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 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).
3. I Can Swim 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).
4. 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]
5. I Can Swim with Big Arms and Flutter Kick!
Why: Practicing the arms and legs individually can help with a better understanding of the stroke.
How: Use drills to practice the kick separately and the arms separately.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OECIZ-PyOXQ&w=560&h=315]
6. I Can Swim with Pizza Arms and Frog Legs!
Why: Practicing the arms and legs individually can help with a better understanding of the stroke.
How: Use drills to practice the kick separately and the arms separately.
7. I Can 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
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- Sinking Frog Mats
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- Sinking Rings
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- Sinking Shark Mats
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- Sinking Penguin Mats
Dock Arrangements
Level 3 Beginner
Level 3 Intermediate
Level 3 Advanced