🏊

Lesson 9 - Arm Action and Pulling Technique

Foundations & Water Confidence

•

Year 2

•

Swimming

•

35 min

Big Question

How can we use our arms like powerful paddles to move efficiently through water?

Learning Objectives

To develop the fundamental arm action of pulling in swimming
To understand how hand position affects movement through water
To coordinate arm movements with body position and kicking

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate alternating arm pulling action to propel themselves forward
Students will show understanding of cupped hand technique for effective water displacement
Students will maintain streamlined body position while using arm movements

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Noodles

1 per student (30)

Distributed around pool edge before lesson begins

Alternative: Kickboards, foam supports

Softballs

15 (1 per pair)

For partner pulling challenge activity

Alternative: Rubber ducks, foam toys, tennis balls

Arm Discs

Only use if students need extra resistance for strength building

Alternative: Small hand paddles, none needed

Tag Belts

For students needing extra buoyancy support

Alternative: Additional noodles, none needed

Key Vocabulary

Pulling

The action of moving your arm through the water to push water backwards and move yourself forward

Cupped hands

Hands shaped like a bowl to catch and hold more water when pulling

Alternating

Taking turns - one arm pulls, then the other arm pulls

Propulsion

The force that pushes you forward through the water

Streamlined

Body position that cuts through water smoothly with minimal resistance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Can enter pool safely using sitting entry
Can kick with legs while holding kickboard
Can float with support and maintain basic body position

Current Skills

Develop alternating arm pulling action
Understand hand cupping for water displacement
Coordinate arms with body position and kicking

Next Steps

Coordinate breathing with arm strokes
Develop front crawl stroke rhythm
Swimming longer distances with consistent technique

Milestone Indicators

Maintains cupped hand position throughout pull

Shows clear alternating pattern in arm movements

Demonstrates improved forward propulsion when using arms

Key Teaching Points

Cupped hands are essential for effective water displacement and propulsion
Strong, quick pulling actions generate more forward movement than slow, weak pulls
Alternating arm pattern creates smooth and efficient swimming rhythm
Body position must remain streamlined while arms are working
Coordination between arm pulls and leg kicks improves overall swimming efficiency
Water safety and proper pool entry/exit techniques are fundamental
Understanding water displacement principles helps students improve technique independently

Common Misconceptions

Flat hands work just as well as cupped hands - demonstrate water displacement differences
Faster arm movements always mean faster swimming - emphasise technique quality over speed
Arms work independently from the rest of the body - show importance of coordination
Splashing means good technique - explain efficient vs inefficient water movement
Swimming is only about arm strength - highlight role of body position and leg action

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, use energetic activities to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Slow down movement demonstrations, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activity sequence, offer quiet zones if overstimulated

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Ensure clear visual demonstrations, use hand signals for underwater communication, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt arm movements to individual capabilities, use additional buoyancy aids, modify relay activities for participation

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using technical vocabulary correctly, explaining technique to others

Maths

Counting crossings and measuring time, comparing speeds and distances, understanding patterns in arm movements

Science

Forces and motion - understanding how pushing water backwards creates forward movement, exploring resistance and propulsion

PSHE

Building water confidence, teamwork during relay activities, perseverance when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at pool edge with clear view of all students, move around pool perimeter to observe different angles

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand cupping, alternating arm pattern, coordination with leg action, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if students show unsafe behaviour, technique completely breaks down, or water confidence issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show technique both in and out of water, emphasise key points with repetition

Verbal Cues

•'Cup those hands like bowls!'
•'Pull the water backwards, push yourself forwards!'
•'One arm, then the other - like climbing a ladder!'
•'Strong body, straight line, powerful pulls!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Teaching pool area minimum 10m x 15m, maximum depth 1.2m for standing activities

Surface Check

Pool deck clean and non-slip, pool water clear with good visibility to bottom

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check noodles have no tears or damage
•Ensure floating objects are appropriate size (not choking hazards)
•Verify all equipment is pool-safe and non-toxic

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slipping on wet pool deck
•Underwater activity during relay
•Collision during competitive activities
•Exhaustion during extended swimming

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pool entry and exit procedures established
•Adequate spacing maintained during all activities
•Underwater activity closely supervised
•Rest periods provided as needed
•Emergency equipment readily accessible

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor underwater activity during relay closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue or distress
•Maintain clear sight lines during partner activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, call for additional help if needed