Staple Games for Swim Lessons: Fun Activities for Every Level

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🏊‍♂️ Essential Staple Games for Swim Lessons

While it's true that once you get a group of swimmers with you more regularly—where they know you and are used to your system and routines—you can start playing more inventive and dynamic games, remember this key point: For beginners, or for summer temporary staff, the best games are the staples, the basics, the go-to activities.

Buckethead

This is a fun, first game we teach swim instructors. It's one of the easiest games to play, but it requires fun and energy—qualities often in high supply for beginners who are often younger!

<strong>Why it works:</strong> Buckethead gives lots of opportunity to bond in a positive, trust-earning way with swimmers.

<em>[Read more about this game: <a href="https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/2012/06/28/game-buckethead/" target="_blank">Buckethead Game Details</a>]</em>

Bake a Cake

This underwater game is perfect for early learners and focuses on fun while building core swimming skills.

<em>[Read more about this game: <a href="https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/2012/04/19/underwater-game-for-beginners/" target="_blank">Bake a Cake Game Details</a>]</em>

Jumps (The Reset Button)

Jumps are highly versatile and can be adapted for assisted, unassisted, or different types of movements. They are most successful when given a certain number of attempts each time, as clear instructions provide maximum benefit.

💡 Coach's Tip: When to use Jumps

Jumps are excellent for:

Refreshing or Resetting: Use them when you are doing a lot of work with specific skill focus, helping break up the monotony.Skill Integration: When you're doing repetitive glides and arm stroke work, a jump sequence can provide a mental break while still reinforcing technique.

They are effective for getting used to going underwater and are great for learning how to recover after falling in. If participants hold your hands, you can control the depth to which they fall in, making it a safe way to practice recovery.

<strong>Adding Complexity:</strong> Don't stop at just jumping in! Make additions using clear instructions. For example:

Jump in, swim to instructor, then streamline back to the wall with a boost.Jump in, roll over on your back, then kick on your back to the wall.

✨ Beyond Staples: Dynamic Physical Challenges

While staples are foundational, remember that the goal is variety! Think of physical challenges as a dynamic category of games rather than just relying on one single activity.

These can include:

Specific body position challenges (e.g., streamline holds).Flips in seconds (practicing quick transitions).General contests based on speed or endurance over short distances.

The Ultimate Resource: Creating Your Own Games

Every game discussed in this podcast can be created on the fly using a formula found in the book, *How to Create Fun and Effective Swim Games*. This resource is invaluable for coaches who want to keep their lesson plans fresh and engaging.

You can get a copy of the book here: <a href="http://amzn.to/1UdwqG4" target="_blank">Amazon Link</a>

Staple Games for Swim Lessons: Fun Activities for Every Level