teaching swim lessons

Question
After a ten year hiatus I am getting back in to teaching private swim lessons.  I love it but feel a bit rusty remembering all the helpful hints to pass along to the kids.  I just finished with an adult and had no problems, but just started with a 7 year old and am having trouble remembering the drills I used to use to teach.  Any suggestions- teaching websites, etc. that might help?

Answer
Katie,
Congratulations on getting back in the swing of things.  I am on a break from coaching right now.  I am enjoying it, but I do miss the interactions.

I have personally never used a website, but I have found a few that might help.

http://swimming.about.com/cs/techniquetips/a/Freestyl_Drills.htm

http://www.mvm.org/workouts-drills.php
(I know their coach...he is great!)

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/swim-cgi/

http://www.cruciblefitness.com/etips/swimming-drills.htm

http://www.goswim.tv/drilloftheweek_archives.php

I don't know if these will help you or not.  I suggest you use your gut instinct.  You wouldn't be in this job if someone didn't believe in you.  Think about what the goal is with the student.  What action or response are you trying to achieve.  From this point work backwards.  What actions will help get this person to their goal.  Many times I find that I have to create individualized drills for my students.  Or, I have to use different words with younger children to get them to do what I want.

I use pop culture and cartoons a lot with younger children.  I tell them to pretend they are ________ and grab the apple in front of them.  Or reach out like ____________ to stretch as big as you can.  Or pretend you are your mom/dad's size and stretch.

These are just examples of how I might motivate a child to stretch their arms.  Overall, it's supposed to be fun.  It's easier to work with adults who usually give you responses verbally and understand how their bodies work.  Children are sometimes awkward and not in control of their bodies yet.  Work with that in mind and THINK ON YOUR FEET.  I think that each individual lesson is unique.  You might have a goal in mind, but how you get to that goal is going to depend on that individual swimmer.

I don't know if this helped at all.
I do wish you the best of luck.
Eric