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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.

Take your freestyle swimming to the next level
Featured Post

Front Crawl Coordination: The Mistake You’re Not Making

Do you think you've got your front crawl timing and coordination all wrong? There is a good chance it is actually okay. Confused? Read on. Hi, Mark here. I hope all is well with you. What Exactly Is 'Timing'? When we talk about timing, we usually refer to the number of leg kicks per arm pull cycle—that is, how many times our legs kick in the time it takes for our arms to complete one arm pull cycle. Which Timing Pattern Works For You? Some timing patterns will suit some swimmers better than...

breaststroke kick technique

A breaststroke leg kick that provides little or no power is frustrating. No problem; there are plenty of drills to correct it. Also, download a bunch of lesson plans to help you teach breaststroke. Hi, Mark here. Feeling frustrated? I've prepared a Breaststroke Kick Technique printable tip sheet to ease your frustrations. It has a great basic drill to help fine-tune your leg kick, along with some of the most common mistakes to look out for. Breaststroke Legs: Step By Step... We can break...

the best swimming books for half price

Summer’s in full swing (for most of us) – and the perfect time to level up your swimming. Hi, Mark here 👋 The days are hot, the water’s inviting, and I’ve lined up something special to keep your swimming (or teaching) going strong. For the next 3 days only, every ebook in my store is half price – whether you’re learning to swim or teaching others. Beginners and swimming teachers, now’s the moment to grab the resources you’ve been meaning to download. Your code: summer25Enter it at checkout to...

Swimming Teacher resources to download

Are you looking to enhance your teaching toolkit and make a bigger splash in your lessons? Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well with you. Everyone needs tools that make their job easier and raise the quality of their work, and we swimming teachers are no exception. My carefully curated collection of swimming resources is designed to support and inspire teachers like you, ensuring your pupils receive the highest quality instruction that brings about significant progress. Tailored Lesson Plans and...

The complete beginners guide to swimming ebook

Ever found yourself wondering, "How do others seem to float so effortlessly while I struggle to stay afloat?" You're not alone, and the answer might surprise you. Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well with you. This week, I am tackling one of the most common questions: ' Why do I sink, and how do I float?' Understanding Buoyancy: It's All About Balance Our ability to float largely depends on our body's composition. Fat, being less dense than water, aids in buoyancy, while muscle, being denser,...

How to teach outstanding swimming lessons

Are you getting out of breath long before you think you should be? Which breathing technique is the right one for you? Hi, Mark here 👋. Hope you're doing well. Let’s talk about breathing.Whether you're a beginner swimmer or a swimming teacher, one of the most common struggles in the pool is getting out of breath too quickly. Sound familiar? I’ve had loads of questions recently like: “How often should I breathe?” “Am I doing it wrong if I’m gasping for air?” “Is there a best breathing style...

Swimming Teacher Resources

"If I kick harder then I will stay afloat and swim further." ...a common misconception among beginners learning to swim. Hi, Mark here. Hope you're doing well! Have you ever heard a beginner swimmer say: “If I kick harder, I’ll stay afloat and swim further”?It’s one of the most common misconceptions out there. The truth? A relaxed, controlled leg kick is way more effective than a frantic, splashy one. Smooth and steady wins the race—literally. In this edition of Swim Teach News, we're diving...

The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming

How do I float? Why do I get so tired? Am I too old? As a beginner learning to swim, you have many unanswered questions, and as a teacher, you are constantly being asked them. There are a few that get asked more than others. Hi, Mark here. How are you? I hope all is well. How can I stand up mid-swim? How can I swim without getting tired? How Do I Float? These are just some of the most common questions I get asked. I have listed the most common questions and links to more detailed answers. I...

Teach your child to swim through games and play

Teaching a Child to Swim Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful Hi there, Mark here – I hope you’re doing great! If you’re a parent or swimming teacher, you know how emotional teaching a child to swim can be. The tears and resistance when it’s time to get in the water. The fear of letting go, even for a second. The frustration of lesson after lesson with little progress. The feeling that you’re failing them, when you just want to help them succeed and feel safe. These struggles are common — but they’re...

Ready-made swimming lesson plans

Are you striving to make every second count in your 30-minute swim lessons? Maximize your 30-minute swim lessons with expert planning! Hi, Mark here. I hope all is well with you. Are you striving to make every second count in your 30-minute swim lessons? A well-structured plan is the cornerstone of effective teaching, ensuring your students progress confidently and efficiently. Crafting the Perfect 30-Minute Lesson An impactful swim lesson encompasses several key components: 1. Lesson Type &...