Swimming lesson plans are essential tools for swimming teachers to deliver fun and effective lessons to their students. A good lesson plan should have the following characteristics:

Provide a clear progression of level relatable skills

A good lesson plan should have a clear aim and objective that is relevant to the level and ability of the students. The lesson plan should also have a logical sequence of exercises and activities that build on each other and help the students achieve the desired outcome. For example, if the aim of the lesson is to teach front crawl breathing technique, the lesson plan should start with simple exercises that help the students get comfortable with submerging their face in the water, then progress to exercises that teach them how to exhale underwater, then to exercises that teach them how to inhale on the side, and finally to exercises that combine the breathing with the arm and leg movements.

Some examples of level relatable skills are:

Level 1: Supported Front Glides asking the swimmer to kiss the water using “hand on shoulders” technique.
Level 2: Doing five front glides with a kickboard support between benches with the face in the water using the rotation method.
Level 3: Doing three streamlines from the wall to a bench with kicks and 5 freestyle strokes that include 1 breath during the third arm stroke.

Utilize standardized language and formats like rotation method and front glide scripts

A good lesson plan should use consistent and clear language and formats that help the students understand the instructions and feedback from the teacher. Standardized language and formats also help the teacher to communicate effectively and efficiently with the students and avoid confusion or misunderstanding. For example, using the rotation method and the front glide scripts can help the teacher to teach the students the correct body position, alignment, and propulsion for front crawl.

Some examples of standardized language and formats are:

The rotation method: a teaching technique that involves rotating the students through different stations or tasks in a circular or linear fashion. This allows the teacher to give individual attention and feedback to each student, while the rest of the students practice the same skill or activity independently or with a partner.
The front glide scripts: a set of verbal cues that the teacher uses to guide the students through the front glide exercise. The scripts include the following steps: 1) Ready position: the student stands at the edge of the pool with their feet together and their arms stretched out in front of them. 2) Push and glide: the student pushes off the wall with their feet and glides forward with their arms and legs straight and their face in the water. 3) Recover: the student bends their knees and brings their feet to the surface, then lifts their head and arms out of the water and returns to the ready position.

Include games or challenges to stimulate excitement and interest

A good lesson plan should include games or challenges that make the lesson fun and engaging for the students. Games or challenges can help the students to practice the skills they have learned in a playful and enjoyable way, as well as to develop other aspects of swimming such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. For example, playing a game of shark and fish can help the students to practice their front crawl breathing technique, as well as their speed and agility.

Some examples of games or challenges are:

Challenge: One Breath Waltz: This challenge requires swimmers to do a series of underwater movements with only one breath, such as somersaults, twists, and handstands.

Challenge: Streamline Launch: This challenge involves partners, where one person floats on the surface in streamline and the other person pushes their feet to launch them forward. The streamliner must travel a certain distance without falling out of streamline or kicking.
Challenge: Vampire Sleep: This challenge tests swimmers’ ability to float on their back with their face above water and their arms crossed over their chest like a vampire. They must hold this position for as long as possible without moving or sinking.

Challenge swimmers to reach just beyond their current ability

A good lesson plan should challenge the students to reach just beyond their current ability and push them to improve their performance. A challenge should be realistic and achievable, but also require some effort and concentration from the students. A challenge should also provide feedback and reward to the students, such as praise, encouragement, or recognition. For example, setting a time limit or a distance goal for an exercise or a game can challenge the students to swim faster or farther than before.

Some examples of challenges are:

Flatten self like a squished BUG!: This challenge is to lie on your back in the water and stretch your arms and legs out as wide as possible, like a bug that has been squished. This helps you practice your balance and buoyancy in the water.
Dumpy in the Dingas!: This challenge is to swim underwater and collect as many objects as you can, such as rings, balls, or toys. You can use a bucket or a net to store your items. This helps you practice your breath control and diving skills.
Shark Attack!: This challenge is to pretend that you are a shark and chase other swimmers in the pool. You can use your arms to make fins and make shark noises. This helps you practice your speed and agility in the water.

How Swimming Ideas provides these main concepts through the All Access Membership and the lesson plans created using these metrics

Swimming Ideas provides resources and guidance for swimming teachers to create and deliver fun and effective swimming lessons. Swimming Ideas offers an All Access Membership that gives access to a variety of swimming lesson plans, games, and online courses that are based on the main concepts discussed above. Swimming Ideas also provides tools and tutorials on how to create your own swimming lesson plans using these metrics.

Some benefits of using Swimming Ideas are:

You can save time and effort by using the ready-made lesson plans that cover different levels, skills, and objectives.
You can customize and adapt the lesson plans to suit your needs and preferences, as well as the needs and preferences of your students.
You can learn new and innovative ways to teach swimming and make your lessons more fun and engaging.
You can improve your teaching skills and knowledge by taking the online courses and following the best practices and tips.
You can join a community of swimming teachers who share their experiences and ideas and support each other.