**YouTube Talks Referenced in the Meeting:**

[**What is Feldenkrais?**](https://youtu.be/voC0aWkl3f8)

[**Movement preparation - Physical literacy intro for coaches**](https://youtu.be/sjbXmWLzD5Y)

[**Interview with Gaby Wulf & Rebecca Lewthwaite, OPTIMAL Theory of Motor Learning**](https://youtu.be/_BGNVfQDkdc)

**Swimming Instruction Simplification Strategies**

Glenn discussed his recent focus on simplifying swimming instruction and the importance of teaching proper push-offs from the wall during a camp. He explained how he realized that more swimming movements can be effectively taught on land before applying them in the water, drawing inspiration from past publications with Steve Hoffler and current insights from Jessica. Glenn was preparing to present a slideshow that combined his conversations with Claude and research on new approaches to dry land training for swimming.

**Swimming Technique Evaluation Method**

Glenn discussed his approach to evaluating swimming technique by observing the first five minutes of practice, focusing on whether swimmers are intentional with their first rep and proper application of skills rather than just speed. He explained how he records his teaching sessions with counselors and instructs them not to give any instructions during initial practice to assess natural technique. Glenn shared an example from last year's camp where it took 23 100-meter swims over several days to ensure all swimmers mastered basic details like lane etiquette, streamline technique, and proper hand placement at the finish.

**Swimming Instruction Philosophy Discussion**

Glenn discussed his approach to teaching swimming techniques to 12-13 year olds at camp, emphasizing the importance of empowering them to be problem solvers and think logically. He demonstrated this through a practical exercise where he taught proper lane etiquette and spacing, while also encouraging them to prioritize safety over strict technique execution. Glenn explained his philosophy on swimming instruction, contrasting traditional volume-driven approaches with a model that focuses on body awareness and intentional lap strategies, referencing Steve Hoffler's work in this area.

**Swimming Technique Teaching Methods**

Glenn discussed the importance of teaching proper technique on land before swimming, explaining that water can mask poor form and strain. He referenced Moshe Feldenkrais's concept that elite movers perform difficult tasks with minimal muscular movement, and emphasized that efficiency is learned through slow, deliberate sensation rather than fast repetition. Glenn also shared his experience working with a 10-year-old swimmer through a virtual app, noting that demonstrating proper technique through video is more effective than just sending evaluations back to the student.

**Swimming Ankle Flexibility Techniques**

Glenn discussed the importance of teaching land-based exercises to help swimmers develop better recovery techniques and ankle flexibility before transitioning to pool exercises. He shared a video about nervous system education and body awareness, emphasizing how critical ankle flexibility is in swimming, as noted by Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe. Glenn also described a "Get Ready to Go Swim" program developed with Barbara, which involves playful foot exercises to improve ankle mobility and flexibility among young swimmers.

**Swimming Training Preparation Methods**

Glenn discussed the importance of starting swimming training with proper movement preparation and physical literacy, emphasizing the "sensation into skill" approach where swimmers first understand movements on land before translating them to water. He highlighted the need for coaches to provide guidance without physical manipulation, especially when working with children, using Keanu Reeves as an example of appropriate physical interaction. Glenn stressed the importance of protecting children during training and ensuring movements are preloaded and memorized before transitioning to water practice.

**Swimming Technique Teaching Challenges**

Glenn discussed the challenges of teaching swimming techniques, particularly how concepts are easier to demonstrate on land before translating them to water. He shared an example of working with a new swimmer who was performing breaststroke underwater pulls with straight arms, illustrating how the swimmer's perception of what felt right was actually incorrect. Glenn emphasized the importance of teaching what "feels right" is the correct technique, using land-based demonstrations to help swimmers understand proper form before applying it in the water.

**Swimming Technique Teaching Strategies**

Glenn led a discussion on teaching swimming techniques, focusing on the importance of land-based exercises to develop sensory awareness and muscle memory before applying skills in the water. He emphasized the value of external cues, like using noodles for backstroke starts, to help swimmers focus on specific movements. Glenn and other participants, including Mike and Mark, highlighted the significance of maintaining a positive and humorous approach while correcting techniques, as well as the need to recognize and build on individual talents rather than expecting complete proficiency. Glenn also shared updates about supporting a colleague in Iran who is continuing to teach swimming despite challenging circumstances.

 

This week we continue the discussion on how to maximize time AT the pool and not necessarily IN the pool.  The pool is expensive real estate, so we’ll encourage you to use it only for what can’t happen on land.  By thinking “land first,” you can employ proven techniques to increase learning.  Watching technique videos allows the brain to start learning and rehearsing correct movement patterns.  Using simple visualization techniques allows the brain to consolidate and deeply incorporate those movement patterns. Dryland exercises targeted to specific swimming moves will pre-wire the nervous system to correctly execute those moves – without using a minute of pool time.  Come be part of the discussion!

 

**Building a Better Butterfly: Learn Butterfly Arms – Lifting Arms**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3101-learn-butterfly-arms-lifting-arms>

 

**Dryland with Giles Smith: Deadbugs**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2847-deadbugs>

 

**Dryland: Medball Chest Pass**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/834-dryland-medball-chest-pass>

 

**Get Ready to Go Swim: Ankles!**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/618-ankles>

 

**Go Swim Dryland Cord Training: Open Turn – Fine Point**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2789-open-turn-fine-point>

 

**Dryland with Giles Smith: Starter Squats**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2871-starter-squats>

 

**Cullen Jones: Dryland Training – Vertical Hops**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/962-dryland-vertical-hops>

 

**Steve Haufler Backstroke: Teaching the Backstroke Start**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1298-teaching-the-backstroke-start>


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June 16, 2026 - Think "Land First"