy, halfway fast)2. Fast / EZ3. All Fast4. All EZ1 x 100 FREE1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff 3 things for SL and 11. Question of the Day:What position does the freestyle arm stroke begin and end in?Correct: Do a …
Private Lesson #1 Week of 1/18/2021
100 IM Kick4 x 25: No freestyle2 x 50: FR1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: Does “bilateral” breathing mean doing it to both sides?Correct: Stand in shallow water and do 10 breaths to the side starting with your face in. …
Private Lesson Bonus #3
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 CH1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11 Question of the Day:The distance from the wall to the second yellow buoy is always X amount of meters. How many meters is “X”? Correct: Do 15 jumps where your belly button gets above …
Private Lesson Week of 1/10/2021 #2
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50: FREE K / FREE x 25 (25 FR Kick, 25 Free swim)1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all three things for SL and 11. Question of the Day:If you don’t do a SL at a swim meet will you be disqualified?Correct: Do 3 “not a streamline” streamlinesWrong: …
Private Lessons Week of 1/11/2021 #1
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 50: IM Order (IMO) All are 25 K, 25 Swim1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all three things for SL and 11. Question of the Day: Name an event at a swim meet that you might participate in.Correct: Do 4 Handstands that turn into front flips and 1 …
Private Lesson Saturday 1/9/2021
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 25: Rest at each wall: FREE or BK K1 x 50: Position 11; tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11. Question of the Day: How far should you streamline? To what markers?Correct: 3 x SL + FlipWrong: 50 FREE Make a choice: 10 x 50 or 5 …
Private Lesson #2; 2021 Week 1
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach 3 things for SL and 11 Question of the Day: When swimming any stroke what position should your arms move through?Correct: 10 Front flips + 3 handstands. Wrong: 50 Position 11 3 x {3 x SL + 1 BR with a …
Private Lessons 1/4/2021
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 CHWhat year is it?C: 50 CHW: 50 BK1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11. Question of the Day: What is the word that coach jeff HATES to say?Hint: BRCorrect: 50 BRWrong: 50 FREE Kick 3 x {1 x 50: FREE fast1 …
New Year’s Week #3
1 x 100 IM Kick8 x 25: CH / IM O x 251 x 50 Position 11: tell a coach all 3 for SL and 11 Question of the Day: What kick are you allowed to do on EVERY single Streamline?Correct: Do 10 undulations above the T mark.Wrong: 50 FLY Kick 2 x{1 x 100: …
Private Lessons 12/18/2020
1 x 100 IM Kick8 x 25: IM Order 1st 4 are Swim, Last 4 are KICK1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach 3 things for SL and 11 Question of the Day: What is the youngest age you can be on Coho?Correct: Do that number of back flips in a ballWrong: Swim a 50 …
New Year’s Week #2
1 x 100 IM KICK4 x 50: BK or FREE1 x 50 Position 11: Tell a coach 3 things for SL and Position 11. Question of the Day:What date of the year is New Years?Correct Do 1 position 1 jumps where your belly button gets above the water surface.Wrong: Do a 50 FREE with at …
New Year’s Week #1
1 x 100 IM KICK4 x 50: IM Order: K / S x 251 x 50 Position 11; tell a coach all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: How many weeks are in a year?Correct: Do that number of flutter kicks somewhere between wall and flags.Wrong: Do double …
Private lessons 12/17/2020
1x 100: IM K3 x 50: Kick or Swim CH not all same stroke1x 50: Position 11. Tell coach three for SL and 11. white+: 1 x 200 Question of the Day:What body position moves fastest through the water?correct: do three different streamlines. With hands. No hands. Etc. Wrong: 1 x 50 BK K 2 …
Private Lesson 12/16/2020
1 x 100 IM Kick3 x 50: FLY K / FREE x 251 x 50: Position 11: tell coach all three things to SL and 11 before you go.White+: 1 x 200 BK K / BK x 50 Question of the Day:What stroke is upside-down and backwards?Correct: Do 50 FLY Kicks between wall and flags.Wrong: …
Private Lessons XMAS Week: #3
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50: CH1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before going.White+1 x 200 BK Question of the Day: Point to your “center of buoyancy.”Correct: Lay on your belly, then spin to your back and belly again without sinking.Wrong: Do 100 flutter kicks between …
Private Lessons XMAS Week #2
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50: FLY K / FREE x 251 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before going. Question of the Day: How many strokes does it take you to do 1x 25 of FREE? Guess, then swim it.Correct (+-2): Handstand rewind 3x.Wrong(>+-2): 50 FREE …
Private Lessons XMAS Week 1
1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50: BK K / BK x 25 1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before going.White+1 x 200 FREE Question of the Day: Should your hands be at your sides, or near 11 when you start your flip turn?Correct: Do 10 flips …
Private Lessons 12/15/2020
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 50: K / S x 25 (IM O)White+: Also do 1 x 200 BK or FREE (Streamlines past the flags every time). 1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach all 3 things to SL and 11. Question of the Day: What do you “anchor” when you’re swimming Freestyle? Where?Correct: …
Private Lessons 12/14/2020
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 75: K / S / CHK and S = IM O so 1st 75 would be 25 K fly, 25 swim fly, 25 choice.1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach all 3 things for SL and 11 Question of the Day: How many kicks should you do per amrstroke …
Private Lessons 12/12/2020
1 x 100 IM KickMin/Sharks: 3 x 50 BK K / BK x 25 (Bk kick down, and bk swim back). White+:3 x 100: Drill / S x 25: 1=BK, 2=BR, 3=CH 1 x 50 Position 11: Tell coach all 3 things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: What do …
Private lessons 12/10/2020
1 x 100 IM KickMin / Sharks: 4 x 50: 1&2 = BK K, 3&4= FREE with a strong kickWhite +:3 x 100: 1&2= CH (Drill / Swim x 25: same stroke), 3= FREE fast kick whole time1 x 50 Position 11: recite 3 things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the …
Private Lessons 12/9/2020
1 x 100 IM Kick3 x 50 (Min/Shark) 100 (White+) CHOICE, 1 must be Kick1 x 50 Postion 11; recite 3 things for SL and 11. Question of the Day:This is a 20 yard pool. How many lengths do you need to do for an exact 200?Correct = 50 CHWrong = 50 FLY K on …
Private Lesson Challenges
Challenge: Swim BR on your back, underwater from T to the Flags. Challenge:Lay on your side and paddle your arm like a canoe, not pushing past your hips. Get to 1/2 way without hitting a lane line or wall.
