1. I Can Streamline
Why: Achieving a streamline body position will not only increase the feeling of Buoyancy and Balance but it will also improve the way a student moves through the water.
How: Have students raise their arms above their head and tuck them tightly behind their ears ( hand over hand, finger over finger). The belly is sucked in to decrease curvature of the spine in the lower back and their head should be relaxed to ensure that their neck is in line with the their spine. In theory, a perfect, straight line will be made down the backside of a swimmer from their head to their feet. Extended periods of breath holding is never advised and students may pop up for a breath where needed.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij0QS8R-F8s&w=560&h=315]
2. I Can Swim Elementary Backstroke
Why: The Elementary Backstroke is a great way for students to swim further distances without expending a lot of energy and has simple arm and leg movements!
How: Students should swim (using simultaneous arm and leg movements) from dock to dock without assistance with the stroke or recovery.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvn9QinYMQc&w=420&h=315]
3. Across the Pool with Roll Overs
Why: Increasing the distance of a familiar skill is a great way to build confidence in the beginning of the session!
How: Students should swim from dock to dock and then stand back up. The docks should be positioned half way across the pool at first. Then as the students gain confidence you may increase the distance ( use a target at the bottom of the pool to indicate when to roll over and rest).
4. Across the Pool with Pop Ups
Why: Increasing the distance of a familiar skill is a great way to build confidence in the beginning of the session!
How: Students should swim from dock to dock and then stand back up. The docks should be positioned half way across the pool at first. Then as the students gain confidence you ay increase the distance ( use a target at the bottom of the pool to indicate when to pop up for a breath).
5. I Can Swim Under Water
Why: For students to gain comfort and confidence with breath control and exploring the underwater world!
How: Place a weighted Hula Hoop at the bottom of the pool. One at a time have students jump in from the pool edge and change their body position to swim to the bottom of the pool and through the hoop. Any swim is acceptable but utilizing breaststroke arm pulls tend to be the most effective way to move through the water.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MustXUhfbw?ecver=1&w=560&h=315]
6. Jump, Swim and Climb
Why: For students to gain comfort with swimming longer distances and develop the strength to pull themselves out of the pool without assistance.
How: Students feet first jump into the pool roll to the back and swim across (using any arm and leg movements) once they reach their destination have them climb out independently. You can have two students jump at once or stagger their jumps to speed things up and keep everyone moving!
PROPS
Hula Hoops and Weighted Rings
Sinking Hula Hoops
Diving Rings
Sinking Mats
Dock Arrangements
Level 3 Beginner
Level 3 Intermediate
Level 3 Advanced