Giving Effective Feedback During Swimming Lessons

This article summarizes key pages from theLesson Coordinator Handbook, included in the All-Access membership or available as a PDF or print book.

As a swim instructor, one of your most important tasks is giving feedback to your swimmers. Feedback is the information you provide about their performance, progress, and areas for improvement. It can be verbal, non-verbal, or written, and it can be positive or constructive. In this guide, I'll share tips on how to effectively give feedback based on the Lesson Coordinator Handbook (pages 42–45).

The Purpose of Feedback

Feedback helps swimmers:

1. Know what they are doing well and what they need to work on
2. Feel motivated and confident in their abilities
3. Learn from their mistakes and successes
4. Achieve their goals and improve their skills

Principles of Effective Feedback

Effective feedback is:

Methods of Feedback

Choose the method that fits the situation and the swimmer's preferences.

Verbal Feedback

Use words to communicate. Verbal feedback can be given individually or in a group. Keep it concise, clear, and respectful. Use questions, praise, corrections, suggestions, or demonstrations. For example:

1. Ask: "How do you feel about your breaststroke today?"
2. Praise: "You have improved a lot since last week."
3. Correct: "Keep your elbows higher when you pull."
4. Suggest: "Try to glide more between each stroke."
5. Demonstrate: Show them the correct technique.

Non-Verbal Feedback

Use gestures, facial expressions, or body language. This works well in noisy environments or at a distance. Keep it consistent, visible, and positive. Examples:

1. Thumbs up for a good dive
2. Nod for following instructions
3. Smile for enthusiasm and effort
4. Clap for a personal best
5. High five for mastering a new skill
6. Hand signals to stop or go faster

Written Feedback

Use text or images before or after the lesson. Keep it legible, organized, and constructive. Examples:

1. Write a note: "Well done completing Level 3! Great progress in all four strokes."
2. Use a chart or graph to show improvement in speed or distance over time
3. Use a diagram to illustrate technique or body position
4. Use a checklist or rubric to evaluate performance based on criteria
5. Give a certificate for passing a level or achieving a goal

Conclusion

Giving feedback is a vital part of being a swim instructor. It helps swimmers learn, grow, and enjoy swimming. By following these principles and methods, you can give effective feedback that motivates and guides your swimmers. Remember, feedback is a two-way process—listen to your swimmers' feedback and adjust your teaching accordingly. Happy swimming!