The Swim Teach Weekly 1–2–3

One teaching goal. Two ways to communicate it. Three phrases to try.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Swim Teach Weekly 1–2–3.

1 LEARNING GOAL

Turn to the side to breathe without lifting the head.

Front crawl breathing can quickly disrupt an otherwise reasonable stroke. Swimmers often know they need to turn their head, but when the breath feels rushed, they lift forwards instead — dropping the legs, losing balance and making the next breath even harder.

Sometimes the answer isn’t more technical explanation. It’s giving them a clearer sequence to follow.

2 WAYS TO SAY IT

For a swimmer who responds to rhythm and sequence language:

“Turn, breathe, return.”
“Cheek to the water, breathe in, face back down.”
“Arm pulls, head turns, breath comes, head returns.”

For a swimmer who rushes the breath:

“Don’t chase the breath - let the turn bring it to you.”
“Slow the head down. You have more time than you think.”
“Turn just enough to breathe, then calmly bring your face back in.”

1 THOUGHT TO TAKE POOLSIDE

The breathing problem may begin before the swimmer actually takes the breath.

Try one of these cues in your next lesson and notice which one produces the quickest change.

WHEN YOUR USUAL WORDS AREN’T WORKING…

The Swimming Teacher’s Phrase Book contains alternative cues for 193 different swimming goals - from first water confidence and floating to all four strokes, deep-water skills and water safety.

So, when a swimmer becomes nervous, confused or stuck, you always have something else to try.

​Discover The Swimming Teacher’s Phrase Book​

See you next Wednesday,

Mark

P.S. What phrase do you use when a swimmer keeps lifting their head to breathe?