Flick a Frog: A Fun Prop Game for Swim Lessons

Name

Flick a Frog

Core Skill

Aerobic Workout (coach's choice)

Who

This game is appropriate for anyone who can already swim and has an understanding of longer distances. Specifically, kids should know how to swim 50 free, 50 back, and at least what a 50 breaststroke kick or swim, and 50 fly kick and swim are. The video shows the second level of the swim team (Developmental 2), who know how to do streamline, swim 50's freestyle, and backstroke, and are learning breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. They should be familiar with the concept of 50 Back kick down and swim back (where you do a 50 where the first 25 is only kick in soldier, and the second 25 is swim backstroke).

Items you'll need:

1. Frogs
2. Hula hoop (large circle)
3. Diving rings (small circle)

What

The game works on whatever the coach wants to work on that day. The core concept is: flick a frog, then do an activity based on the result. You should pick a broad, somewhat easy skill but one that requires effort for the "flat out miss" or failure selection. For the large circle (Hula Hoop), make it more aerobic but keep it high on the likability scale. The goal is to give them a workout while allowing choice or doing something fun.

How

1. Give everyone their own frog. Each person gets one chance to "flick the frog" from the side of the pool into the rings. 2. If they miss a ring, they perform the designated failure activity. 3. If they get the frog in the big ring (Hula Hoop), they do a slightly more fun activity. 4. If they get it in the little diving ring, they do something very fun. 5. Everyone gets to go 5-6 times. Allow a few minutes to practice before you begin.

1. 1st attempt: 5 flips and a 1-minute float.
2. 2nd attempt: 25 noodle swim.
3. 3rd attempt: Coach gets you a water break.
4. 4th attempt: 50 fins silly swim.
5. 5th attempt: Sing a song for 20 seconds.

Difficulties Instructors Might Face

The main difficulty is managing the expectation of failure; since the activity relies on missing, you must be prepared for many repetitions and potential frustration. Keep the energy high and focus on the fun of the attempt rather than the perfect execution to keep the mood light.