Name
Kickboard Chaos
Core Skill
Kicking
Who
Beginners who are comfortable with water on their face. This game works well for Level 2 and Level 3 swimmers who are building their kicking endurance and confidence.
What
A fun, fast-paced team game that combines kicking, splashing, and aiming. Swimmers use kickboards to race to the flags while carrying a diving ring, then try to toss it into a bucket held by a teammate.
How
- Divide swimmers into two teams. Place each team in a separate lane. Set a bench at the flags in each lane. Swimmers gather near the wall in shallow water where they can stand.
- Give each team two kickboards, several diving rings, and one bucket.
- Choose one team member to be the Bucket Holder (the goal). They stand on the platform with the bucket.
- Swimmers take turns kicking from the wall to the flags using a kickboard. Each swimmer carries one diving ring on top of the kickboard.
- Kickers must keep moving and may not stop kicking. When they reach the flags, they must keep kicking while throwing their ring at the bucket. If a kicker stops kicking, their ring toss does not count. If they lose control of the kickboard, their throw also does not count.
- The next kicker can start their turn as soon as the previous swimmer returns to the wall.
- The goal is to throw the diving ring into the bucket held by the team member. The Bucket Holder must try to catch the ring in the bucket.
- The first team to fill their bucket with all their rings wins.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
- Some swimmers may struggle to balance on the kickboard while kicking or to aim the ring accurately onto the kickboard. Encourage them to focus on a steady kick and a gentle toss.
- Competitive or aggressive swimmers might try to splash or interfere with the other team. Remind everyone that this is a fun game and set clear boundaries before starting.
- If teams are large, some swimmers may get bored or distracted while waiting for their turn. Keep teams small (3–4 swimmers each) or run multiple rounds to keep everyone engaged.