Private lesson challenges
Challenge: Underwater place the crown of your head against the middle of the + mark. While staying underwater, and keeping head pressed to the wall, do 3 Breaststroke Kicks Challenge:Float on back in SL. Press legs and feet together too. Only wiggling body like a worm switch orientation. Rotate so feet go where your head …
Minnows & Sharks 11/18/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KickPrevention or Treatment? Pick one.Prevention: 3 x SL + FAST FREE kick to the flags. Then do 1 x 50 FREE with a good streamline.Treatment: Swim a 50 FREE as fast as possible but sloppy. Then do 3 x SL to the flags. 1 x 50 Position 11; scream all …
Minnows & Sharks 11/16/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KickFact or Fiction? Pick one and do it. Fact: Streamline makes you swim faster. Do 2 x 50’s FREE with a SL that takes you past the flags.Fiction: Streamline is stupid and I can skip it because I’m awesome! Do 3 x 50’s FREE with NO SL. 1 x 50 …
Parent Tot 11/14/2020
Song: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes Child seated on the wall. Parent in the water. Sing while touching your head and shoulders while you match lyrics. Touch child’s “head,” and “shoulders” with hands or splashes in tune to the lyrics. Parent Tot – Song – If you’re happy and you know it Can do this …
Minnows & Sharks 11/13/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50 2 FLY + FLY K1 x 50 BK1 x 50 2 BR + BK K1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 Position 11; say all three things for SL and 11 with someone else “Jinxing” each other in a good way. Question of the Day: Name one way …
Minnows & Sharks 11/13/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 50: All different; kick, swim, or drill as long as they’re not exact same.1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all three things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: We do 11, Eat, 11 to get better at Breaststroke arms. Name one …
Minnows & Sharks 11/11/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100: 11 Kicks in position 11 + 2 Fly1 x 100 11 Fly Kicks + 11 FREE strokes1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff all three things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:How much of your face should remain in the water …
Minnows & Sharks 11/9/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KickVOTE: A) 4 x 50: BK / FREE x 25B) 2 x 100: 1 BK, 2 FR1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff all three things to 11 and SL 1st. Question of the Day:Show me how you “stretch” for the wall at the end of a 25 FREE …
Minnows & Sharks 11/6/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100: IM Kick4 x 50: FR K or BK1 x 50 Position 11. Tell Coach nancy the three things to SL and Position 11 before you go. Question of the Day: A six-beat kick is the number of flutter kicks you should do per arm stroke cycle. For what stroke? Correct: Do …
Minnows & Sharks 11/4/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick270 Kicks of any kind while you swim.Vote:A: Coach jeff chooses for youB: Everyone shares a 500. 1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff all three things to SL and 11. Question of the Day: Who won the presidential election in Illinois?Correct: Swim to 1/2 like you’re 78 years …
Challenge: Handstand Rewind
Check out this, and other challenges here: https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/practice-components/
Minnows & Sharks 11/2/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick5 minute Trick and Treat Swim#1: Trick– 50 FREE Kick with BR arms. Treat– Flip twice any direction #2: Trick – 50 FLY Kick with M&M pickups (pick them off the ground). Treat– Throw the M&M’s in the air and eat them. #3: Trick – 50 BK but you’re a …
Halloween Eve!
