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Lesson 11 - Kicking and Gliding on Backs

Water Confidence & Play Skills

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Year 1

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Swimming

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can we use our legs to propel ourselves backwards through the water whilst maintaining a straight body position?

Learning Objectives

To develop the kicking action whilst floating on backs with support
To practise gliding backwards from the wall in a streamlined position
To combine gliding and kicking to travel across the water on backs

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled kicking on their backs using a kickboard
Students will glide backwards from the wall maintaining body alignment
Students will show improved confidence when floating on their backs

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

Scatter mix of floating and sinking objects in teaching area centre

Alternative: Floating toys, rubber ducks, lightweight objects

Kickboards

12 (1 per student minimum)

Stack at pool edge for easy distribution during activities

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam floats

Arm Discs

12 pairs

Available for students requiring additional buoyancy support

Alternative: Inflatable armbands, swim vests

Tag Belts

6-8

For students needing core support during back floating

Alternative: Buoyancy jackets, foam supports

Foam Noodles

6-8

Can be used under back or held across chest for support

Alternative: Foam logs, flexible pool aids

Key Vocabulary

Gliding

Moving smoothly through water using momentum from a push-off

Hip lift

Raising the hips toward the surface to improve floating position

Streamlined

Body position that reduces resistance as you move through water

Alternating kick

Kicking with one leg then the other in a rhythmic pattern

Push-off

Using leg strength to propel yourself away from the wall

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic water confidence and entry techniques
Holding onto pool edge safely
Understanding of floating concepts
Basic front stroke movements

Current Skills

Back kicking technique with support
Backwards gliding from wall
Body positioning for backstroke
Using equipment to aid floating

Next Steps

Independent back kicking without support
Introduction to back stroke arm actions
Longer distance back swimming
Combination of strokes and breathing

Milestone Indicators

Confident kicking on back with kickboard

Maintains straight body during glide

Shows hip lift and leg alternation

Can combine gliding with kicking smoothly

Key Teaching Points

Hip lift is crucial for successful back floating - emphasise 'belly button to sky' imagery
Kicking action must come from hips, not knees - demonstrate difference clearly
Streamlined position during gliding maximises distance - hands together overhead
Partner feedback should be specific and constructive - model good coaching language
Safety during entry and exit is paramount - never rush these procedures
Build confidence gradually from wall support to independence in back floating
Use games and challenges to maintain engagement while reinforcing technique

Common Misconceptions

Students think lifting their head helps them see better but it causes hips to sink
Many believe kicking harder from knees is better than smooth hip-driven action
Some students think they need to kick constantly rather than using glide momentum first
Children often assume back floating is more difficult than front floating
Students may think they need to hold breath during back floating instead of relaxed breathing
Some believe they can't float without equipment when they may have sufficient natural buoyancy

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback and encouragement, physical activity breaks, clear visual boundaries in water

dyspraxia

Larger kickboards for easier handling, simplified instructions broken into small steps, extra practice time for coordination skills, patient encouragement

autism spectrum

Clear predictable routine for lesson structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed for breaks, consistent instructor language

visual impairment

Use bright coloured kickboards for visibility, provide clear verbal descriptions of all techniques, buddy system with sighted partner for safety

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all skills, use hand signals for communication, written instruction cards if needed, visual cues for timing

physical disability

Adapted equipment such as specialist buoyancy aids, modified techniques based on individual needs, additional adult support in water if required

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring glide distances and recording improvements, counting kick beats and timing, comparing distances and making calculations

Science

Forces in water - push and pull forces during swimming, buoyancy and floating principles, water resistance and streamlined shapes

Geography

Understanding water safety in different environments, map work related to swimming pool layout and space

PSHE

Personal safety around water, building confidence and resilience, supporting others and giving constructive feedback

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of teaching area for visibility of all students, move around pool edge during individual skill practice, enter water if necessary for close support of struggling students

Observation Focus

Watch for proper breathing and comfort levels during back floating, monitor push-off technique for safety, observe hip position and kicking action quality

Intervention Points

Step in if students show signs of panic during back floating, assist with pool exit if students struggling, provide extra support during first attempts at new skills

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Proper back floating position with exaggerated hip lift, show kick technique on pool side first, model streamlined gliding position, demonstrate safe pool exit method clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Belly button to the sky!' for hip lift
•'Head on your pillow!' for relaxed back position
•'Long straight legs like rulers!' for kick technique
•'Push the pool away!' for exit technique

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with shallow end suitable for Year 1 students (1.0-1.2m depth), minimum 10m x 6m teaching area

Surface Check

Pool water temperature 28-30°C, clear visibility throughout teaching area, non-slip pool surround

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All kickboards checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Foam objects confirmed as pool-safe and non-toxic
•Buoyancy aids properly inflated and fitted if used
•Pool entry/exit points clear of obstacles

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning during back floating attempts
•Collisions during push-off or crossing activities
•Slips on wet pool deck during entry/exit
•Panic or distress when transitioning to back position
•Equipment failure causing unexpected submersion

Risk Mitigation

•Constant visual supervision of all students in water
•Progressive skill building from wall support to independence
•Clear boundaries established for teaching area
•Adequate buoyancy support available for less confident students
•Safe entry and exit procedures practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Move around teaching area to provide close support during new skills
•Monitor high-activity areas during games and partner work
•Maintain rescue equipment accessibility at all times

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any student in distress, clear rescue access, appropriate water rescue or first aid response, emergency services contact if required