Alligator walks

Alligator walks (skill)

Definition: Bread and butter skill. Do alligator walks frequently to move around the shallow water, to encourage putting face in the water, and have fun. Body flat, legs extended behind the body, arms in water, chin near surface, comfortable moving through water using hands and feet. Done in shallow water, about 3-6 inches deep.

Core cues:

1. "Lay flat, use feet to kick."
2. "Walk on hands or elbows. Stay low to the surface of the water."
3. "kiss the water"
4. "you can only “walk” with one hand. The other must push against the water only."
5. "Lay flat on your back in zero-depth water with ears underwater"

Coach interpretation:

• Lay flat, use feet to kick: Body flat, legs extended behind the body, arms in water, chin near surface; feet kick when moving.
• Walk on hands or elbows. Stay low to the surface of the water: Relaxed body and happy or joyful when face falls in water; able to move through arm deep water.
• kiss the water: Ask swimmers to “kiss the water” frequently.
• you can only “walk” with one hand. The other must push against the water only: Introduce challenges while moving.
• Lay flat on your back in zero-depth water with ears underwater: Body relaxed with head resting peacefully on the ground. Water should flow over the ears without discomfort or distraction.

Teaching strategy:

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. Ask swimmers to “kiss the water” frequently. Lay flat, use feet to kick. Walk on hands or elbows. Stay low to the surface of the water. Laugh, smile, PLAY!

Common errors and corrections:

• Avoid shoulders out: Dry instructor = boring class. This is the most crucial class for a swim instructor to lay down in the water, get their head wet, and play.
• Avoid stairs and stagnation: Stairs might be an appealing alternative to zero-depth or super shallow, but they can be cramped, restrict movement, and lose the ability for swimmers to play without fear of falling into deep water.
• If you see an instructor towering over their students they’re not “on their level” playing games and joining in the fun.

Progression:

Guppies (Ages: 2-4). Testable skills: Does swimmer follow directions? Lay flat on your back in zero-depth water with ears underwater. Follow instructions and play a three step game like “Treasure Hunt.” Be a part of a group activity like Bake a Cake. Independent water exploration in chest deep water with supervision. Front and Back floats supported and unsupported. Underwater progression.

⚠ Language below was not found in the source — do not publish as-is. Most often this means the original sits inside a table or a multi-column layout that extraction could not read cleanly:

• “Lay flat on your back with ears submerged”
• “Be a part of a group activity like Bake a Cake”
• “Front and Back floats supported and unsupported.”
• “If you see an instructor towering over their students they’re not “on their level” playing games and joining in the fun.”

Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “Avoid shoulders out”, “Laugh, smile, PLAY!”