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Lesson 7 - Front Crawl Kicking Skills

Foundations & Water Confidence

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Year 2

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Swimming

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35 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

Scattered around teaching area for collection activities

Alternative: Floating toys, pool noodle pieces

Kickboards

12 (1 per pair if needed)

Available at pool edge for easy access

Alternative: Pool noodles, arm discs

Foam Noodles

6-8

For students needing additional buoyancy support

Alternative: Swim belts, arm bands

Arm Discs

6 pairs

For students requiring extra confidence support

Alternative: Arm bands, swim vests

Tag Belts

To assist with hip lift for struggling swimmers

Alternative: Pool noodles around waist

Key Vocabulary

Kicking

Moving legs up and down alternately to propel through water

Hip lift

Raising hips towards water surface to maintain horizontal position

Kickboard

Floating aid held in hands to support upper body while practicing leg kicks

Star float

Floating on back with arms and legs spread wide like a star

Buoyancy

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

Consistent alternating leg kick

Horizontal body position maintained

Confident movement across teaching area

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