Lesson 11 - Kicking and Gliding on Backs
Foundations & Water Confidence
•Year 2
•Swimming
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Scattered in shallow teaching area for treasure hunt activity
Alternative: Floating toys, sponge balls, plastic balls
Distributed around pool edge for easy access
Alternative: Pool noodles, arm bands for additional support
Available poolside for students requiring additional buoyancy support
Alternative: Arm bands, swim wings
For students needing extra confidence or support
Alternative: Pool noodle worn around waist
Can be used for additional flotation or as kickboard alternative
Alternative: Large kickboard, swim belt
Key Vocabulary
Swimming stroke performed lying on your back with alternating arm and leg movements
Moving through water in a streamlined position without active swimming movements
Alternating leg movements from the hips to propel through water
Body position that reduces water resistance for efficient movement
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
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