Lesson 7 - Front Crawl Kicking Skills
Foundations & Water Confidence
•Year 2
•Swimming
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How can we develop powerful and controlled kicking to help us swim efficiently and stay safe in water?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the kicking action on front crawl technique
- To improve body position and hip lift for better buoyancy
- To build water confidence through structured swimming activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled kicking from the hips with alternating leg action
- Students will maintain horizontal body position with lifted hips while kicking
- Students will apply kicking skills in game situations and water safety scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Scattered around teaching area for collection activities
Alternative: Floating toys, pool noodle pieces
Available at pool edge for easy access
Alternative: Pool noodles, arm discs
For students needing additional buoyancy support
Alternative: Swim belts, arm bands
For students requiring extra confidence support
Alternative: Arm bands, swim vests
To assist with hip lift for struggling swimmers
Alternative: Pool noodles around waist
Key Vocabulary
Moving legs up and down alternately to propel through water
Raising hips towards water surface to maintain horizontal position
Floating aid held in hands to support upper body while practicing leg kicks
Floating on back with arms and legs spread wide like a star
The force that helps objects float in water
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic water entry and exit techniques
- Floating on back in star position
- Holding pool edge for support
Current Skills
- Developing leg kick from hips
- Maintaining horizontal body position
- Coordinating kicking with breathing
Next Steps
- Introduction to arm actions in front crawl
- Combined arm and leg coordination
- Swimming longer distances
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Kick from hips not knees - imagine kicking a ball with your whole leg
- Lift hips to surface level to maintain horizontal body position
- Blow bubbles continuously when face is in water - never hold breath
- Water safety first - float like a star if you fall in water
- Strong, alternating kicks create forward movement and help with floating
- Maintain straight body shape like a rigid plank when swimming
- Count kicks accurately to develop breathing rhythm and coordination
Common Misconceptions
- Students think kicking harder means bending knees more - emphasise straight leg movement from hips
- Belief that holding breath underwater is safer - teach continuous bubble blowing
- Assumption that swimming fast means better technique - focus on control and efficiency
- Thinking that sinking is normal - explain how proper body position prevents sinking
- Misconception that floating requires constant movement - teach relaxed star position
- Belief that kickboards should be held close to body - demonstrate extended arm position
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries in water, immediate feedback and praise, structured choices within activities
dyspraxia
- Broken-down skill demonstrations, extra practice time, larger equipment for easier handling, simplified coordination patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet areas available if needed, consistent instructions and demonstrations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for guidance, tactile demonstrations
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, clear hand signals for instructions, written safety rules displayed, buddy support
physical disability
- Adapted entry methods using ladder or hoist, modified kicking practice using pool noodles, seated floating variations, individualised support
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting kicks in sets of 6, measuring swimming distances, timing activities and rest periods
Science
Forces in water - buoyancy and resistance, breathing and lung capacity, body systems during exercise
Geography
Understanding directions in water, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around pool
PSHE
Water safety and risk assessment, cooperation and teamwork, building confidence and resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around pool edge to maintain visual contact with all students, enter water when demonstrating if necessary
Observation Focus
Watch for kicking technique from hips, horizontal body position, breathing coordination, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in if students show distress, poor technique, or unsafe behaviour. Provide immediate feedback and support
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating. Enter water if needed to show proper technique at student eye level
Verbal Cues
- •'Kick from your hips like a powerful fish!'
- •'Lift those hips to the sky!'
- •'Make those feet splash!'
- •'Blow bubbles like you're making a bubble bath!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Swimming pool with minimum 1.2m depth for safe jumping, designated teaching area 15m x 10m
Surface Check
Pool water chemistry checked, clear water with good visibility, appropriate temperature 28-30°C
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All kickboards checked for cracks or damage
- •Foam balls confirmed as pool-safe materials
- •Buoyancy aids inspected and correctly fitted
- •Pool edge checked for sharp edges or hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Drowning - constant supervision required
- •Slipping on wet pool edge
- •Collision between swimmers
- •Exhaustion during swimming activities
- •Panic response in water
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain constant visual contact with all students
- •Ensure adequate spacing during all activities
- •Progressive skill building from supported to independent
- •Clear emergency procedures communicated
- •Regular rest periods and skill checks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Stay within immediate reach during skill introduction
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue or distress
- •Maintain clear sight lines during games
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, secure distressed student, provide appropriate assistance, emergency contact readily available