Beginner Swim Drills: Essential Techniques for Level 1 & 2 Lessons

<em>(Listen to the full discussion on using drills in your beginner lessons below!)</em>

Do you use drills in your Level One and Level Two swim lessons? If so, how do you incorporate them into your teaching routine?

In this episode, we look at key body posture drills and essential skills for teaching young participants how to start swimming. Mastering these foundational movements builds confidence and proper technique from day one.

🏊 Key Beginner Drills and Skills

The goal of early drills is not speed, but establishing proper body alignment and developing the core strength needed for efficient movement. Here are some essential skills to focus on:

Core Posture & Alignment

• Side Glide: This drill is incredibly valuable when done correctly. It requires significant core strength to keep the body straight and horizontal, preventing the head from lifting excessively just to breathe.
• Streamline: Mastering the perfect streamline position is critical. It teaches swimmers how to minimize drag and maintain a powerful, efficient body line through the water.

Drill Progression (Kickboard & Body Work)

• Kickboard in Position 11: Focus on maintaining a strong horizontal body line while kicking.
• Rolling Over: Practice rolling over from front to back (on the belly), taking a breath, and rolling over again, continuing the motion. This builds crucial rotational awareness for turns.
• One-Arm Kickboard on Side: Excellent for developing unilateral strength and maintaining body position while kicking with one arm.
• Catchup Drill with Kickboard: Helps students coordinate their arms and maintain a proper stroke sequence.
• Catchup Drill in Position 11: Integrating the catchup motion while maintaining the streamlined body position.

Advanced Skill Integration

• Almost Position 11: This variation helps reduce the time spent in the perfect streamline, forcing students to transition and maintain form during movement.
• 3 Strokes / 18 Kicks on Side: This combination emphasizes both kicking power and the ability to sustain proper body position over a longer duration.

Throughout these drills, remember to place a strong emphasis on kicking and using that kick to create forward propulsion. This reinforces the idea that swimming is a full-body effort!

<em>Ready to plan your next session? <a href="https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/swimming-lesson-plans/">Check out our SLI Swim Instructor Training Workbook!</a></em>