School of Fish SWIMMING ESSENTIALS

What's inside

Syllabus

Understand what the School of Fish Method is and how it will work for you.

In this introduction Martin shares his passion for swimming describing the importance of progression and technique. Knowing where a swimmer is, what they need and how to get there is essential. There is also an overview of the School of Fish program.

Safe Entry, Movement and Balance when new to the water. The importance of Play. This lecture also provides the full Starfish Instructor Guide PDF for more ideas.

How to get a swimmer comfortable with putting their face in the water & Blowing Bubbles

Helping a swimmer move before they know how to float. This lecture also includes a PDF showing all the Building Blocks the swimmer should have to progress to the Seahorse Level.

How we breath in and out in the water. This lecture also provides the full Seahorse Instructor Guide PDF for more ideas.

Learn to float on the back relaxed and how to stand back up. Body Position.

Learn to float on the front relaxed and how to stand back up. Body Position.

Off the wall Push & glide on both front and back.

How to develop an efficient flutter kick. This lecture also includes a PDF showing all the Building Blocks the swimmer should have to progress to the Seal Level.

A focus on Front crawl and Backstroke propulsion while maintaining a good body position.

An interim stage of Front crawl breathing while developing deep water confidence.

Introducing the undulating kick. Understanding the importance of our core in swimming.

How to transition from a pool where the swimmer can stand to an area of water where they can not.

Stream line jump which is the basis of all dives. This lecture also includes a PDF showing all the Building Blocks the swimmer should have to progress to the Barracuda Level.

For all those new to teaching. How to utilize your Attributes, Passion, Empathy and Communication skills to make you the Ultimate Instructor.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides instructor guides as PDFs, offering resources for teaching water confidence, breathing, body position, floating, and gliding, which are useful for instructors

Focuses on building blocks for beginners, covering Starfish, Seahorse, and Seal levels, which establishes a strong foundation for new swimmers

Explores the School of Fish method, which looks at learning and teaching in its entirety, from non-swimmers to efficient swimmers, offering a comprehensive approach

Includes videos that demonstrate common faults, how to recognize them, and how to correct them, which is helpful for swimming instructors

Requires learners to take this course in serial with 'Course 2', which may be a barrier for some learners seeking standalone instruction

Teaches instructors how to utilize attributes, passion, empathy, and communication skills, which are essential for effective teaching

Reviews summary

Swimming essentials for beginners & teachers

According to learners, the School of Fish method presented in this course is highly effective for teaching and learning beginner swimming skills. Students praise the clear and detailed instructions, particularly for building water confidence and mastering foundational techniques like floating, gliding, and kicks. The video demonstrations and included PDF guides are frequently highlighted as valuable resources. While primarily focused on the essential building blocks and excellent for parents and instructors, some reviewers note its suitability for adult learners new to swimming as well. The course is seen as providing a strong base before moving to more advanced strokes in subsequent courses.

Concentrates heavily on essential building blocks.

"This course really solidifies the absolute basics before moving on."

"It covers all the necessary steps to build a strong foundation."

"Focuses entirely on water confidence, floating, and basic movement."

"If you're looking for advanced stroke technique, this isn't the course, but it's perfect for the fundamentals."

Helpful even for adults learning to swim from scratch.

"As an adult who was afraid of the water, this course helped me immensely."

"The step-by-step approach worked well for me as a complete adult beginner."

"I gained confidence in the water using these methods."

"It's not just for kids; adults can benefit greatly from these fundamentals."

Provides excellent guidance for parents and instructors.

"Highly recommend this course for anyone teaching swimming, especially to young children."

"As a parent, I feel much better equipped to help my kids learn to swim after taking this."

"The instructor's tips for identifying and correcting faults are invaluable for teachers."

"This course is a must-have resource for swimming instructors at the beginner level."

Instruction is easy to follow with helpful videos/PDFs.

"The videos are incredibly clear and demonstrate the techniques perfectly."

"I appreciated the PDF guides; they are very detailed and useful."

"Martin explains everything in an easy-to-understand way."

"The explanations for breathing, floating, and kicks were very clear."

The School of Fish method works well for teaching basics.

