What if your breathing timing was the one thing holding back your whole stroke? Hi, Mark here. I hope all is well with you. This week we are talking front crawl breathing - and more specifically, the timing of your breath. If you’ve ever felt your breathing “throws you off” in front crawl, you’re not alone. It’s one of the hardest parts to coordinate - but once you get the timing right, everything flows more smoothly. My full guide is right here. What timing means It’s not just when you...
1 day ago • 1 min read
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...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Mark here, Happy new year! I hope all is well. A new term always brings a familiar rhythm - fresh faces, returning swimmers, and a renewed chance to make a real impact at poolside. Whether you’re just starting out or many years into teaching, the most effective lessons tend to share the same foundations: clarity, variety, patience, and purpose. With that in mind, here are a few simple reminders worth carrying into your teaching this term. Know who you’re teaching It sounds obvious, but...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Mark here, Happy new year! I hope all is well. If learning to swim is part of your plans, the most important thing to remember is this: confidence comes before technique. The swimmers who make the best progress aren’t the ones who push hardest — they’re the ones who take time to understand the water and themselves. Here are a few key foundations worth focusing on as you begin (or continue) your swimming journey: Get comfortable in the water first Before strokes and lengths, spend time...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hi, Mark here — I hope you’re doing well as we reach the end of the year. This is the time when routines shift, pools get a little quieter, and many people focus on family, work, rest, or celebration. If you’ve found your swimming slowing down recently, please know this is completely normal - and nothing to feel guilty about. Learning to swim as an adult takes courage, consistency, and patience. And sometimes the best thing you can do for your progress is simply to pause, breathe, and come...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi, Mark here — I hope the end of term is treating you kindly. As we reach that time of year when routines shift, the pool quietens down, and many people focus on family, rest, and celebrations of all kinds, it’s natural for swimming to slip a little lower on everyone’s list. Teachers are wrapping up blocks of lessons, parents are juggling end-of-year commitments, and many of us are simply ready for a breather. This calmer period can actually be a gift.A chance to pause, reflect, and reset...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Are you striving to make every second count in your 30-minute swim lessons? Are you lessons working as hard as you are? 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 & Level: Define...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Are you ready to transform your freestyle stroke into a smooth and efficient glide through the water? Dive into Freestyle: Master the Art of Effortless Swimming! Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well with you. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned swimmer aiming to refine your technique, I’ve got you covered. Unlock the Secrets of Freestyle Swimming Freestyle, also known as front crawl, is celebrated for its speed and grace. To help you master this stroke, I’ve broken it down into...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there, Mark here - I hope you’re doing well and that pool life’s been kind to you lately. In case you missed them the first time around, I wanted to remind you about my Swimming Teacher Toolkits - complete, downloadable bundles designed to support new and developing teachers. They’ve been helping teachers plan lessons, build confidence, and keep sessions fresh and engaging. Each toolkit builds on the last: Bronze includes a full teaching guide and beginner lesson plans Silver adds fun...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read