Back Glides Script

Back Glides Script (cue_set)

Definition: A supported back glide in which the swimmer is flat at the surface with belly and knees underwater, using a gentle kick for movement. The back glide begins with complete and total support from the instructor, progressing toward independence.

Core cues:

1. "Turn away from me."
2. "Put your shoulders in the water."
3. "Tilt your head back to me."
4. "Push off with my support."

Coach interpretation:

• "Turn away from me": The swimmer rotates so their back faces the instructor; they are now upside-down and backwards.
• "Put your shoulders in the water": The swimmer's shoulders must be submerged. The INS's shoulders needs to be in the water too.
• "Tilt your head back to me": The swimmer tilts the head back toward the instructor, keeping the chin in a neutral, normal position — not tucked, not aiming up or back.
• "Push off with my support": The swimmer pushes off the wall or instructor while the instructor maintains full head and body support.

Teaching strategy:

• Progress slowly. Swimmers are upside-down and backwards; it can be very scary.
• Build trust by supporting the swimmer unconditionally. Do not let go. No surprises.
• Provide full head and body support so that the swimmer's body can relax. A relaxed swimmer will float easier.
• Use Head on Shoulder support: The instructor puts their shoulders in the water. The swimmer rests their head on the instructor's shoulder; their body is supported by the instructor's hands on their legs or lower back.
• Move backwards together singing songs and kicking.
• Can hold swimmer by the knees and kick for them or allow independent kicking.
• Priority: comfort in support laying on back.
• Start with a flat body; the head and chin are in a neutral, normal position. Not tucked, not aiming up or back.

Common errors and corrections:

• Tucked chin (beginner stage): Keep the head and chin in a neutral, normal position. Not tucked, not aiming up or back. The tuck comes later.
• Aiming up or back: Return to neutral chin; the body should be flat at the surface.
• Fear and tension: Build trust through unconditional support. Do not let go. No surprises. A relaxed swimmer will float easier.

Progression:

• Before: Supported glides (the back glide begins with complete and total support, like all supported glides).
• After: As confidence and mastery grows, back glides and backstroke should slightly tuck the chin towards the chest creating a "banana" shape to the body. Full support progresses to independence.

Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “Turn away from me.”