Since teaching non-swimming adults how to swim is the public service initiative of the USMS I think it would be fun to have a thread to discuss war stories, tricks that work, and just the overall good feeling it gives you when you teach someone a skill that you love to do so much!
I just graduated 2 wonderful ladies Monday night. Both ladies have joined facilities with lap swimming available and have started their exercise/fitness programs! I am in awe of their dedication and motivation to over-come their fear of the deep water and work hard enough to make fitness through swimming a reality! The next time I'm not in the mood to go to a workout I'll try to draw from their exuberance and get myself to the pool.
If your team doesn't have a SSL program my advice is to start one. I guarantee you'll have fun, plus there's no better way to contribute to the culture of swimming than to get others started!!
In my experience, the adults who have come to me for lessons have the greatest obstacles of breathing and body position. I try to tackle both via the use of a snorkel. Obviously, this is after already having worked through getting the swimmer accustomed to putting his/her face in the water through various exercises; but the snorkel allows me to focus the swimmer on body position, even kicking/stroke, without having to worry about the breathing at the same time. Once their body position is better under control and the kick and stroke are at least at a beginner level, I then wean the swimmer off the snorkel and we'll do some drills to incorporate more rotation/breathing. It is such a rewarding feeling knowing that someone feels more comfortable in the water, can at least swim to safety or accomplish competitive goals - whatever the case may be - just from a few lessons and commitment to practicing outside of those lessons.
I totally agree with this Boomerang! One of my ladies has a lovely backstroke and breastroke, but she still has issues with breathing in freestyle. I believe her flutter kick is a bit too wide + her head too high and this puts her in a less than optimal body position. She is also obese. I'm not sure if this is a strength issue, or a water comfort issue. I told her to start her workout program with primarily *** and back, but still work in as much free as possible. I'm hoping she'll come back for more lessons after a couple months of self practice. I think if she were stronger and more hydro-adapted she could get it.
In my experience, the adults who have come to me for lessons have the greatest obstacles of breathing and body position. I try to tackle both via the use of a snorkel. Obviously, this is after already having worked through getting the swimmer accustomed to putting his/her face in the water through various exercises; but the snorkel allows me to focus the swimmer on body position, even kicking/stroke, without having to worry about the breathing at the same time. Once their body position is better under control and the kick and stroke are at least at a beginner level, I then wean the swimmer off the snorkel and we'll do some drills to incorporate more rotation/breathing. It is such a rewarding feeling knowing that someone feels more comfortable in the water, can at least swim to safety or accomplish competitive goals - whatever the case may be - just from a few lessons and commitment to practicing outside of those lessons.
I totally agree with this Boomerang! One of my ladies has a lovely backstroke and breastroke, but she still has issues with breathing in freestyle. I believe her flutter kick is a bit too wide + her head too high and this puts her in a less than optimal body position. She is also obese. I'm not sure if this is a strength issue, or a water comfort issue. I told her to start her workout program with primarily *** and back, but still work in as much free as possible. I'm hoping she'll come back for more lessons after a couple months of self practice. I think if she were stronger and more hydro-adapted she could get it.