"This method is fantastic for absolute beginners and building confidence."

"I found the School of Fish progression logical and very effective for my child."

"It gives you a step-by-step approach that really helps swimmers gain essential skills."

"The techniques shown for building water confidence are particularly good."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in School of Fish SWIMMING ESSENTIALS - Course 1 with these activities:

Review 'Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way To Swim Better, Faster, and Easier'

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Understand the principles of efficient swimming to improve technique and body position in the water.

View Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way To Swim... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and chapters on body position and balance.
Identify key concepts related to reducing drag and increasing propulsion.
Compare and contrast the book's approach with the School of Fish method.

Review Basic Water Safety

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Reinforce fundamental water safety knowledge to ensure a safe and positive learning environment.

Browse courses on Water Safety

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Review basic water safety rules and guidelines.
Identify potential hazards in and around the water.
Practice safe entry and exit techniques.

Practice Floating and Gliding with a Partner

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Reinforce floating and gliding techniques through collaborative practice and feedback.

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Pair up with another student.
Take turns demonstrating floating and gliding techniques.
Provide constructive feedback to each other on body position and relaxation.
Repeat the exercise, focusing on incorporating feedback.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create a Video Demonstrating Flutter Kick Technique

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Solidify understanding of flutter kick technique by creating a visual demonstration.

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Review the course materials on flutter kick technique.
Record a video demonstrating the correct flutter kick form.
Edit the video to include clear explanations and visual cues.
Share the video with other students for feedback.

Design a 'Learn to Swim' Program for Beginners

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Apply the School of Fish method to create a structured program for teaching beginners how to swim.

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Outline the key skills and concepts to be taught.
Develop a lesson plan for each stage of the program.
Incorporate the School of Fish progression and techniques.
Include activities and drills to reinforce learning.

Review 'Swimming Fastest'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles underlying swimming techniques.

View Swimming Fastest on Amazon

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Read chapters related to stroke mechanics and hydrodynamics.
Identify key scientific concepts that influence swimming performance.
Relate these concepts to the techniques taught in the course.

Tutor a Beginner Swimmer

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Reinforce your understanding of the School of Fish method by teaching it to someone else.

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Find a beginner swimmer who needs assistance.
Use the School of Fish method to teach them basic swimming skills.
Provide encouragement and feedback.
Document your experience and reflect on what you learned.

Career center

Learners who complete School of Fish SWIMMING ESSENTIALS - Course 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Swimming Instructor

A swimming instructor teaches individuals of all ages and abilities how to swim and improve their swimming techniques. This course, focusing on the School of Fish swimming method, helps you develop a comprehensive understanding of how to teach swimming from the very basics of water confidence to more advanced stroke techniques. Understanding the School of Fish approach, which emphasizes the building of swimming strokes in conjunction with each other, provides a unique and effective teaching methodology. The course's overview of the School of Fish program and its focus on progression and technique are directly applicable to the duties of a swimming instructor. Understanding how to recognize and correct faults in swimming techniques, which is covered in the videos included in the course, will prove invaluable in guiding students to improve their form and efficiency in the water. Additionally, the segments covering Attributes, Passion, Empathy and Communication skills will help you become a more effective teacher.

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Water Safety Instructor

A water safety instructor teaches courses in water safety, including basic water rescue, first aid, and CPR, as well as swimming skills. This course, with its focus on the School of Fish swimming method, helps you develop a comprehensive understanding of how teaching swimming from a non-swimmer to stroke mastery. Understanding the School of Fish approach, which emphasizes the building of swimming strokes in conjunction with each other, provides a unique and effective teaching methodology. The course will be useful in teaching various swimming and water safety programs. The course's overview of the School of Fish program focuses on progression and technique which is directly applicable to water safety instruction. Understanding how to recognize and correct faults in swimming techniques, which is covered in the videos included in the course, will prove invaluable in guiding students to improve their form and efficiency in the water.