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50 Graveyard scramble. Weave between the headstones.1 x 50 Frankenstein Monster Raise: groan and float, get struck by lightning and zoom into life for 5 strokes.1 x 50 Defend against the Vampire Bats!1 x 50 Position 11 Zombie! tell coach jeff 3 for SL and 11 first. 3 …
Minnows & Sharks 10/28/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50 BR K on BK / FREE x 252 x 50 BK / FREE x 251 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff the three things for SL and 11. Question of the Day: Aerobic training is swimming a lot over time to build up your lungs, muscles, …
Minnows & Sharks 10/26/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick2 x 50 FREE: Take 10 seconds rest in between2 x 50 FLY K / BK x 25: Take 10 seconds rest1 x 100 IM1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff the three things for SL and 11. Question of the Day: How often should you breathe when doing …
SIP 093: Three weeks with Covid-19 group lessons
What has it been like? What is our procedure? How do we teach? Challenges: Getting swimmers moving. Handling difficult swimmers. Coaching and commands. Resilience of children and adaptability. Tools: Lesson plans and TV for website lessons.
Parent Tot 10/24/2020
Motorboat Song The child sits on the sides with feet in the water. The parent stands in front of them. Holding their feet. Move feet like kicking while singing the song: “Motorboat, motorboat, go so slow,Motorboat, motorboat, go so fast,Motorboat, motorboat, step on the gas!!!!” At each line, move the feet kicking faster. Humpty Dumpty …
Minnows & Sharks 10/23/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICK4 x 50: FREE, BK, or FR K on your side: 1 x 50 Position 11: tell someone at least 2 lanes away in a loud voice the 3 things for SL and Position 11. Question of the Day: How many flutter kicks should you do from the beginning of …
Minnows & Sharks 10/21/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 50: Free or FLY or FLY K1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff 3 things for SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: If you see, “4 x 50 on 2:00: FR / FLY x 25” what do you swim on the first 25 …
Minnows & Sharks 10/19/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50 Fly Kick1 x 50 Free 1 x 50 BK1 x 50 Swim CH Question of the Day:What is the T mark on the bottom there for?Correct: Jump from the T mark towards the wall, do a half flip and land on the wall with your feet on …
Minnows & Sharks 10/16/2020
1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50 Kick on your side1 x 50 BK1 x 50 Kick on your OTHER side1 x 50 BK1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all 3 for SL and 11. Question of the Day: What rotates when you do HLBw/R?Correct: Spin as many times as you can with …
Parent and Infant 10/17/2020
Parent Tot – Seated Entry How to hold video: Focus on the “saddle” and keeping three points of contact on the ladder when you enter slowly. Watch at about the third or fourth pass where the parent does NOT submerge their child. Begin there. Start with catching and passing. Game – Buckethead: Get a bucket. …
Minnows & Sharks 10/14/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 FREE K1 x 50 BK1 x 50 BK K1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: When you’re swimming FLY what position should the arms move “through?” 4 x {1 x 100 Swim1 x 50 Kick3 x SL + 2 FLY arms with …
Indigenous People’s Day Minnows & Sharks 10/12/2020
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 FREE Kick1 x 50 BK1 x 50 BK K1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff the three things for SL and 11. Question of the Day: At a swim meet, can you start in the water when other people are diving in from the …
Lesson 1 10/9/2020
Swimming In the Lane: 6 x Walk around the benches. In a square motion. Challenge:Put one foot above the water so that all 5 toes are in the air. Can only use one hand to help stand. Move Benches a little apart. Do a front glide to go across. At the Corners of the bench, …
Parent and Infant 10/10/2020
Demonstrate getting in.
Minnows & Sharks 10/9/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KickMin do a 50 instead of the 100. 1 x 100 2 FLY + Fly K each 25. 1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 HLBw/R 50 on BK 50 on Front1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff the 3 things to 11 and 3 for SL Question of the …
Minnows & Sharks 10/7/2020
Warmup: 1 X 100 IM KickMinnows do a 50 instead of 100.1 x 100 FREE with breathing every 31 x 100 IM1 x 50 Position 11; tell coach jeff all three things to 11 and SL Question of the Day:What is a “six-beat kick?” Hint: Crawl. Correct: Do 30 Flutter kicks with your back against …
Minnows & Sharks 10/5/2020
Warmup:1 x 100 IM KickMinnows do a 50 instead of a 100 for the following.1 x 100 FREE breathing every 3 (both sides)1 x 100 BK K1 x 100 FREE breathing every 51 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all three things for SL and 11. Question of the Day: How many fly kicks …
SIP 092: Are you comfortable teaching?
