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Martin Hamilton

This is the second of two courses that teach through the School of Fish swimming method. Course 2 takes the basic swimmer through the steps to mastering all strokes.

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This is the second of two courses that teach through the School of Fish swimming method. Course 2 takes the basic swimmer through the steps to mastering all strokes.

The School of Fish progression (Course 1&2) looks at the learning and teaching in its entirety from a non-swimmer with no water confidence right through to an efficient swimmer mastering all strokes. What sets this approach apart is that the swimming strokes are introduced at different levels and then built in conjunction with each other rather than separately. The School of fish method is extremely useful for any swimmer, teacher and parent wanting the 'whole picture' when it comes to swimming.

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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.

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Learn how to streamline and maintain a good body position when swimming basic backstroke.

Learn the importance of hip rotation and being able to kick on the side for lateral breathing in Frontcrawl.

Perfect your Butterfly Kicks with minimised drag, tighter body position and more effective undulation.

Learn to identify Breaststroke leg kick faults, how to correct them and how to improve them.

Sculling is an essential part of all strokes as it enables the swimmer to 'feel' the water. Understand the technique behind good sculling and water treading.

A lesson showing the progression of basic diving and faults that may be encountered.

A more in depth look at the arm stroke (catch, pull & recovery) of backstroke including drills on how to improve.

A more in depth look at the arm stroke (catch, pull & recovery) of front crawl including drills on how to improve.

Combining the undulating kicks with basic arm strokes and breathing.

Learn the timing of the breaststroke stroke with basic strokes and breathing.

Learn the basic skills of somersaults as a prerequisite for flip turns. This video also includes how to surface dive effectively.

Extend the diving learnt at the barracuda Level with racing dives.

Learn how to create rhythm and timing in backstroke.

Learn how to create rhythm and timing in front crawl and the continued importance of body position.

Learn the stroke phase of butterfly as well as rhythm and timing in the stroke.

Learn the stroke phase of breaststroke as well as rhythm and timing in the stroke.

Learn how to execute Flip turns and Open turns. This video also includes video analysis.

Find out how to dive better for competitions and how relay dives differ. Learn how to do a backstroke start. All with video analysis.

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds upon the fundamentals taught in Course 1, offering a structured progression for mastering all swimming strokes
Introduces swimming strokes in conjunction with each other, which may help learners develop a more holistic understanding of swimming
Requires prior knowledge and skills from 'School of Fish SWIMMING STROKES & SKILLS - Course 1', which may not be suitable for all learners
Covers skills such as sculling and water treading, which are essential for developing a feel for the water and improving overall technique
Explores diving techniques, including basic dives, racing dives, and relay dives, which are relevant for competitive swimmers
Includes video analysis of swimming techniques, which may help learners identify and correct faults in their own strokes

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Reviews summary

Mastering swimming strokes and skills

According to learners, this course covers all four major swimming strokes, turns, and dives following a structured progression. Students are likely to find the detailed technique breakdowns and drills particularly helpful for improving efficiency. The unique School of Fish method aims to provide a holistic view of swimming. However, as an online course, it inherently requires significant in-water practice and potentially external feedback to fully master the physical skills taught.
Unique method builds strokes together.
"Found the integrated approach insightful for understanding the relationship between strokes."
"The method of building strokes together was a bit confusing at times; I prefer focusing on one stroke fully first."
"Interesting approach to teaching the 'whole picture' of swimming technique."
Follows a logical step-by-step method.
"The School of Fish progression made sense and built skills logically."
"Moving through the levels helped build skills gradually and reinforced previous learning."
"Good structure from basic skills to more advanced rhythm and timing."
Teaches all four strokes plus turns and dives.
"Appreciated that it covered timing for both butterfly and breaststroke."
"Useful for mastering both competitive starts and turns."
"Provides a complete guide to mastering all the main swimming skills beyond just basic survival."
Course provides in-depth analysis and drills.
"The breakdown of arm strokes was very helpful for refining my technique."
"Learned how to identify and correct common leg kick faults."
"The specific drills demonstrated provided practical ways to improve efficiency in the water."
Cannot substitute hands-on practice and feedback.
"While the videos are clear, you still need significant pool time to implement the techniques."
"Difficult to know if I'm executing the skills correctly without a coach providing feedback."
"The online format is a significant limitation for mastering a physical skill like swimming efficiently."