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Swim Coach

A swim coach is responsible for training and mentoring swimmers to improve their technique, speed, and overall performance in competitive swimming. This course directly benefits aspiring swim coaches by providing insight into the School of Fish method, which emphasizes a holistic approach to swimming, beginning with water confidence and advancing to efficient stroke mastery. The course's detailed analysis of swimming strokes, including common faults and their corrections, assists in refining swimmers' techniques. The focus on progression and technique that Martin shares in the course's introduction is crucial for swim coaches who need to create effective training plans. Additionally, the course's instruction on developing flutter kicks, backstroke, front crawl, and deep water confidence are vital tools for any swim coach looking to elevate their team's performance.

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Adapted Physical Education Teacher

An adapted physical education teacher works with students who have disabilities to develop their motor skills, physical fitness, and participation in physical activities. This course helps develop an understanding of how to teach swimming skills to individuals with diverse needs and abilities. The School of Fish method, with its emphasis on building blocks and progressive learning, is particularly well-suited for adapted physical education. The course's instruction on water confidence, submerging, movement with assistance, and correct body position helps you create tailored swimming programs for students with various physical and cognitive challenges. This course's overview of the School of Fish program and its learning objectives are directly applicable to the duties of an adapted physical education teacher.

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Camp Counselor

A camp counselor supervises children and teenagers at summer camps, often leading activities such as swimming, hiking, and arts and crafts. This course helps you gain confidence and competence in teaching basic swimming skills, making you a more valuable asset at summer camps. The course's instruction on water confidence, submerging, and moving with assistance are directly applicable to teaching beginner swimmers. The School of Fish method, with its emphasis on building blocks and progressive learning, ensures that you can effectively guide campers in the water. Knowing how to teach breathing, correct body position, and floating are also essential for a camp counselor responsible for overseeing swimming activities for children and teens.

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Cruise Ship Recreation Staff

Cruise ship recreation staff organize and lead recreational activities for passengers on cruise ships, including swimming, water sports, and fitness classes. This course helps you be prepared to assist and instruct passengers in swimming activities, enhancing their cruise experience. The course's instruction on water confidence, breathing techniques, and body position are applicable to teaching basic swimming skills. The School of Fish method, with its emphasis on progression and technique, ensures that you can effectively guide passengers of varying skill levels in the water. The course provides the ability for someone in this role to assist passengers with swimming.

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Aquatic Therapist

An aquatic therapist uses water-based exercises to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, or improve their overall physical well-being. This course, with its emphasis on water confidence, proper body position, and breathing techniques, may be useful for an aquatic therapist. The School of Fish method focuses on building a swimmer's skills from the ground up, starting with water confidence and progressing to more advanced techniques like front crawl and backstroke. The course's detailed instruction on teaching water confidence and submerging will be particularly helpful in working with patients who may have fear or anxiety about being in the water. Furthermore, the content on correct body position, floating, and gliding helps in designing effective therapy exercises. The course's integrated approach to learning and teaching swimming also offers valuable insights into how aquatic therapy can promote physical rehabilitation.

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Sports Rehabilitation Specialist

A sports rehabilitation specialist focuses on helping athletes recover from sports-related injuries and improve their physical performance. This course may be useful in understanding how swimming and aquatic exercises can be incorporated into rehabilitation programs. The School of Fish method, with its emphasis on proper technique and progressive learning, provides a framework for designing safe and effective aquatic exercises for athletes. The course's instruction on water confidence, body position, and breathing techniques is especially valuable for athletes recovering from injuries. Swimming is often used as a low-impact exercise for rehabilitation, and the knowledge gained from this course helps a sports rehabilitation specialist optimize its benefits. An advanced degree is typically expected.

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Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. This course may be useful for recreational therapists looking to incorporate swimming and aquatic activities into their therapeutic interventions. The course's detailed instruction on teaching water confidence, submerging, and moving with assistance provides recreational therapists with the tools to safely introduce swimming to individuals with varying levels of abilities and comfort in the water. The School of Fish method's emphasis on progression and technique aligns with the goals of recreational therapy, which aims to improve participants' physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being through meaningful and enjoyable activities. Knowing how to teach breathing, correct body position, and floating, all included in the course, assists in designing effective and engaging aquatic therapy sessions.

