How can I teach swimming if I can't remember ever learning?

Question

I lived all my life in my house 5 blocks away from an olympic size pool and a diving 5 meter deep diving pool with a 10 meter platform. A lot of people get impressed I can swim 5 km without stopping, or how fast I can swim, or how I can reach the bottom of the 5 metter deep pool, or me diving from the 10 meter platform. Very often, people ask me to teach them to swim or dive, but I can't. I have no idea how I breathe, I don't know how I float, I don't know how to I do diving postion, I just do it. My parents took me to the pool while I was in diapers, it's like walking, I can't remember ever learning. I have some vague memories of me at 7 years old diving from the 10 meter, but I have no idea how I got over the fear most people get, or how exactly did I learn the technique.

How can I learn to teach swimming?

Answer 1

Tell people that you are not currently qualified to teach even though you may be good. Just because you possess the skill doesn't mean you can pass that skill onto others. Some of the worst coaches I have ever had were incredible swimmers.

But, if you want to learn, teach swimming lessons starting with the lowest levels, and build yourself up to the more advanced levels as you gain experience. Just like learning how to swim, you need to learn how to teach the basics before training swimmers for the olympics. They typically are very structured and you'll learn how other people teach the young kids, and you'll see what works. Some people might not get over the fear of water, but there are techniques to get kids less afraid, and every teacher has different techniques. Once you understand how to teach the rudimentary basics, then teach more advanced levels (stroke building, refining). You'll find that some techniques work for some people, and some don't. People learn in different ways, and although you have a set way of doing things doesn't necessarily someone else will pick up on it.

I know my style of teaching comes from at least a dozen people that have either taught me or alongside me. I take the ideas that work and use them myself.

Answer 2

If you go to riptideswimteam.com there is a DVD out (I think). And you can buy it and it will give you great tips. The person who made it does triathlons and entered 4th in the Iron Man triathlon. Try that.

Answer 3

watch other swimming instructors and see how they teach.