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Lesson 8 - Kicking & Breathing Basics

Water Confidence & Play Skills

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Year 1

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Swimming

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55 min

Big Question

How can we use our legs and breathing to move safely through the water?

Learning Objectives

To develop controlled kicking action from the hips
To introduce basic breathing techniques while maintaining body position
To build confidence with flotation and water entry skills

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled kicking with straight body position
Students will coordinate breathing with kicking movements
Students will show improved water confidence and safety awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Kickboards

1 per student (30)

Distributed around pool edge within easy reach

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam boards, or shared boards for pairs

Foam Noodles

6-8

Available poolside for students needing extra buoyancy

Alternative: Swim belts, arm bands for additional support

Arm Discs

15 pairs

Various sizes available for different arm circumferences

Alternative: Arm bands, lightweight arm floats

Tag Belts

8-10

Adjustable belts in different sizes for waist support

Alternative: Pool noodles worn around waist, foam supports

List of Toys

4-6

Small items that can balance on students' backs during activities

Alternative: Lightweight balls, foam shapes, rubber ducks

Key Vocabulary

Kicking action

Movement of legs up and down from the hips to propel through water

Hip position

Keeping hips lifted and level to maintain good body position in water

Breathing pattern

Regular timing of when to breathe while swimming

Kickboard

Float aid held in front to support arms while practising leg action

Body alignment

Keeping body straight from head to toes in the water

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic water entry skills
Floating on back in star shape
Putting face in water comfortably
Understanding of basic water safety

Current Skills

Controlled kicking action from hips
Coordinating breathing with movement
Using kickboard for propulsion
Teamwork in water activities

Next Steps

Front crawl arm action introduction
Coordinating arms and legs together
Breathing to alternate sides
Swimming short distances independently

Milestone Indicators

Straight body position maintained during kicking

Rhythmic breathing pattern established

Confidence using equipment independently

Active participation in team activities

Key Teaching Points

Kicking action must originate from the hips, not the knees, for effective propulsion
Breathing coordination requires steady rhythm - count kicks to establish pattern
Body position is crucial - high hips reduce drag and improve efficiency
Teamwork activities should emphasise support and inclusion over competitive speed
Water safety knowledge must be reinforced regularly through practical application
Progressive skill building ensures confidence before complexity increases
Equipment use should enhance learning, not replace proper technique development

Common Misconceptions

Kicking harder always means swimming faster - technique and efficiency matter more than power
Breathing should happen whenever you feel like it - establishing rhythm is crucial for coordination
Only the fastest swimmers are successful - teamwork, improvement, and safety are equally important
Swimming equipment makes you a better swimmer - it's a tool for learning, not a replacement for skill
If you're good at floating, you don't need to practice safety skills - regular reinforcement is essential

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement-based learning throughout

dyspraxia

Simplified technique instructions, extra practice time, visual technique guides, partner support for coordination challenges

autism spectrum

Predictable lesson structure, advance warning of activity changes, quiet spaces available, visual schedule of lesson activities

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all activities, physical guidance for pool positioning, consistent equipment placement, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards poolside, clear hand signals for communication, vibration signals for timing

physical disability

Modified kicking techniques for individual needs, additional buoyancy support, adapted relay rules, seated poolside participation options

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using descriptive language for techniques, listening and speaking skills during discussions

Science

Understanding forces in water, buoyancy and flotation principles, breathing and oxygen needs, body systems during exercise

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others with different abilities, personal safety and risk assessment, building confidence and resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around pool perimeter to observe all students, position near less confident swimmers during new skills

Observation Focus

Watch for correct kicking technique from hips, safe breathing practices, positive peer interactions, signs of fatigue or distress

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if safety concerns arise, provide additional support for students struggling with coordination, facilitate positive team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Show clear contrast between correct and incorrect techniques, use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate breathing rhythm audibly, model positive encouragement language

Verbal Cues

•'Kick from your hips, not your knees!'
•'Big kicks make big splashes!'
•'Count your kicks: one, two, three, four, five, six... breathe!'
•'Teams stay together - support each other!'
•'Float like a calm starfish if you need to rest!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with minimum 1.2m depth, clear pool edges, adequate space for group activities

Surface Check

Pool water quality tested and safe, pool edges dry and non-slip, emergency equipment accessible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Kickboards checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Buoyancy aids properly fitted and in good condition
•Floating toys appropriate size to avoid choking hazard
•All equipment accounted for before and after lesson

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning - constant supervision required
•Collision with pool edge during kicking
•Equipment failure causing panic
•Students attempting skills beyond ability level
•Slips on wet pool deck

Risk Mitigation

•Adult supervision at appropriate ratios throughout lesson
•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emergency action plan known to all staff
•Buoyancy aids available for less confident swimmers

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students simultaneously during activities
•Extra attention for students using buoyancy aids
•Monitor breathing activities closely for distress signs
•Ensure safe pool entry and exit procedures followed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate assistance, activate emergency response if needed, ensure other students' continued safety