From glides to short swims to independence (progression)
Definition: A progression from glides to short swims to independence, built on large arm motions, the feeling of being in Position 11, and the Catch-up Drill.
Core cues:
- Hands on shoulders
- Hands in hands
- Catch-up Drill with float support
- Short and longer distances
- Refine arm recovery and add breathing
Coach interpretation:
- Hands on shoulders: Large arm motions learned along with the feeling of being in Position 11 with total support.
- Hands in hands: With the face in the water and arms comfortably in Position 11 push swimmer's hands 1 at a time. Large arm motions remain the focus.
- Catch-up Drill with float support: Moderate distances of independent arm strokes without breathing while using a float support like a kick board.
- Short and longer distances: Increase the distances without support. Emphasize Position 11 and allow a straight arm recovery.
- Refine arm recovery and add breathing: Once a comfortable Position 11 and Catch-up swim is established add breaths and bent elbows.
Teaching strategy:
Begin with Hands on shoulders so large arm motions are learned along with the feeling of being in Position 11 with total support. Move to Hands in hands: with the face in the water and arms comfortably in Position 11 push swimmer's hands 1 at a time, keeping large arm motions the focus. Then use the Catch-up Drill with float support for moderate distances of independent arm strokes without breathing while using a float support like a kick board. Next, increase the distances without support, emphasizing Position 11 and allowing a straight arm recovery. Once a comfortable Position 11 and Catch-up swim is established, add breaths and bent elbows. Limit distances before introducing breathing. Slowly increase as quality improves.
Common errors and corrections:
- Bending the body like a banana: The hips and head twist together along the spinal axis to breathe.
Progression:
Hands on shoulders → Hands in hands → Catch-up Drill with float support → Short and longer distances → Refine arm recovery and add breathing. The Catch-up Drill leads to independent arm strokes.
Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “Hands on shoulders:”, “Hands in hands:”