Individual Medley: IM (skill)
Definition: Level 4: IM. Know all 4 competitive strokes; able to do all pieces if not whole swim.
Core cues:
- "Level 4: IM. Know all 4 competitive strokes; able to do all pieces if not whole swim."
Coach interpretation:
- Know all 4 competitive strokes: the instructor must watch for the swimmer's knowledge of all four competitive strokes.
- Able to do all pieces if not whole swim: the instructor must watch for the swimmer being able to do all pieces even if not the whole swim.
Teaching strategy:
Define the single essential skill for each of your levels. Categorize first; nuance later. The goal of Quick Testing is to assign levels super fast. Experienced Leaders can quick test a person in about 30 seconds of interaction. Focus on speed. Refine levels and groups later as you see the swimmer in the water more. Update your records to match. Testing: brief & keep moving. Use Quick Test criteria. Once assessed get swimmer out of.
Progression:
Level 1: go underwater alone. Level 2: independent glides. Level 3: Front crawl side breathing; no lifting head. Level 4: IM. Know all 4 competitive strokes; able to do all pieces if not whole swim.
Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “Level 4: IM. Know all 4”, “levels super fast.”, “interaction.”