Name
Mirror, Mirror, Pose
Core Skill
This game helps swimmers improve theirstreamline,stroke technique, andbody awarenessby using swim mirrors to observe their own movements in the water.
Who
This game is suitable for Level 3 swimmers who have learned the basics of freestyle, breaststroke, and butterfly, and can swim at least 25 yards without stopping. It also works well for Level 2 and Level 4 swimmers with appropriate adjustments.
What
This game requires swim mirrors placed on the bottom of the pool in the swimmer’s lane. The mirrors should be at least 3 body lengths long and cover the entire width of the lane. The game consists of the following steps:
- Swimmers streamline off the wall and do 2 strokes of any stroke they choose — freestyle, breaststroke, or butterfly. They can also do a drill instead of a stroke.
- At the end of the 2 strokes, they must do any pose they choose and float. The pose can be anything they want, such as a star, a ball, or a fish.
- The goal is to watch themselves swim the entire time, including the streamline, to see what it looks like. The pose is a fun aspect intended to be silly and enjoyable.
- The instructor will celebrate the swimmer who has the coolest pose according to their judgment.
How
To play this game, the instructor will need to:
- Set up the swim mirrors on the bottom of the pool in the swimmer’s lane. Make sure they are secure and do not move or slide.
- Explain the rules and objectives of the game to the swimmers. Demonstrate an example of how to do the game, if possible.
- One swimmer goes at a time while the others wait at the wall. The instructor watches and gives feedback to each swimmer.
- After each swimmer finishes their turn, the instructor praises their effort and comments on their pose. The instructor also points out any areas of improvement for their streamline or stroke technique, if needed.
- The instructor decides which swimmer has the coolest pose in each group and announces it to the class. The instructor can give a small reward or incentive to the winners, such as a sticker, a candy, or a high five.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Some possible difficulties an instructor may face when playing this game include:
