Lesson 8 - Kicking & Breathing Basics
Water Confidence & Play Skills
•Year 1
•Swimming
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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
Distributed around pool edge within easy reach
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam boards, or shared boards for pairs
Available poolside for students needing extra buoyancy
Alternative: Swim belts, arm bands for additional support
Various sizes available for different arm circumferences
Alternative: Arm bands, lightweight arm floats
Adjustable belts in different sizes for waist support
Alternative: Pool noodles worn around waist, foam supports
Small items that can balance on students' backs during activities
Alternative: Lightweight balls, foam shapes, rubber ducks
Key Vocabulary
Movement of legs up and down from the hips to propel through water
Keeping hips lifted and level to maintain good body position in water
Regular timing of when to breathe while swimming
Float aid held in front to support arms while practising leg action
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
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