Although originally called a ‘Method’, the Halliwick Concept is more than just a means of teaching swimming. The term ‘Concept’ was later used to encompass all aspects of the swimmer’s development, physical, psychological and social. As James MacMillan (known as ‘Mac’) said,"the mind, the body and the spirit". ‘Concept’ also reflects the dynamic nature of our work, developing as our knowledge increases and our experience widens.

Halliwick is based on principles of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics and kinesiology. It is an holistic approach, bringing together knowledge about: the water and the body; teaching and learning; motivation; challenge; activities, games and music; group dynamics; disability equality issues and swimming strokes.

Swimmers are taught on a one-to-one ratio until complete independence is achieved but each pair is a unit within a group activity so that the swimmer gains advantage of group work but also gaining from the constant attention of an individual instructor. No flotation aids are used so the swimmer is able to discover their own balanced position in the water by learning to deal with any problems of imbalance.

The structure of teaching is the Ten Point Programme. Points 1 & 2 are Mental Adjustment, which includes breathing control and relaxation, and Disengagement, the process of becoming independent in the water. Both are points the swimmer has to deal with as each new skill is introduced. The control of rotational forces are covered by points 3 to 6, then comes learning about Upthrust, Balance and Turbulent gliding (points 7 to 9) and finally Propulsion. Point 10 is a simple progression and a basic swimming stroke.