What should you do if you are comfortable? What should you do it if you’re not comfortable? Covid-19 and the coronavirus pandemic is real. We just saw this week that the president got infected and foolishly hosted events without face coverings that subsequently infected many other people at a White house event. I know. This …
Minnows & Sharks 10/3/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICKMinnows do a 50 instead of a 100 for the following.1 x 100 IM Swim1 x 100 2 FLY strokes then FREE rest of each 251 x 50 Position 11: Tell coach jeff all 3 things to SL and 11. Question of the Day:What two things can you do to …
Minnows & Sharks 10/2/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICKMinnows only do a 50 instead of a 100 for the following: 1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 FLY K1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all three things for SL and 11. Question of the Day: When you do a flip turn, where should you aim your feet …
Minnows & Sharks 9/30/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KickFor the following, Minnows do a 50 of each instead of 100. 1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 BK1 x 100 BR K or FLY K or MIX of both1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff the three things to 11 and SL before you go. Question of the …
Practice 9/25/2020
Warmup: Minnows: 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50 FLY Kick1 x 50 FREE KICK1 x 50 BK KICK1 x 50 Position 11; tell the coach the 3 things to SL and 3 to Pos. 11 before you start. Sharks: 1x 100 IM K1 x 50 FLY KICK1 x 100 FREE KICK1 x 100 BK …
Practice 9/23/2020
Warmup: Minnows 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50 BK K1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 FLY KICK1 x 50 Position 11: tell a coach the 3 things to SL and the 3 things to Position 11 before you go. Sharks: 1 x 100 IM K1 x 100 BK K1 x 100 FREE1 x 50 …
Minnows & Sharks 9/21/2020
Do everything with 20 seconds rest in between at your own pace. Minnows 1 x 100 IM K1 x 50 BK1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 Position 11: tell the coach the three things to SL and Position 11 before you go. Sharks: 1 x 100 IM K1 x 100 BK K1 x 100 FREE1 …
Minnows & Sharks 9/18/2020
Minnows: 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 BK K1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff 3 for sl and 11 Sharks: 1 x 100 IM K1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 BK K1 x 100 FLY K1 x 50 Position 11: Tell coach jeff 3 things for SL Question of …
Minnows & Sharks 9/16/2020
Go at your own pace. Do everything on your own. Take :20 seconds rest between each swim. Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50 BK 1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all three thins to SL and Position 11 before you go. Question of the Day: True, or False?Diving …
Minnows & Sharks 9/14/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 50 BK1 x 50 Fly Kick1 x 50 Position 11: review all 3 things with Coach Jeff for SL and 11 before you do it. 2 x { Minnows: 6 x 50 on 2:00: BK / FR x 25Backstroke down, and freestyle on the way back. Sharks: 8 …
SIP 091: Swimming Ideas’ Levels
Find out what Swimming Ideas Level structure is and why we use it. Learn the nuances of each level and the progression of skills that takes a 3 year old who doesn’t like the water to a competitive swim team swimmer. For all the information covered here go to: https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/resources/ Level 1: https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/blog/level-1/ Level 2: …
White & Blue 9/4/2020
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 100 on 20 seconds rest: IMO K/D x 251 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff three things for 11 and SL before. Question of the Day: What part of the following set is “active rest?”4 x 50 on 2:00 BR8 x 25 on :40 Build to Sprint1 x …
Sharks & Minnows 9/3/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KickWhat does “IMO” mean?4 x 50 IMO: FLY = Fly Kick1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all three things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day:How does a handstand help you learn to do a flip turn? Correct: Do 4 handstands that turn into …
White & Blue 9/2/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM K4 x 100 IMO Instead of Fly do 2 strokes of FLY + Fly K rest of each 25.1 x 50 Position 11: Tell coach jeff the three things to SL and 11 Question of the Day:What is “active rest?” Correct: Swim to 1/2 way and back doing anything anything.Wrong: …
Minnows & Sharks
1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 50 IMO (Individual Medley Order 1 = Fly, 2 = BK, 3 = ? 4 = ?)1 x 50 Position 11: Tell coach jeff the three things for both SL and 11. Question of the Day:When you touch the wall on backstroke what position must you be in? Correct: …
White & Blue 8/31/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM K4 x 100 IM O (1 = Fly, 2 = BK…)1 x 50 Position 11: Tell coach jeff all 6 things; 3 for SL and 3 for Pos. 11. Question of the Day: Aerobic conditioning is working out today so you can work out faster, harder, longer, in the future. …
SIP 090: Teaching Swimming, Method and Delivery
Today we review the online course, Teaching Swimming, fun and effective instruction and the second section: Method and Delivery. Today is all about the online course, Teaching Swimming, that comes with the companion PDF of the physical book available on Amazon. This training course covers the crucial skills your teachers need to begin having effective …
White & Blue 8/28/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM K1 x 200 BK1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 BK K1 x 50 Position 11: Tell coach jeff the three things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: We know that having a straight and long core (neck, chest, stomach, hips) is essential to fast swimming. …
