Name
Glide and Catch
Core Skill
Front glide and recover independently.
Who
This game is suitable for Level 2 swimmers who can jump in from the side, fully submerge their head and hold their breath, front float and recover independently, and perform combined arm and leg actions on front.
What
This game helps Level 2 swimmers practice their front glides and recoveries, as well as their coordination and teamwork skills. It adds an element of fun and challenge to the lesson.
How
The instructor gives a group of 4 or 5 swimmers a basket of balls or other floating objects.
One swimmer glides on their front as far as they can (or to a bench), then recovers to a standing position. If you're using two benches, place them close enough to be comfortable for each swimmer to glide there independently.
One teammate throws a toy at the swimmer who just completed the front glide.
If the swimmer catches the toy, the team gets a point. When the team reaches 10 points, they get to "dunk" the instructor or earn another reward, like an extra challenge.
Once the swimmer has caught (or missed) the toy, they hold it in Position 11 and glide back to the starting area. Place the toy to the side.
The next swimmer takes a turn: they glide across the benches, attempt to catch a toy, and return with it to the original bench.
Take turns throwing the toys so everyone gets a turn. Typically, the swimmer who will go next throws the toy to the gliding swimmer.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Younger or less confident swimmers may hesitate to glide far enough or may struggle to recover to standing. Keep the benches close initially and gradually increase the distance. Also, ensure the toys are soft and easy to catch to avoid frustration. For advanced swimmers, increase the challenge:
- Increase the distance between the teams or move them to deeper water.
- Use smaller or heavier objects that are harder to catch or carry.
- Add obstacles or rules that require swimmers to perform skills like rolling, turning, or diving before or after gliding.
I hope you like this game and find it useful for your swimming lessons. Please let me know if you have any feedback or questions.