1. IF THE LEARNER HASN’T LEARNED, THE TEACHER HASN’T TAUGHT.
   I was exposed to this axiom many years ago and believe it more all the time. This means that it is not enough to explain something once and then write off the student that doesn’t learn it at once as a dunce or a motor moron. You must keep working at it to earn your “teacher” title. It is a special kind of challenge to communicate something as subtle as fine swimming skills to the very young.
   
   
2. USE ANY AND ALL MEANS IN GETTING YOUR TEACHING TO “TAKE.”
   You must be resourceful. You must use your imagination. After 34 years of teaching and coaching I guess I have seen and used everything old and new in the way of gimmicks, teaching aids, drills, etc. But I am STILL on the lookout for new and better approaches than the ones I use now. Use any and all means of presenting, coaxing, trying, fixing, etc. until you have indeed taught and the student has learned.
   
   
3. STICK TO THE FUNDAMENTALS AT FIRST
   Don’t get caught up in imparting details until the FUNDAMENTALS are thoroughly learned. Until then impart only the general concept. For example, don’t worry about the fingers being open a bit until the student has mastered the overall arm recovery and pull.
   
   
4. GO FOR THE “FEEL OF THE WATER” RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING
   By this I mean the feeling of easily sliding along through the water and by feeling the pressure of the water when pulling. Sell the joy of swimming.
   
   
5. RELY HEAVILY ON STROKE DRILLS
   Learn to use stroke drills that will nurture the “feel” mentioned above. When you help your swimmers discover how neat the “feel” is, you have given them something they can enjoy the rest of their swimming life. I first give the group a brief explanation of what I want them to do. They then swim a bit. I then give them another explanation as one or two of them who got it right the first time demonstrate. They all swim again. Then I am down to one or two who need more individual attention to get it. Don’t forget to give your drill or desired movement a clever or humorous name so it will easily be remembered by students.
   
   
6. WORK ON ONE THING AT A TIME
   For example, crawl stroke students point their elbows at the side walls underwater when they swim.

CLICK HERE to read the full article from our friends at Smart Moves Swim