Minnows & Sharks 8/27/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM K1 x 100 BK K1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff what the three things to SL and 11 are before you go. Question of the Day:What does it mean to say “swim inside a small cylinder?” Correct: Twist in a cylinder underwater 4 times.Wrong: Swim …
White & Blue 8/26/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM K1 x 200 FREE1 x 100 BK K1 x 200 FREE1 x 50 Postion 11: Tell coach jeff all 3 things to SL and 11 before you go. Question of the Day: What does aerobic conditioning mean? Correct: Do your favorite challenge 2 xWrong: Run in place without touching the …
Minnows & Sharks
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick (1 length of Fly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle)1 x 100 BK Kick1 x 100 BK1 x 50 Position 11: Tell Coach Jeff all 3 things to SL and Position 11 before you go. Question of the Day: Backstroke improves your body position for the other strokes. Which strokes? Correct: …
White & Blue 8/24/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK K1 x 100 BK1 x 100 BK K1 x 50 Position 11: tell coach jeff all three things for SL and 11 before you start this. Question of the Day:How does doing a lot of Backstroke help your other strokes? Correct: Do a 50 NOT BKWrong: …
SIP 089: Safe children that LOVE swimming with Julia Johnson
Teach better Parent Tot, Parent and Infant classes with Julia Johnson. Julia Johnson grew up in Michigan where she learned to swim during summer swim lessons by going to beaches and pools. She swam competitively in high school and then completed a few aquatrathons, sprint triathlons and a 5k swim in the years after graduation. Julia …
Practice 8/21/2020 White & Blue
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KDo FLIP turns for all the following:1 x 100 BK Kwe struggle with reading the board. Read the whole sentence or set before going.1 x 100 BK Is it difficult to read from where you are?1 x 100 BK KHow do you think it makes me feel when you ask …
Practice 8/20/2020 Minnows & Sharks
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KIM = 1 length of fly, back, breaststroke, and freestyle.100 = 4 lengths without stoppingTell coach Jeff “what does the “K” by itself mean?1 x 100 BK1 x 50 FREE1 x 50 Position 11: Tell Coach Jeff what the three things to SL and three things to Position 11 are …
Practice 8/19/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick4 x 100: FREE or BK, Take a short rest between. If you are reading this only do three of the one hundreds, not four. This is a test.1 x 100 BK K1 x 50 Position 11; Tell Coach Jeff the three things to SL and the three things to …
Practice 8/18/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE if you read this text then skip the whole one hundred freestyle and move on to the next thing.1 x 100 BK1 x 50 FLY / BR x 251 x 50 Position 11: Tell a coach what the three things are for SL and for Position …
Practice 8/17/2020 White & Blue
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 BK1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 BK1 x 50 Position 11; tell a coach what the 3 things to SL and Position 11 are before you go. Question of the Day:Give me an example of external motivation and internal motivation. Correct: Your Choice of …
SIP 088: Teaching Breaststroke Kick to Beginners
Breaststroke kick is difficult to do. It is an unnatural motion for many swimmers. There will always be that small subsect of people that have learned how to do it on their own and in fact prefer it to the flutter kick motion. I believe these are people that pushed the water in the “breaststroke …
Practice 8/14/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BR Kick on Back1 x 100 BR Kick hands behind back (like normal)1 x 100 FLY 4 strokes, FLY K rest of each 251 x 100 CH1 x 50 Position 11: Tell a coach the three things to SL and the 3 things to Position 11 before …
Practice 8/13/2020 Sharks & Minnows
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100 BK Kick1 x 100 FREE1 x 50 Position 11: Tell a coach all three things for Streamline and Position 11 before you go. Question of the Day: Is it better to have a slow constant (always moving) kick or a fast and strong kick with pauses? Correct: …
What to do when a swimmer falls underwater
Imagine with me for a second that you’re walking on your pool deck, observing swim lessons, and you see a kid wander off the bench or let go of the wall and immediately start drowning. Active drowning, trashing around not able to get up. The instructor rushes over to catch the swimmer, lifts them out …
Practice 8/12/2020 White and Blue
Warm up: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 Not Free1 x 100 Not BR1 x 100 Not BK1 x 50 CH anything, anything. Really. Anything.1 x 50 Position 11: Say aloud 3 things to SL and 3 things to Position 11 to a coach before you go. Question of the Day: What makes your …
Practice 8/11/2020 Sharks & Minnows
Welcome back to practice 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 50 CH1 x 50 CH something else1 x 50 Anything (anything)1 x 50 Fly Kick1 x 50 BK Kick Question of the Day: How much of your body weight does the water remove? (To make you feel weightless in the water) 50% (1/2)30%80% Correct: 50 …
Practice 8/10/2020
Return to swimming! 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 CH1 x 100 A different CH1 x 100 Another different different CH1 x 100 Anything Question of the Day: What sport has the least amount of long term “impact” on your body? Like things hitting other things inside your body. Correct: 50 CH anythingWrong: 50 …
086: Training Summer Swim Lesson Managers