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 STROKES & SKILLS - Course 2 with these activities:
Review Streamlining Techniques
Reviewing streamlining techniques will help improve body position and reduce drag, leading to more efficient swimming in all strokes.
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  • Watch videos demonstrating proper streamlining form.
  • Practice streamlining off the wall after each push-off.
  • Focus on maintaining a tight, compact body position.
Complete Book of Swimming
Referencing 'Complete Book of Swimming' will provide a solid foundation in swimming fundamentals and help you understand the science behind proper technique.
View Melania on Amazon
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  • Read the sections on stroke mechanics and training principles.
  • Compare the techniques described in the book to those taught in the course.
  • Use the book as a reference for troubleshooting technique issues.
Butterfly Kick Drill with Snorkel
Practicing butterfly kick with a snorkel allows you to focus solely on the kick technique and body undulation without worrying about breathing.
Show steps
  • Use a snorkel and fins to isolate the butterfly kick.
  • Focus on generating power from the core and hips.
  • Maintain a consistent rhythm and body undulation.
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Practice Diving with a Partner
Practicing dives with a partner allows for mutual feedback and correction, leading to improved diving technique and confidence.
Show steps
  • Find a partner to practice diving with.
  • Take turns observing and providing feedback on each other's dives.
  • Focus on specific aspects of the dive, such as entry angle and body position.
Swimming Fastest
Reviewing 'Swimming Fastest' will provide a deeper understanding of swimming biomechanics and training principles, complementing the course material.
View Swimming Fastest on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to the strokes covered in the course.
  • Pay attention to the drills and exercises recommended for each stroke.
  • Apply the principles discussed in the book to your own swimming.
Video Analysis of Swimming Strokes
Creating a video analysis of your own swimming strokes will help you identify areas for improvement and reinforce your understanding of proper technique.
Show steps
  • Record videos of yourself swimming each stroke.
  • Compare your technique to professional swimmers.
  • Identify areas where your technique deviates.
  • Create a plan to address these areas.

