I've been teaching swimming for over 30 years and I built Swim Teach so that I can share all my knowledge, wisdom and experience from the thousands of swimming lessons I have had the pleasure of teaching. Take a look back through my previous newsletters and see what you missed.
Breaststroke arms: what most swimmers get wrong (and how to fix it)
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Many swimmers pull too hard and still don’t move far. Here’s why — and a simple drill that fixes it. Hi, Mark here. Hope your week’s been a good one! Let’s talk breaststroke arms. As swimming teachers, we know it’s the leg kick that delivers the real power. But many swimmers still rely too much on their arms to pull themselves through the water, and that’s where things go wrong. Quick Breakdown of the Arm Pull Technique
👉 Click here for a full breakdown of breaststroke arm technique. ❌ Are These Common Mistakes Holding You (or Your Pupils) Back?
When swimmers try to “muscle through” with a big arm pull, they break the streamline, create drag, and often slow down. Sound familiar? ✅ Try This Drill:
It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference in feel and control. 👉 Click for more breaststroke drills to improve the full stroke Need Teaching Resources?If you're planning lessons, I’ve got you covered:
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That's it for this week. Take care and stay safe. Happy swimming! Cheers Mark ps - did someone forward this to you? Subscribe here. |
Hi! I'm Mark, creator of Swim Teach
I've been teaching swimming for over 30 years and I built Swim Teach so that I can share all my knowledge, wisdom and experience from the thousands of swimming lessons I have had the pleasure of teaching. Take a look back through my previous newsletters and see what you missed.
The surprising power of play in the pool (and how to use it) Hi, Mark here - hope you've had a great week! This week we are talking about the power of games and play when it comes to learning and teaching swimming, plus one of the most important foundation skills for beginners - learning how to submerge. Using games and play to teach swimming isn’t just fun - it’s one of the most effective ways to build confidence, engagement, and water skills. For parents, playful games open a child’s mind...
Struggling to move efficiently through the water despite vigorous kicking? You're not alone. Many swimmers find that their efforts don't translate into speed or distance. The key lies in refining your technique. Hi, Mark here. I hope you've had a great week. This week, we unpack the secrets to a powerful front crawl leg kick. Stay tuned to the end of this week's newsletter for a free Front Crawl Cheatsheet for you to download, save and print out. You'll find the link right at the end of this...
One of the most common questions I get asked by adult swimmers is, 'Why do I get so tired swimming front crawl? Hi, Mark here - hope the week’s going well. One of the most common issues adult swimmers bring up (and one you’ve probably heard too) is: “Why do I get so tired swimming front crawl?” It’s easy to assume it’s a breathing problem, but more often it’s about timing, body position, and energy control. I recently heard from a swimmer who said: “We all end up completely winded after just...