What are the essential skills you should be teaching your lesson managers? You can find information at https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/resources/ Under the Level Description guides. They details the specific needs of each “level” and what to look out for including guidance for lesson managers. Criteria for an effective swim lesson manager: Understanding of level structure, essential skills, …
Practice 7/27/2020 White & Blue
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK1 x 100 BR1 x 100 CHReview Streamline and Position 11 together. Why? Why?! Because some are still forgetting it. It ins’t a habit yet.1 x 50 Position 11. Question of the Day: If you dive in an fall out of streamline will you be disqualified? Correct: …
SIP 085: Finding Deliberate Practice Opportunities at Swim Lessons and Practices
What can you do at your swim practice and swim lessons to promote Deliberate Practice, and how does mediation teach you to be a better swimmer. What is deliberate practice: https://jamesclear.com/beginners-guide-deliberate-practice “ While regular practice might include mindless repetitions, deliberate practice requires focused attention and is conducted with the specific goal of improving performance. From …
Practice 7/24/2020 White & Blue
1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 CH1 x 100 BR DRILL: Pick one: 2K +1P, FLY K, or FREE K Review Position 11 and STREAMLINE together because…. shocker… people STILL STILL STILL have not made it a habit. 1 x 50 Position 11. It isn’t a streamline if all three things aren’t done. Question …
Practice 7/23/2020
Warmup:STREAMLINE MUST BECOME A HABIT!1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREEReview 3 things for Streamline and 3 things for Position 11 together.1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: How far should you streamline to? What is the target or goal? Correct: Do 4 front flips and 2 back flips (in a ball) …
Practice 7/22/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 CH1 x 100 BKReview Streamline and Position 11 together because…. people STILL STILL! don’t do it every time correctly. A correct Streamline requires all three components: 1) Locked thumb. 2) Squeezed elbows behind the head, or over the ears. 3) Face aiming down.1 x 50 Position 11. …
Practice 7/21/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK Review Streamline and Position 11.1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: What should you do every time you push off the wall? Correct: Remember a recent challenge and do it.Wrong: Swim to 1/2 way, flip, and swim BK back. Question of the Day #2:How …
Practice 7/20/2020 White & Blue
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 Not FREE1 x 100 FREEReview Streamline and Position 11 because people STILL forget to streamline.1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day:How many flip turns are in a 200 IM? Correct: 3 x swim from the flags to the water FR, do a flip turn and …
Practice 7/17/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BR1 x 100 FLY KickReview Streamline and Position 11 together.1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day:If streamline should be a habit by the time you leave Sharks, what is one reason to NOT do one during practice? Correct: Handstand Rewind.Wrong: 1 x 1/2 FREE + …
Practice 7/16/2020 Minnows & Sharks
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 BK SwimReview Streamline and Position 111 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: What strokes are you allowed to do a flip turn in during a 50 swim? Correct: Do 4 front flips and 1 back flip (in a ball)Wrong: Swim Free to 1/2 way, flip, …
Practice 7/15/2020
Warmup 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 Drill: 1 arm only FREE1 x 100 Not FREEReview Position 11 and Streamline1 x 50 Position Question of the Day:Do you get an extra FREE stroke when doing a backstroke flip turn? Correct: 50 FREEWrong: 50 BK with a flip turn 1 x 100 on 3:00 BK4 …
Practice 7/14/2020 Minnows and Sharks
Warmup 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREEReview Position 11 and Streamline:1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: #1: Est-ce que tu pret? Means what? #2: When swimming freestyle what must touch the wall to end your race? Correct: 5 handstands that turn into front flipsWrong: 3 x SL + Flip 2 …
SIP 084: Why “Challenges” have replaced games.
Intro: What are Challenges? Why have they replaced games? Quicker Individual based apply to broad ability levels tailored for groups sideways learning they are games celebrated success opportunities striving to “challenge” self improves overall swimming Live use Where you can find them
Practice 7/13/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100 CH1 x 100 Drill CH: tell a coach what drill you’re doing first.Review Streamline and 11 together1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day:Can your hands touch the wall on Breaststroke at the same time, but on a different plane? Like one up high and the …
Practice 7/10/2020 White & Blue
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 DRILL. Pick one: Fists, 1 arm only, 2K + 1 Pull, HLBw/R1 x 100 BK Kick1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: What position should you get into after every Breaststroke Kick, and at the finish of every fly stroke? Correct: 50 FLY or BRWrong: …
Practice 7/9/2020 Min + Sharks
Warmup 100 IM Kick100 BKReview streamline three things, and Pos. 11 three things.1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: When we do a stroke a little bit different, like with one arm only or fists, what is it called?A) Skill ActivityB) DrillC) Challenge Correct = 50 CHWrong = 50 BK Kick 2 x …
Practice 7/8/2020 White/Blue
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 Drill: Choose 1: Fists, 1 arm only, 2 K 1 Pull, 3-3-31 x 100 FREE1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: Which position allows you to slip through the water better? Streamline or Position 11 Correct: 1 x 50 BK Wrong: 1 x 50 BK …