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Lifeguard

A lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers at a pool, beach, or other aquatic environment. While lifeguarding primarily focuses on rescue and safety, this course helps build a deeper understanding of swimming techniques and common challenges faced by swimmers. The knowledge gained from this course enhances a lifeguard's ability to spot struggling swimmers and provide more effective assistance. The course's focus on water confidence, breathing techniques, and body position helps lifeguards identify potential problems early on. Although lifeguards are not primarily swim instructors, understanding the School of Fish method helps in communicating effectively with swimmers and providing helpful tips for improving their technique and safety in the water.

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Physical Therapist

A physical therapist helps patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation programs. While this role often focuses on land-based exercises, understanding swimming techniques and principles enhances a physical therapist's ability to incorporate aquatic therapy into their treatment plans. This course's instruction on water confidence, body position, and breathing techniques are applicable to designing effective aquatic therapy interventions. Although not all physical therapists specialize in aquatic therapy, this course broadens their skill set and provides an alternative approach to rehabilitation. The knowledge of the School of Fish method may be useful for physical therapists. An advanced degree is typically expected.

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Recreation Coordinator

A recreation coordinator plans and organizes recreational activities and events for communities, organizations, or resorts. This course may be useful for recreation coordinators looking to incorporate swimming programs into their offerings. The course provides a solid understanding of the principles of swimming instruction and the School of Fish method. This course is a useful resource for a recreation coordinator. The instruction on water confidence, breathing techniques, and body position provides a foundation for designing safe and effective swimming programs. Although it is not necessary to be a certified swim instructor to be a recreation coordinator, this course enhances your ability to oversee and promote swimming activities within a community or organization.

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Early Childhood Educator

An early childhood educator works with young children in preschools, daycare centers, or early intervention programs. This course may be useful for early childhood educators who want to introduce water play and basic swimming skills to young children in a safe and structured environment. The School of Fish method, with its emphasis on building water confidence and progressive learning, is well-suited for early childhood education. The course's instruction on water confidence, submerging, and moving with assistance provides early childhood educators with the tools to create positive and engaging water experiences for young children. Knowing how to teach breathing, correct body position, and floating may be useful for an early childhood educator.

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Health and Wellness Coach

A health and wellness coach works with clients to improve their overall well-being through lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and stress management. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in swimming techniques and benefits, which can be integrated into a client's fitness plan. The course's instruction on water confidence, proper body position, and breathing techniques help you to educate clients about the advantages of swimming. Although a health and wellness coach does not need to be a certified swim instructor, having a solid understanding of swimming principles may be useful for promoting a balanced and comprehensive approach to health. The School of Fish method, with its emphasis on progression and technique, reinforces the importance of a structured approach to fitness.

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Community Center Director

A community center director manages the operations and programs of a community center, which may include swimming pools and aquatic programs. While this role is primarily administrative, understanding the principles of swimming instruction enhances a director's ability to oversee and manage aquatic activities effectively. This course provides a foundation in the School of Fish method, which may be useful for evaluating and improving swimming programs offered at the community center. The course may be useful for someone in this role. The instruction on water confidence, breathing techniques, and body position provides a framework for ensuring the safety and quality of swimming programs. Although a community center director does not need to be a certified swim instructor, this course provides valuable insights into swimming instruction and program management.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in School of Fish SWIMMING ESSENTIALS - Course 1.

Total Immersion

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Presents a unique approach to swimming, focusing on efficiency and body position in the water. It complements the School of Fish method by providing detailed instructions on how to minimize drag and maximize propulsion. It useful reference for understanding the principles of efficient swimming and can help students better grasp the concepts taught in the course. This book is commonly used by swimmers and coaches looking to improve technique.

Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way To Swim...

Paperback

(Español) Inmersión total. Un método revolucionario para...

Paperback

$$$

Swimming Fastest

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind swimming, covering topics such as biomechanics, physiology, and training. While more advanced, it can help students understand the 'why' behind the techniques taught in the School of Fish method. This book is more valuable as additional reading for those interested in the scientific aspects of swimming. It is commonly used by coaches and competitive swimmers.

Swimming Fastest

Hardcover

$$$$

School of Fish SWIMMING ESSENTIALS - Course 1

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Swimming essentials for beginners & teachers

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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