Alligator Walk (skill)
Definition: A bread and butter skill performed in zero-depth or shallow water (about 3–6 inches deep) where the swimmer lays flat on their back with ears submerged, moving through water using hands and feet.
Core cues:
- "Lay flat on your back in zero-depth water with ears underwater"
- "Lay flat, use feet to kick."
- "Walk on hands or elbows. Stay low to the surface of the water."
- "Ask swimmers to "kiss the water" frequently."
- "you can only "walk" with one hand. The other must push against the water only."
Coach interpretation:
- Body flat, legs extended behind the body, arms in water, chin near surface: The swimmer should be comfortable moving through water using hands and feet; watch that the body stays flat and low rather than propping up.
- Relaxed body and happy or joyful when face falls in water: The goal is a relaxed, joyful response to water on the face, not tension or distress.
- Feet kick when moving: Propulsion comes from the feet; watch that the legs are actively kicking rather than dragging.
- Body relaxed with head resting peacefully on the ground: Water should flow over the ears without discomfort or distraction; the head is not lifted or turned.
Teaching strategy:
Done in shallow water, about 3–6 inches deep. Start in super shallow portions and move to deeper water; add support when needed. Can allow swimmers to put their head in instructor's hands to help support. Do alligator walks frequently to move around the shallow water, to encourage putting face in the water, and have fun. Introduce challenges while moving, such as restricting to one hand. Ask swimmers to "kiss the water" frequently. The instructor should be in the water, on their level, playing and laughing — not standing dry above the swimmers.
Progression:
- Foundation: Lay flat on back with ears submerged in super shallow water.
- Development: Alligator walks in 3–6 inches of water, moving with hands and feet.
- Goal: Able to move through arm deep water.
- Related skills in the Guppies unit: Front and Back floats supported and unsupported; games such as Treasure Hunt, Bake a Cake, and Pirates or Cruise ship.