Practice 7/7/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICK (25 FLY K, 25 BK K, 25 BR K, 25 FR K)1 x 50 BackReview Position 11: Together:2 x 25 Position 11 Question of the Day:Name two countries that have won olympic medals in swimming. Correct: 20 Flutter kicks but don’t move anywhere.Wrong: 50 flutter kicks but don’t move …
Practice 7/6/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM Kick1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 CH Kick1 x 50 Position 11: Focus on head down when not breathing and strong kick. Question of the Day: What country invented fireworks? Correct: 50 CHWrong: 50 BK Kick Set 1 1 x 100 FREE Kick1 x 200 FREE Challenge: Swim BK to …
SIP 083: Writing swim practices during Covid-19
We’re running our swimming during covid in a small 4 lane indoor pool. Fans Open doors 7 at a time 2 in each lane on opposite ends. 1 in the ada staircase lane. 1 coach; now 2 coaches 2 lifeguards Line up outside and walk them in with a coach chaperone They have their own …
Practice 7/2/2020
Warmup: 1 x 100 IM KICK1 x 100 CH 1 x 50 Position 11 Question of the Day: Name two things that should be a habit during your swimming by the time you move into White. Correct: Do 6 log roll spins (lay flat on surface and twist like a log)Wrong: Do 20 Fly undulations …
SIP 082: Teaching Private Swim Lessons During Covid-19
How should you protect yourself and others when you’re teaching swimming lessons to individuals or duos? Today we’re listening to a user submitted question and answering it after a brief unrecorded phone call. Rowenna and I spoke on the phone and we reviewed much of the same things. Her favorite games are Treasure hunt and …
Practice 6/30/2020
Warmup 1x 100 Free1 x 100 CHOICE2 x 50 KICK CH Question of the Day: Pushing off the wall with a gallon jug of milk in each hand is slows you down as doing what? Set 1: 8 x 50: FREE / BK x 251 x 100: FLY K Challenge – Challenge – swim to …
Practice 6/25/2020
Remember to stay distant. Do everything on your own:Minnows: 1 minute rest.Sharks, White, Blue: 30 seconds rest. Warmup: 1 x 100 FREE1 x 100 BACK2 x 50 FLY KICK 2 x 50 FREE2 x 50 BK1 x 100 Kick CH (ch= choice: fly, bk, br, fr) 2 x 50: FREE2 x 50: BK1 x 100: …
Practice 6/23/2020
Do everything on your own rest. Minnows 1:00 restSharks 30 seconds rest. White, Blue: Start on 30 seconds rest and move to 20 if it is too easy. If you touch the wall and it says 7…. What is 07 + 1 minute? (hint 1 circle) What is 07 + 30 seconds? (hint 1/2 a …
6/17/2020 Minnows and Sharks Covid-19 Day 1
Welcome back! MINNOWS Wait 60 seconds after each one; 1 full circle on the blue clock. 6 x 50: FREE down and BACK back 2 x 50 Backstroke Kick in soldier position 2 x 50 FREE 2 x 50 BK Sharks Wait 30 seconds after each 50. 5 x 50 FREE 5 x 50 BK …
Swim team during Covid-19; indoor plan
Our USA Swimming team is starting swimming practices again starting this week, June 18th. We’ve been paying attention to the guidelines put forth by our state, Illinois, and have worked with our risk management agency to implement safe protocols for users and staff. My wife is immune compromised and I’ve been taking the social isolation …
Covid-19 and Swimming
I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are healthy, happy, and safe. All of us are struggling with either stay at home orders or a reduction in hours and livelihood. Our businesses hinge on having people in the water. If we get more people we’re more successful. Moving forward the suggestion is that large …
Sharks 3/11/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 FLY K 2 x 25 Position 1, with side breaths away from arm. Question of the Day: What is the first day of spring?Correct = 50 CHWrong = 50 BK 4 x 25 on 1:00 FREE with 4 fly kicks in SL 16 x 50 on 1:45: CHOICE w/ or …
Minnows 3/11/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: Name a swimming skill.Correct = Show us that skill, if you can. and do 2 jumps of celebration.Wrong = Do 5 situps and 5 pushups. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your thumb.2) Squeeze your ears …
Minnows 3/10/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: Name one thing you can do to earn points for Coho.Correct = Do that many jumps per point for the thing you said.Wrong = Do 10 situps. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your thumb.2) Squeeze …
Sharks 3/10/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 Position 11 with FINS 2 x 25 Position 1, with side breaths w/ FINS Question of the Day: Name one thing that you earn points from.Correct = 50 CH w/ FINSWrong = 50 FREE 4 x 25 on 1:00 FREE with FINS 16 x 50 on 1:45 with or without …
Sharks 3/9/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 Position 11 w/ FINS 2 x 25 Position 1, side breath away from arm, w/ FINS Question of the Day: What date is the Coho Banquet?Correct = 50 CH w/ FINSWrong = 50: 5 FREE + 5 FLY 4 x 25 on 1:00 FLY w/ FINS 8 x 100: CHOICE …
Minnows 3/9/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: When is the last day of Coho Practices for Winter?Correct = Celebrate spring break for 20 seconds.Wrong = Lament the end of swimming season with 10 situps. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your thumb.2) Squeeze …
Sharks 3/5/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 2 x 25 Position 11 Question of the Day: What do we focus more on in Sharks: Endurance or Technique?Correct = 50 BRWrong = 50 FREE 4 x 25 on 1:00 FREE with SL on your back doing fly kicks. 4 x {4 x 502 x SL} 1)50 = FREE …
Minnows 3/5/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: What does “endurance” mean?Correct = Run from black to black 2 xWrong = Run from black to black 4 x Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your thumb.2) Squeeze your ears (back of head).3) Look down …
