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...
9 days ago • 1 min read
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...
16 days ago • 1 min read
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...
23 days ago • 1 min read
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 you’re doing well. If you’ve ever climbed out of the pool wondering why front crawl feels so exhausting, you’re definitely not alone.It’s one of the most common questions I get from adult swimmers: “Why do I get so tired so quickly when I swim front crawl?” Most people assume it’s all down to breathing - but it’s usually a mix of timing, body position, and how...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well. Butterfly is often seen as the hardest stroke — but with the right breakdown, anyone can learn it. Think of it less as a power stroke and more like a rhythmic wave. Here’s how to get started: 🐬 The Basics Arms: Enter shoulder-width, sweep out and in, then relax on recovery. Kick: Drive from your hips with two dolphin kicks per arm cycle. Breathing: Lift just enough during recovery to inhale, then return your face smoothly.👉 Full technique guide ⚠️ Common...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
How do I float, and why do I sink? It's a question commonly asked by beginners learning how to swim. Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well. Ever wondered why some people float effortlessly while others seem to sink like a stone? 🤔This week, I’m sharing two powerful resources to help you (and your swimmers) finally crack the floating puzzle: 🧑🏫 For Swimming Teachers: A Ready-to-Use Floating & Gliding Lesson Plan Teaching floating can be tricky — but with the right structure, it becomes one of the...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
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...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
What’s the biggest challenge you face when teaching an adult to swim - fear, technique, or simply unlearning old habits? Hey, Mark here, I hope you’re doing well. This week, I'm tackling that sometimes tricky task of teaching adults how to swim, inspired by an article I wrote a while back. 🏊♂️ Why adapting your style matters Adults come to the pool with all kinds of backgrounds: varying fitness, flexibility, and confidence levels. The key is to meet them where they are, not push them into a...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
A 30-second idea to save you prep time. Hi there - Mark here. Quick win: Set a 90-second “equipment spotlight.” Pick one aid (noodle, fins, pull buoy) and ask swimmers to name one thing it helps them feel. Then run a single drill using it. You’ll get instant engagement and clearer body-awareness without derailing your plan. 👉 Try these ready-made drills - click here. P.S. I use this when energy dips mid-session—works a treat. All the best Mark
about 2 months ago • 1 min read