Swimming Challenge: Kick on Side Helicopter Arm

Name

Kick on Side Helicopter Arm

One-Liner

Swimmers push off in a streamlined position, rotate to their side, and spin one arm above the water like a helicopter blade while kicking continuously.

Success Criteria

Swimmers must complete a full, non-dipping underwater spin of the “helicopter” arm at least 5 times (3 times for beginners) while kicking about 3-5 body lengths.

Failure Criteria

The swimmer’s arm dips underwater during the spin, or they cannot maintain the side position and kicking motion for the required distance.

Core Skill

This challenge focuses on improving the swimmer’s front crawl (freestyle) technique, particularly enhancing body rotation, arm movement, and kicking strength.

Who

1. Level 2 swimmers
2. Level 3 swimmers
3. Level 4 swimmers
4. Developmental swimmers

What

The “Kick on Side Helicopter Arm” challenge involves swimmers pushing off the wall in a streamlined position on their belly, then rotating their body to one side transitioning into Position 1. The swimmer maintains Position 1 with the lower arm while the upper arm spins above the water like a helicopter blade. The swimmer kicks continuously to keep their body at the surface.

How

Difficulties Instructors Might Face