Name
Streamline Hop
Core Skill
Streamline and going underwater
Who
Level 3, Level 4, and swim team swimmers
What
This is an excellent game to start moving and getting in the water right away. It is fairly simple, and even beginners can participate. Give feedback on good streamline: lock thumb, squeezed ears, looking ahead. It is also more fun than just jumping in and swimming right away.
How
At the beginning of a swim team practice, when all the new developmental swimmers are sitting or standing behind the lanes, use this fun activity to get them warmed up, in the pool, and moving right away.
Have one person demonstrate first.
- Jump in feet first.
- Immediately go underwater and bundle your legs so that your whole body goes underwater. Like doing the "grow into a sprout" activity, put your hands on your head and jump off the bottom to launch yourself up into streamline.
With each jump, hop yourself forward until you get to the flags. After the flags, you can start swimming your first distance swim: 25 free, 100 IM kick, or whatever you do first at the beginning of practice to warm up.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Some swimmers may be hesitant to go completely underwater or may struggle to get their belly button above the surface. Encourage them to tuck tightly and explode upward. For very new swimmers, allow them to start with a smaller hop or practice the "grow into a sprout" motion on the pool deck first. Keep the feedback positive and focus on one correction at a time.