Parent Tot Activity: Passing to the Wall Technique Guide

Parent Tot Activity: Passing to the Wall Technique Guide

Passing to the wall is a fundamental skill that builds confidence, improves body awareness, and prepares toddlers for independent swimming. This activity is designed to be fun and engaging for both parents and little ones, allowing you to progress at your child's pace.

Getting Started: The Setup

Before beginning the passing drill, ensure your child is comfortable in the water and that the pool area is safe. The goal of this initial setup is to get the child oriented toward the wall while maintaining parent support.

Starting Position

• The child should be held by the parent, positioned horizontally facing towards the wall.The parent should hold the child in front of their body, facing away from the direction of travel.

The Passing Drill Steps

Once positioned, follow these steps to execute the passing drill:

1. Count together: “1, 2, 3, GO!”The parent extends their arm, passing the child forward.The child should reach out and grab the wall independently.

Progressive Skill Levels

This activity is highly adaptable. We recommend starting at the beginner level and only moving up when your child demonstrates mastery and comfort at the current stage. Remember to keep the tone playful!

Beginner Level (Maximum Support)

At this stage, the parent provides maximum physical support. The parent holds onto the child for the entire duration of the drill, ensuring safety and stability while practicing the forward momentum.

Intermediate Level (Assisted Release)

As confidence grows, the parent gradually reduces physical contact. The parent lets go of the child just before they reach the wall, requiring the child to use their own strength and timing to complete the final reach.

Advanced Level (Independent Practice)

This is the goal! The parent pushes the child underwater toward the wall, stopping about one body length away. The child must then grasp the wall completely independently, demonstrating true mastery of the skill and confidence in their own propulsion.