Five Common Swimming Mistakes (And How Private Lessons Fix Them)

Swimming is a fantastic life skill, a great way to stay fit, and—most importantly—so much fun! But even experienced swimmers can develop bad habits that slow them down or make swimming feel harder than it should. The good news? With 1-2-1 expert coaching and private swimming lessons, these mistakes can be spotted and corrected quickly, helping swimmers of all ages and abilities improve their technique and gain confidence in the water.

Here are five common swimming mistakes and how private lessons can help fix them!

1. Poor Body Position

One of the biggest mistakes swimmers make is not keeping a streamlined body position. If your legs drop too low in the water, it increases drag, making it much harder to move efficiently.

How Private Lessons Help: A swimming coach will teach you to engage your core and keep your body flat and horizontal, reducing resistance. Drills like floating exercises and body alignment work help improve posture in the water, making every stroke more effective.

2. Incorrect Breathing Technique

Breathing might seem simple, but in swimming, poor breathing technique can throw off your entire stroke. Holding your breath or lifting your head too high when inhaling can disrupt balance and slow you down.

How Private Lessons Help: Coaches focus on proper breath timing, ensuring you exhale underwater and take quick, controlled breaths without disrupting your movement. They’ll also introduce side breathing drills to help you stay smooth and efficient.

3. Inefficient Kick

Some swimmers kick too much, exhausting themselves, while others have a weak or uncoordinated kick, reducing their speed. A good kick should be strong but controlled, working in sync with the rest of the body.

How Private Lessons Help: Instructors use kick drills with float boards and resistance exercises to develop power and efficiency. You’ll learn the right kicking motion—whether it’s flutter, dolphin, or breaststroke kick—to maximise propulsion with less effort.

4. Arms Crossing Over the Centre Line

A common mistake in freestyle and backstroke is arms crossing over the body’s centre line, which causes unnecessary zigzagging instead of a straight, efficient swim. This wastes energy and slows you down.

How Private Lessons Help: A coach will teach you to extend your arms correctly and enter the water at the right angle. With targeted drills and stroke correction, you’ll develop a more streamlined, efficient stroke, keeping you moving in a straight line.

5. Lack of Stroke Rhythm and Coordination

Many swimmers struggle with coordinating their arms, legs, and breathing smoothly. This can make swimming feel harder and more tiring than it needs to be.

How Private Lessons Help: Coaches break down strokes into manageable steps, helping swimmers connect their movements more fluidly. Through repetition, drills, and personalised feedback, you’ll build a natural, rhythmic stroke that feels effortless!

Why 1-2-1 Lessons Make a Difference

In a private swimming lesson, everything is tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re just starting out or refining technique, a qualified coach will:

• Identify and correct mistakes quickly
• Provide personalised drills and feedback
• Help you build strength, stamina, and confidence
• Ensure you swim efficiently and safely

If you’re ready to fix your technique and swim better than ever, private lessons are the way to go! Book your session today and take the first step towards becoming a stronger, more confident swimmer.