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Lesson 7 - Kicking Action Development

Water Confidence & Play Skills

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Year 1

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Swimming

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35 min

Big Question

How can we use our legs to move through water like a fish?

Learning Objectives

To develop the kicking action on front
To improve body position and buoyancy control
To practise water safety skills through floating

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved kicking technique with better hip position
Students will show increased confidence moving through water using kickboards
Students will apply water safety knowledge through star floating activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

Distributed around teaching area for retrieval activities

Alternative: Floating toys, foam shapes, plastic bottles

Kickboards

12 (1 per student)

Stored at pool edge, easily accessible for students

Alternative: Pool noodles, floating mats if kickboards unavailable

Foam Noodles

6-8

Available for students needing extra buoyancy support

Alternative: Swim belts, arm bands for additional support

Arm Discs

6 pairs

Ready for students requiring additional arm support

Alternative: Arm bands, water wings for nervous swimmers

Tag Belts

For students needing core buoyancy assistance

Alternative: Foam back floats, noodles under arms

Key Vocabulary

Kicking action

Alternating leg movement from the hips to propel through water

Hip position

Lifting hips up towards surface to maintain good body alignment

Streamlined

Body shape that reduces drag and moves efficiently through water

Kickboard

Buoyancy aid held in front to support upper body while practising leg kicks

Star float

Floating position on back with arms and legs spread wide like a star

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic water confidence and entry skills
Ability to submerge face and blow bubbles
Understanding of star float position

Current Skills

Coordinated leg kicking action from hips
Improved body position and buoyancy
Integration of kicking with breathing patterns

Next Steps

Introduction of basic arm movements
Combining arms and legs for basic swimming stroke
Developing rhythmical breathing patterns

Milestone Indicators

Consistent kicking rhythm maintained for 10+ seconds

Hip position elevated without constant reminders

Independent movement across teaching area using kickboard

Key Teaching Points

Kick from hips not knees - demonstrate the difference clearly
Maintain straight body shape with hips lifted near surface
Develop rhythmic alternating leg action with consistent timing
Coordinate breathing with kicking without disrupting technique
Use proper kickboard grip with arms extended and shoulder-width apart
Emphasise water safety through star floating and emergency procedures
Build confidence through progressive skill development and positive reinforcement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster kicking always means better swimming - quality over speed
Believing arms do all the work in swimming - legs provide essential propulsion
Assuming floating requires constant effort - relaxation aids buoyancy
Expecting immediate perfection - swimming skills develop through practice and patience
Focusing only on technique - water confidence and safety are equally important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer regular positive feedback, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment, offer physical guidance when needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, allow processing time, create quiet spaces if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of all movements, provide physical guidance for hand placement, use bright coloured equipment for contrast

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, simple hand signals for instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Modify entry/exit methods using ramps or hoists, provide additional buoyancy support, adapt kicking exercises for individual needs

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning new vocabulary, giving clear instructions to partners, describing movements

Maths

Counting kick sequences, timing activities, measuring distances travelled

Science

Understanding forces in water, buoyancy principles, breathing and oxygen use

PSHE

Building confidence, supporting others, following safety rules and instructions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

In water with students, positioned to maintain visual contact with all participants at all times

Observation Focus

Monitor kicking technique, body position, breathing patterns, and confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students show signs of fatigue, anxiety, or unsafe behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to highlight key technique points, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Kick from your hips like you're flicking water with your toes!'
•'Lift those hips up like you're trying to balance a cup on your back!'
•'Blow bubbles gently - don't hold your breath!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Designated shallow teaching area with clear boundaries, minimum 4m x 8m space

Surface Check

Non-slip pool deck, clear visibility underwater, appropriate water depth for standing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check kickboards for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure foam balls are clean and in good condition
•Verify all buoyancy aids are properly inflated and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning - constant supervision required
•Slipping on wet surfaces around pool
•Collisions between students during games
•Fatigue leading to reduced swimming ability
•Panic or anxiety in water environment

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain constant visual supervision of all students
•Ensure appropriate adult-to-student ratios (1:6 maximum)
•Clear pool deck of equipment when not in use
•Monitor student energy levels and provide rest breaks
•Create calm, supportive atmosphere to reduce anxiety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students at all times
•Stay within immediate reach of less confident swimmers
•Monitor breathing patterns during submersion activities
•Watch for signs of fatigue or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assist student to safety, assess need for first aid, contact emergency services if required