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, Challenge" allows for more deliberate practice and lessons full of fun and excitement.
Or, I could outline how you should be self-evaluating your performance each day, looking back on your actions with a critical eye to determine what went well and what needs improvement.
Both are excellent strategies that will help you improve your ability to teach swimming.
What Is the One Thing Above All Else?
Be engaging. Interact with your swimmers. Involve yourself in the teaching process. Be an active participant who gives commands and instructions but also reacts and adapts to the effort and behavior of your swimmers.
You need to be present. You need to be there. You need to "do" stuff and then continue acting in furtherance of a goal: improving your swimmer's ability to swim well.
Engagement is the lifeblood of effective swimming instruction. It isn't simply about the drills and exercises swimmers execute; it's about the connection forged between instructor and student. As an instructor, the most critical aspect of your role is to be genuinely interactive. This means maintaining a dynamic presence in each lesson that captivates and holds your swimmers' attention.
The Art of Interaction
It's paramount to understand that interaction does not stop at giving commands. Genuine interaction means continuously observing and responding to each swimmer's efforts, tailoring your feedback and guidance to their individual performance and mindset. The more connected you are with your swimmers, the more responsive you can be.
Involvement in the Teaching Process
Active participation goes beyond merely demonstrating techniques. Involvement means you are consistently part of the learning environment: praising accomplishments, offering corrective advice, and adapting your teaching strategies on the fly. This hands-on approach fosters a robust learning atmosphere where swimmers feel supported and motivated.
Presence and Responsiveness
Being present is more than physically showing up to the pool deck; it's about being mentally and emotionally invested in your swimmer's progress. Your presence translates into energy that fuels the session. Your focus should mirror the dedication you expect from your swimmers, as you "do" stuff — demonstrating, correcting, and enthusiastically participating.
The Goal: Improving Swimmers' Abilities
The ultimate objective of being an engaging instructor is improving each swimmer's ability to swim well. This is the yardstick by which your success is measured. It's not about the drills you plan; it's what happens as a result of your engagement with each swimmer. Being present and engaging ensures that every instruction, every piece of feedback, and every encouragement is part of a concerted effort to elevate your swimmers' performance.
In conclusion, the most crucial element in swimming instruction is being fully engaged, which translates into every action you take as a teacher. It forms a continuous cycle of learning, progress, and enjoyment for both you and your swimmers, ultimately leading to more effective and meaningful swimming lessons.
We Can't Force Your Actions, but We Can Help!
#1 Download the FREE Lesson Plans and Guides:https://swimmingideas.gumroad.com/l/freedownload
#2: Use these blog posts as a guide for teaching better lessons:
The benefits of each of the posts listed on this web page are:
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