Lesson 9 - Arm Action and Pulling Technique
Foundations & Water Confidence
•Year 2
•Swimming
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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
Distributed around pool edge before lesson begins
Alternative: Kickboards, foam supports
For partner pulling challenge activity
Alternative: Rubber ducks, foam toys, tennis balls
Only use if students need extra resistance for strength building
Alternative: Small hand paddles, none needed
For students needing extra buoyancy support
Alternative: Additional noodles, none needed
Key Vocabulary
The action of moving your arm through the water to push water backwards and move yourself forward
Hands shaped like a bowl to catch and hold more water when pulling
Taking turns - one arm pulls, then the other arm pulls
The force that pushes you forward through the water
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
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