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Lesson 11 - Kicking and Gliding on Backs

Foundations & Water Confidence

•

Year 2

•

Swimming

•

35 min

Big Question

How can we use our legs and body position to move efficiently on our backs in water?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective kicking action whilst floating on backs
To demonstrate controlled gliding technique on backs from wall push-off
To understand the importance of body position for efficient backstroke movement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate coordinated leg kicks whilst maintaining back float position
Students will glide in a streamlined position for increasing distances on their backs
Students will explain how hip position affects floating and movement efficiency

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

Scattered in shallow teaching area for treasure hunt activity

Alternative: Floating toys, sponge balls, plastic balls

Kickboards

12 (1 per 2-3 students)

Distributed around pool edge for easy access

Alternative: Pool noodles, arm bands for additional support

Arm Discs

Variable

Available poolside for students requiring additional buoyancy support

Alternative: Arm bands, swim wings

Tag Belts

Variable

For students needing extra confidence or support

Alternative: Pool noodle worn around waist

Foam Noodles

Variable

Can be used for additional flotation or as kickboard alternative

Alternative: Large kickboard, swim belt

Key Vocabulary

Backstroke

Swimming stroke performed lying on your back with alternating arm and leg movements

Gliding

Moving through water in a streamlined position without active swimming movements

Kicking

Alternating leg movements from the hips to propel through water

Streamlined

Body position that reduces water resistance for efficient movement

Hip position

The height and angle of hips in water affecting flotation and movement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic water confidence and pool entry/exit
Floating on front with support
Basic leg kicks whilst holding pool edge

Current Skills

Back floating with equipment support
Coordinated backstroke leg action
Streamlined gliding position on back

Next Steps

Independent back floating without equipment
Introduction to backstroke arm action
Combined stroke development

Milestone Indicators

Maintains horizontal body position whilst kicking

Demonstrates straight-line gliding for 3+ metres

Shows consistent alternating leg action

Key Teaching Points

Hip position is crucial for effective back floating and movement
Alternating leg kicks should originate from the hips, not knees
Streamlined body position reduces drag and increases gliding distance
Partner feedback develops both teaching and learning skills
Progressive skill building from supported to independent practice ensures safety
Positive reinforcement builds water confidence for future stroke development
Equipment should support learning, not replace skill development

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they need to kick very fast rather than with proper technique
Belief that lifting the head helps with floating when it actually causes hips to sink
Assumption that stronger swimmers don't need equipment support during skill learning
Misconception that gliding is just floating when it requires active streamlined positioning
Thinking that back swimming is easier than front swimming for beginners

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, additional equipment support for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice area available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for body position

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Adapted entry/exit methods, additional flotation support, modified distances and expectations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring gliding distances in metres, counting kick repetitions, timing activities in seconds and minutes

Science

Understanding buoyancy and flotation, forces and resistance in water, body systems during exercise

Geography

Directional movement and spatial awareness, understanding of water environments and safety

PSHE

Building resilience through skill practice, cooperation during partner work, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Remain in water within arm's reach of teaching area centre, rotating position to maintain sight of all students

Observation Focus

Monitor body position during floating, kick coordination, confidence levels, and safe equipment use

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if student shows distress, loses body position dangerously, or equipment fails

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate on pool edge when appropriate, provide individual physical guidance as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Lift your hips to the sky!'
•'Kick from your hips like marching!'
•'Arms like arrows pointing the way!'
•'Relax your head back in the water!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Shallow teaching pool area where all students can stand comfortably with water depth chest-high maximum

Surface Check

Non-slip pool surround, clear pool bottom visible, appropriate water temperature maintained

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Kickboards checked for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Flotation aids properly sized and in good condition
•Pool toys confirmed as pool-safe materials only

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning or submersion during back floating
•Collision with pool walls during kicking practice
•Slips and falls during pool entry/exit
•Equipment failure causing loss of support

Risk Mitigation

•Continuous visual supervision of all students
•Teaching area boundaries clearly established and maintained
•Progressive skill building from supported to independent practice
•Multiple flotation options available for varying confidence levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for complete visibility of all students at all times
•Maintain proximity to less confident swimmers
•Monitor closely during wall push-off activities

Emergency Procedures

Immediate pool evacuation signal established, rescue equipment positioned poolside, qualified pool supervision present throughout lesson

Lesson 11 - Kicking and Gliding on Backs

How can we use our legs and body position to move efficiently on our backs in water?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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