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Jumping Entries

 

Prior to teaching a jumping entry it is important to give consideration to the depth of water in relation to size of the pupil (hard impact with the pool floor can result in injury). It is important to teach the pupil how to land safely i.e. bending the knees to absorb the force.

 

WITH HELPER ON THE SIDE

 

helper secured and holding pupil’s hand

 

Teaching Points

 

toes over the edge

bend knees on landing

 

Considerations

 

suitable for those with confidence

pupils must normally be able to stand in the water

not suitable in very shallow water

 

WITH HELPER IN THE WATER

 

helper reaches towards the child

 

Considerations

 

helper must be confident in the water

helper should be an adult

 

UNAIDED

 

Once the pupil can jump confidently to a helper in the water the next step is to jump unaided. At this point it is vital to stress:

 

Teaching Points

 

look forwards

stress feet first entry

 

Benefits of an unaided jumping entry

 

al lows the whole group to enter at the same time

saves time

is good fun

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Back Crawl

Some learners prefer Back Crawl because the face is clear of the water and breathing is easy.

Back Crawl with its continuous alternating actions is the most efficient backstroke and invariably used in backstroke competition.

There are obvious similarities between Front Crawl and Back Crawl. These associations are useful when pupils are reminded of a skill or a part of a skill which is familiar to them.

Body Position

Key Points

 

supine horizontal and streamlined

the head is pillowed in the water ears just submerged

the head is kept still eyes look upwards or slightly towards the feet

the chin may be tucked down slightly to help to keep the legs in the water

the hips must be close to the surface

the shoulders lean or roll into the stroke

there is a slight slope down from head to hips to keep the legs in the water

the legs tend to sway towards the pulling arm. This is kept to a minimum by an efficient leg action

Leg Action

The leg action helps to maintain the horizontal body position and balances the arm action. This minimises the tendency for the legs to sway from side to side. It may contribute some propulsion

 

Key Points

 

the continuous up and down alternating action is initiated at the hips

the legs work close together big toes nearly brushing past each other

the legs are almost straight with the knees staying below the surface

the ankles are relaxed to allow the toes to point – (plantar flexed) and to in-toe naturally

the feet kick to the surface at the end of the upbeat without splashing

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Floating

Mushroom (Jelly Fish) Float

 

“What goes up must come down” is true and applicable to learners who jump up to try and float. If the skill starts from a standing position the shoulders should be lowered and the feet gently lifted from the pool floor.

There are a few who because of their physical make up are unable to remain afloat even with their lungs full of air. Such non-floaters may need to move their arms and legs a little to achieve flotation.

The mushroom float is easy because balance is achieved automatically. Some of the upper back should be above the surface hence the name of the skill. It is a useful test for flotation.

shoulders down

take a breath

lift the feet

knees tucked

head down towards the knees

arms wrapped around the knees or shins

Pupils can count to time themselves. Ten seconds is adequate. Pupils should be discouraged from holding their breath for longer periods.

 

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