Teaching the Four Strokes

Following the Learn to Swim Tour events delivered in 2025, we have created this resource to support standardising how we recommend teachers approach each of the four strokes. This resource has been created with the industry, for the industry, to empower swimming teachers to share and align their delivery when teaching the four strokes.

This resource includes the following key points:

• The Introduce, Develop and Master (IDM) Model
• An explanation of BLABT (Body Position, Legs, Arms, Breathing Pattern, Timing)
• Supporting information for the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme
• A list of preferred practices for each stroke using the BLABT process
• A list of unsuitable practices

The list of practices within this resource is not exhaustive or definitive; it focuses specifically on progressing particular components of BLABT. Therefore, consideration is needed for underpinning skills not mentioned, such as flotation practices to achieve body position, or submersion skills to achieve the required breathing pattern.

These practices have also been written without reference to stage, ability or distance. Therefore, professional judgement is required to determine whether a chosen practice is suitable for the participant or group within the lesson.

This is a working document and will be continually reviewed, so if you have any feedback or additional practices that you feel should be added to the list, please contact the competency team at [email protected].