Name
25 Position 11 Freestyle Challenge
One-Liner
Swim a 25-yard freestyle using position 11 arms, aiming for the fewest strokes possible.
Success Criteria
Complete the 25-yard swim with proper position 11 freestyle technique and achieve the lowest stroke count among participants.
Failure Criteria
Stopping to kick without stroking, dropping arms, bending elbows, or crossing hands. Swimmers must continue taking strokes — they cannot just kick in position 11.
Core Skill
Freestyle arms reaching to position 11 with every stroke
Who
Level 4 swimmers who can swim at least 25 yards of freestyle with proper breathing
What
A personal challenge game where swimmers try to swim a 25 with as few strokes of position 11 freestyle as possible. This means returning the arms to position 11 after every arm stroke.Position 11 is when the arms are extended straight in front of the head, with the hands touching or overlapping<sup>1</sup>.
How
- Explain the rules of the game and demonstrate position 11 freestyle.
- Have each swimmer start at one end of the pool and swim one length using position 11 freestyle. They can breathe whenever they need to, but they must keep their arms in position 11 when they are not pulling.
- When they reach the other end, stop and write down the number of strokes they used.
- The swimmer with the fewest strokes to do a 25 in position 11 freestyle is the winner!
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
- Some swimmers may find it hard to maintain position 11 freestyle for a long distance or time. They may drop their arms, bend their elbows, or cross their hands. Instructors should provide feedback and encouragement to help them improve their technique.
- Some swimmers may swim too fast or too slow using position 11 freestyle. They may lose their rhythm or their balance. Instructors should remind them to swim at a moderate pace and to keep their head down and their body streamlined.
- Some swimmers may not understand the purpose or the benefit of position 11 freestyle. They may think it is boring or pointless. Instructors should explain that position 11 freestyle helps them develop a smooth and long freestyle stroke, as well as a strong kick and a good breathing pattern.