Career center

Learners who complete School of Fish SWIMMING STROKES & SKILLS - Course 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Swimming Instructor
A swimming instructor teaches individuals of all ages and skill levels how to swim. This course may be useful for those wishing to be swimming instructors as it will introduce them to the School of Fish method. Knowing where a swimmer is, what they need, and how to get there is essential. Those aiming for a career as a swimming instructor benefit from knowing various approaches, such as this one covering stroke building and correction and the whole picture of swimming from novice to mastery. This course emphasizes progression and technique, offering valuable insights for instructors looking to improve their teaching methods. It covers aspects that include hip rotation, breathing, body position, and sculling.
Swim Coach
A swim coach trains competitive swimmers to improve their technique, speed, and endurance. Aspiring swim coaches may find this course beneficial since it teaches the School of Fish method. This course takes the basic swimmer through the steps to mastering all strokes. This is an approach that introduces swimming strokes at different levels and then builds them in conjunction with each other rather than separately. It may also offer insights into stroke refinement, diving techniques, and turn execution, all of which contribute to a swimmer's overall performance. Coaches can leverage this knowledge to design effective training plans and drills. As someone who wishes to excel as a swim coach, knowledge of refining a swimmer's arm stroke including catch, pull, and recovery is important.
Aquatic Therapist
An aquatic therapist uses water-based exercises to help patients recover from injuries or manage chronic conditions. This course may be useful because aquatic therapists need to understand the mechanics of swimming and how to adapt techniques to suit individual needs. This course looks at learning and teaching from non-swimmers with no water confidence right through to an efficient swimmer mastering all strokes. It is extremely useful for any swimmer, teacher, and parent wanting the 'whole picture.' Aquatic therapists benefit from a deep understanding of swimming strokes, body position, and breathing techniques, enabling them to create targeted exercises for rehabilitation. Knowing how to identify and correct common swimming faults as a professional aquatic therapist may lead to greater patient outcomes.
Lifeguard
A lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, or other aquatic facilities. While the primary focus of a lifeguard is rescue and safety, a strong understanding of swimming techniques is crucial. This course may be useful in enhancing a lifeguard's ability to identify struggling swimmers, and perform effective rescues. This course teaches the steps to mastering all strokes, building confidence and efficiency in the water, and understanding potential stroke faults. A lifeguard can also better assist swimmers and provide basic instruction if needed. Learning how to streamline and maintain a good body position will make someone safer in the water.
Physical Education Teacher
A physical education teacher instructs students in various sports and physical activities, including swimming. This course may be useful as it will provide a foundation in swimming techniques and teaching methodologies. This course looks at the learning and teaching in its entirety from a non-swimmer with no water confidence right through to an efficient swimmer mastering all strokes. Physical education teachers may find the School of Fish method particularly helpful for teaching swimming to students of different skill levels. They can also use the knowledge gained from this course to design engaging and effective swimming lessons. Learning how to identify Breaststroke leg kick faults, how to correct them, and how to improve them is important.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist uses various activities, including swimming, to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. This course may be useful for recreational therapists who incorporate swimming into their programs, as it will provide them with a deeper understanding of swimming techniques and how to adapt them for diverse populations. This course teaches the steps to mastering all strokes. It may also offer insights into creating individualized swimming plans and addressing specific needs. This course may offer insight in helping clients achieve their therapeutic goals.
Water Aerobics Instructor
A water aerobics instructor leads group fitness classes in a pool setting, guiding participants through exercises that improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. This course may be useful for water aerobics instructors who want to enhance their knowledge of swimming strokes and techniques. This course takes the basic swimmer through the steps to mastering all strokes. This course helps one better understand body positioning and movement in the water which are helpful in designing effective and safe water aerobics routines. Water treading is also discussed in this course.
Fitness Instructor
A fitness instructor leads group exercise classes or provides one-on-one training to help clients achieve their fitness goals. This course may be useful for a fitness instructor who wishes to incorporate swimming into their training programs. Understanding proper swimming techniques is important, and this course takes the basic swimmer through the steps to mastering all strokes. With this knowledge an instructor can design effective and safe swimming workouts, provide guidance on stroke improvement, and motivate clients to achieve their fitness goals. Learning how to create rhythm and timing in backstroke and front crawl can also be helpful.
Camp Counselor
A camp counselor supervises and engages with children or teenagers in a summer camp setting, often involving swimming activities. This course may be useful for camp counselors who are responsible for supervising campers during swimming sessions, as it provides a solid foundation in swimming techniques and safety considerations. This course teaches the steps to mastering all strokes. This will allow a counselor to better assist campers with their swimming skills. Furthermore, knowledge of diving and sculling may be helpful. This course provides useful skills for a counselor at summer camp.
Sports Journalist
A sports journalist reports on various sporting events, including swimming competitions. This course may be useful for a sports journalist seeking to enhance their understanding of swimming techniques and competitive strategies. This course may aid their analysis and reporting. This course takes the basic swimmer through the steps to mastering all strokes. By understanding the nuances of different strokes, turns, and dives, sports journalists can provide more insightful commentary and analysis. They can also use this knowledge to craft compelling stories that resonate with swimming enthusiasts. Learning how to dive better for competitions and how relay dives differ is helpful.
Resort Recreation Coordinator
A resort recreation coordinator organizes and oversees recreational activities for guests at a resort, including swimming and water sports. This course is helpful for resort recreation coordinators as they design and implement swimming programs for guests of all ages and skill levels. This course teaches the steps to mastering all strokes. This may allow a person to offer guidance and instruction to guests. A recreation coordinator can also ensure the safety of guests participating in water activities, and is able to implement and enforce safety guidelines.
Cruise Ship Staff
A cruise ship staff member works in various roles on a cruise ship, providing entertainment, hospitality, or recreational services to passengers. Cruise ship staff wanting to incorporate recreational swimming activities and to enhance water safety skills would find this course useful. This course teaches the steps to mastering all strokes. This may bolster their ability to assist passengers with their swimming techniques. Staff members can also use their expertise to adapt swimming activities for diverse groups of guests. Knowledge of diving is helpful.
Summer Camp Director
A summer camp director oversees all aspects of a summer camp's operation, including program development, staff supervision, and camper safety. This course may be helpful for a summer camp director looking to enhance the swimming program at their camp. This course teaches the steps to mastering all strokes. This may inform decisions related to swimming instruction and safety protocols. Diving and streamlining are helpful for increasing safety.
Yacht Crew
A yacht crew member works on a private or charter yacht, performing various duties related to the vessel's operation and passenger service. This course may be useful for yacht crew members who may be required to assist with water-based activities or ensure passenger safety in the water. This course teaches the steps to mastering all strokes. This may enhance their ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. This course will provide a foundation in swimming techniques and water safety, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable experience for passengers and crew alike. Learning how to streamline and maintain a good body position will make someone safer in the water.
Translator
A translator converts written or spoken content from one language to another, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance. This course may be useful for a translator specializing in sports or recreation-related content, particularly swimming. This course teaches the steps to mastering all strokes. This may improve their understanding of swimming terminology and techniques. They can then accurately translate articles, training materials, or instructional videos. A deeper understanding of the material may improve translation accuracy.

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 STROKES & SKILLS - Course 2.
Comprehensive guide to swimming technique, training, and racing. It provides detailed analysis of each stroke, including drills and exercises to improve performance. It valuable resource for swimmers of all levels, from beginners to elite athletes. This book provides additional depth to the course.

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