Sharks 3/4/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 HLBw/R on BK 2 x 25 Position 1, with side breaths. NO HIP ROTATING at all (Challenge) Question of the Day: What should your at practice breathing pattern be for freestyle?Correct = 50 FREEWrong = 50 FLY K on back. 4 x 25 on 1:00 FREE w/ 5 fly kicks …
Minnows 3/4/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: During breaststroke do you breathe on every stroke?Correct = In Tree Pose remain in streamline for 10 breaths.Wrong = Stay in side plank for 10 breaths on each arm. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your …
Sharks 3/3/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 Side Kicking with FINS. Smell your stinky armpit and look at the ceiling when you breathe. 2 x 25 Position 11 w/ FINS Question of the Day: Can you streamline TOO far in a race? at practice? (Yes/No x 2).Correct = 50 Streamline to 1/2 way then FREEWrong = 50 …
Minnows 3/3/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: Can you do a streamline for too long?Correct = Do 3 streamline jumps from a squatWrong = Do 3 pushups, 3 situps, and 5 streamline jumps from a squat. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your …
Sharks 3/2/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 Position 11 w/ FINS 2 x 25 Position 1, roll to the side and get vertical to breathe. Question of the Day: What was the name of the qualifying meet last weekend?Correct = 50 of your best strokeWrong = 50 of your most HATED stroke. 4 x 25 on 1:00 …
Minnows 3/2/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: Correct = Wrong = Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your thumb.2) Squeeze your ears (back of head).3) Look down (with your whole face).Review 3 things for Position 11 before second 25:1) Keep your arms straight.2) …
Sharks 2/27/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 IM Swim 2 x 25 Position 1, side breathing away from that 1 arm. Question of the Day: Should you float up to the surface in streamline or curve to aim up at the surface? Correct = 50 FREEWrong = 50 FLY K 4 x 25 on 1:00 FREE KICK …
Minnows 2/27/2020
Dryland Activities: Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your thumb.2) Squeeze your ears (back of head).3) Look down (with your whole face).Review 3 things for Position 11 before second 25:1) Keep your arms straight.2) Stay at the surface (even when you breathe).3) …
Sharks 2/26/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 FLY KICK on your side. FINS 2 x 25 Position 11 Question of the Day: Which direction do you press against the water in butterfly kick?Correct = 50 FLY K w/ FINSWrong = 50 FLY K on back no fins. 4 x 25 on 1:00 2 FLY + FREE rest …
Minnows 2/26/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: Which direction (s) do you “kick” during the fly kick?Correct = Flop like a fish out of water for 5 seconds.Wrong = Do 3 fish flops and 3 situps. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your …
Sharks 2/25/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 FREE 2 x 25 Position 1, with side breaths away from arm. Question of the Day: Which stroke has a “whip kick?”Correct = 50 BR Kick with board.Wrong = 50 Fly kick on your side 4 x 25 on 1:00 FREE Split up into two groups: Group 1: Group 2: …
Minnows 2/25/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: Which kick is also called the “Whip Kick?”Correct = Do a dance from black line to line including 3 spins.Wrong = Dance in place for 20 seconds and do 3 situps. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) …
Minnows 2/24/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: What strokes have a flip turn?Correct = Do three rolls on teh side.Wrong = Laugh 10 times as loud as you can and do 10 situps. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock your thumb.2) Squeeze your …
Creativity through Failure.
Yesterday I sat through a webinar about how to leverage your creativity and empower your employees. It was lead by a veteran of the parks and recreation industry. She wasted our time. I know. Harsh. Scandalous. If you’re going to have your staff sit through an hour long powerpoint presentation then give actionable insight. Provide more …
Sharks 2/20/2020
Question of the day: How many kicks should you do during each arm stroke of butterfly? Correct = Show Coach Rachel or Jeff your “I’m awesome” pose. Hold for 20 seconds.Wrong = Do 20 situps. 20 x 25’s on 1:00 1-5= 2 FLY + FLY K the rest of the 25 w/ FINS6-10= BK FINS11-15= …
Minnows 2/20/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: Generally how many kicks per arm stroke of fly should you do?Correct = Run from black line to black line 3 times flapping arms like a bird.Wrong = Do a 30 second plank and a 30 second down dog. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. …
Sharks 2/19/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 FREE Kick no board *turn head to the side to breathe!* 2 x 25 Position 1 with side breaths away from the arm in 1. Question of the Day: What does “I.M.” stand for?Correct = 50 Do your individual favorite strokes.Wrong = 50 Do 1 stroke of each stroke over …
Minnows 2/19/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: What does “I.M.” stand for?Correct = Pose with an individual flair while the wrong people do their stuff.Wrong = Do 1 push up. Do 1 plank for 10 seconds. Do 1 situp. Do 1 squat and stand. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 …
Sharks 2/18/2020
Warmup 100 IM Kick 100 IM 2 x 25 Position 1 with side breath away from arm. Question of the Day: Name one thing that is at the Coho Banquet. Correct = 50 CHWrong = 50 BK K 4 x 25 on 1:00 flip 1st and sl on back, then BK Split up into two …
Minnows 2/18/2020
Dryland Activities: Question of the Day: Name one thing that is at the Coho Banquet.Correct = Do a squat then jump in celebration 3 times. Wrong = Do 5 situps and 3 squat and jump celebrations. Warmup in water: 100 IM Kick2 x 25 position 11. Review 3 things for Streamline before first 25.1) Lock …