Back Glide Progressions (progression)
Definition: A progression of back glide support levels: Full support of head, back, legs; Full head and neck support, limited back and legs; Minimal head and neck support with no leg or back; Brief independence followed by limited support.
Core cues:
- "Cheek to cheek"
- "Support the head"
- "Palm up on neck"
- "Two fingers on neck"
Coach interpretation:
- Full support of head, back, legs: Earn trust by keeping the swimmer’s face above water.
- Full head and neck support, limited back and legs: Be predictable, consistent, and telegraph your movements.
- Minimal head and neck support with no leg or back: Brief independence followed by limited support.
- Cheek to cheek: Start with Cheek to Cheek connection. Place the swimmer’s head on your shoulder. Get your chest underwater and press your cheek into the swimmer’s cheek. The physical connection will help calm their fear and as comfort grows will develop into a joyful back glide.
- Support the head: Provide the majority of your direct support to their neck and back of the head. Keep the swimmer’s face above water. Assist the lower back or legs as needed; keeping near surface, kicking. Let the swimmer manipulate their torso and legs to stay afloat.
- Palm up on neck: Support the child’s neck with your upturned palm, aiming the web between thumb and pointer into their neck. Cradle the skull with your palm. Provide total support.
- Two fingers on neck: When they are ready, reduce that support to two fingers under the neck. Remove your fingers and hover nearby.
Teaching strategy:
Start with Cheek to Cheek connection. Place the swimmer’s head on your shoulder. Get your chest underwater and press your cheek into the swimmer’s cheek. The physical connection will help calm their fear and as comfort grows will develop into a joyful back glide. Support the head: Provide the majority of your direct support to their neck and back of the head. Keep the swimmer’s face above water. Assist the lower back or legs as needed; keeping near surface, kicking. Let the swimmer manipulate their torso and legs to stay afloat. Palm up on neck: Support the child’s neck with your upturned palm, aiming the web between thumb and pointer into their neck. Cradle the skull with your palm. Provide total support. When they are ready, reduce that support to two fingers under the neck. Remove your fingers and hover nearby.
Common errors and corrections:
- Not specified in source.
Progression:
Full support of head, back, legs → Full head and neck support, limited back and legs → Minimal head and neck support with no leg or back → Brief independence followed by limited support. Within this: Cheek to cheek → Support the head → Palm up on neck → Two fingers on neck.
Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “cheek.”, “total support.”