The Lesson Experience

Fear is a part of learning and trying new things. As one of the most efficient and protective human insticts, it helps us calculate risk and make smart choices.

When I'm help someone learn to swim, I focus on building trust first. Then, I introduce new skills gradually in a way that feels safe and achieveable. Profress comes through positive experiences and small sucesses, not pressure.

This is very common, especially in younger swimmers.

Rather than expecting perect attention, I often adapt in the moment. If a swimmer is distracted or eager to show me something, I'll pivot and channel that energy into learning. This keeps lessons engaging and productive.

My lessons are adapted to each individual swimmer's readiness, focus and engagement.

Because I follow the swimmer's energy and learning style, skills may not always be taught in a traditional or predictable order. For example, a swimmer might begin learning breastork before freestyle or backstroke (sometimes called front crawl or back crawl) if they show a particular desire or affinity in the water.

This approach keeps swimmers motivated and leads to stronger, more natural skill development over time.

In most cases, this is intentional.

When introducing or refining a new skill, I simplify other parts of the task so the swimmer can focus all of their energy where it matters most. This is based on the concept of cognitive load-we learn more effectively when we're not overwhelmed by too many things at ones.

You may also see familiar skills practiced in different ways to build true mastery, not just surface-level ability. This is also very important for strengthening muscles and increasing endurance. 

The lap pool is often quiter and less croded, allowing for more space and fewer distractions.

It also helps swimmers build confidence by appying their skills in a different environment. Learning that their abilities transfer across settings is an important step in becoming a strong, independent swimmer.

Fins are a helpful teaching tool that allow swimmers to better *feel* how their movements interact with the water.

By increasing resistance and propulsion, fins make it easier for swimmers to notice what’s working and what isn’t. For example, they quickly learn that a straight-leg kick with a relaxed, flexible ankle moves them forward more effectively than bending at the knees.

Fins also support strength, endurance, and body position in the water, which helps swimmers experience success earlier and build confidence.

They’re used intentionally and progressively, with the goal of improving technique—not creating reliance.