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Lesson 6 - Leadership & Pyramid Training

Fitness & Water Safety Leadership

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Year 7

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Swimming

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Big Question

How can you design a training programme that challenges you whilst helping others improve?

Learning Objectives

To deliver and lead effective warm-up sessions for peers
To complete pyramid training workouts with appropriate intensity
To use different swimming equipment effectively and understand their purpose

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully lead a structured warm-up session
Students will complete a full pyramid training workout demonstrating stamina and technique
Students will explain the purpose and benefits of different swimming equipment

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

25m or 50m pool with marked lanes

Ensure water temperature is appropriate (29-31°C), clear visibility to pool floor, rescue equipment accessible

Alternative: Any length pool - adjust distances proportionally

Rope

4-6 lanes

Secure lane ropes to prevent tangling, ensure even spacing

Alternative: If unavailable, mark lanes with pool markers or cones on poolside

Float

1 per student (minimum 15)

Place at poolside in accessible location, check for damage/deterioration

Alternative: Pool noodles can substitute

Pool Buoys

1 per student (minimum 15)

Various sizes available - match to student size, check straps if applicable

Alternative: Small floats held between legs if buoys unavailable

Flipper

15 pairs in various sizes (child to adult)

Organise by size for easy selection, check for splits or damage

Alternative: Can be completed without if unavailable, though learning value reduced

Hand Paddles

15 pairs in various sizes

Check straps are intact, organise by size, demonstrate proper fitting

Alternative: Can be completed without if unavailable

Pace clock or timing system

1.5 visible from all lanes

Position where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Use poolside clock, stopwatch, or teacher timing

Sun Markers

1 waterproof or poolside board

Write pyramid workout structure clearly visible to all

Alternative: Laminated cards with workout details

Key Vocabulary

Independence

Taking control of your own learning and making choices about your activities

Responsibility

Helping others as a coach and ensuring everyone trains safely

Ownership

Taking personal control of your improvement and progress

Pyramid training

A training method where distances progressively increase then decrease, building stamina and pace control

Floats

Buoyancy aids held in hands to isolate and strengthen leg movements

Pool buoys

Flotation devices placed between legs to isolate upper body and build arm strength

Flippers

Fin-like extensions worn on feet to increase leg strength, speed and ankle flexibility

Hand paddles

Resistance tools worn on hands to increase upper body strength and improve stroke technique

FITT principles

Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type - the four elements of effective training programme design

Leadership

Taking responsibility for guiding, motivating and supporting others in their learning

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic swimming strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke)
Understanding of warm-up principles
Experience with structured swimming sessions
Knowledge of pool safety procedures

Current Skills

Leadership and coaching abilities
Pyramid training methodology
Equipment selection and application
Training programme design
Self-directed fitness development

Next Steps

Designing complete training programmes
Advanced training techniques (interval, fartlek)
Working towards external swimming qualifications
Mentoring younger students in swimming

Milestone Indicators

Confidently leads warm-up for 5+ peers

Completes pyramid workout without excessive rest

Selects appropriate equipment for specific training goals

Creates a structured training plan using FITT principles

Key Teaching Points

Pyramid training builds stamina by progressively increasing then decreasing distances, teaching pace management and mental resilience
Leadership requires clear communication, confident demonstration, and ability to adapt to group needs
Different swimming equipment serves specific training purposes: floats (legs), buoys (arms), flippers (power), paddles (strength)
Training intensity must be sustainable - pace management is more important than speed in endurance training
Independence in training means making informed choices about equipment, distances, and intensity based on personal goals
Mental toughness is developed through pushing beyond comfort zones while maintaining safety and technique
Effective training requires structured planning using principles like FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type)

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Pyramid training is only about the peak 100m. Reality: Every distance contributes to stamina development and the complete pyramid is the achievement.
Misconception: Swimming equipment is only for beginners or weak swimmers. Reality: Elite swimmers use equipment as training tools to isolate and strengthen specific muscle groups.
Misconception: Rest periods mean you're not working hard enough. Reality: Appropriate rest is essential for training stimulus and injury prevention - it's part of the training.
Misconception: Faster swimming is always better training. Reality: Sustainable pace with good technique provides better training stimulus than short sprints followed by exhaustion.
Misconception: You must complete every swim at maximum effort. Reality: Training is about progressive overload and appropriate intensity, not exhausting yourself every swim.
Misconception: Leadership means being the loudest or most confident. Reality: Effective leadership includes clear communication, empathy, adaptability, and supporting others to succeed.
Misconception: Equipment makes swimming easier. Reality: Equipment provides different challenges - buoys make arms work harder, paddles increase resistance, training is not easier but differently focused.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear, concise instructions repeated as needed. Frequent activity changes built into lesson structure. Pyramid workout provides clear structure and immediate goals. Equipment stations provide novelty and engagement. Regular positive feedback and recognition. Allow movement and fidgeting during discussion time. Break homework task into smaller steps. Use of visual timers.

dyspraxia

Extended time at equipment stations to build confidence. Larger, easier-to-grip equipment options. Simplified pyramid structure (fewer repetitions at each distance). Demonstration and repeat modelling of equipment use. Patient, step-by-step instructions for fitting flippers/paddles. Buddy support during equipment exploration. Focus on personal progress not peer comparison. Written checklist for homework task.

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson structure at beginning. Clear, predictable routine for pyramid workout. Warnings before transitions ('2 minutes until we change stations'). Quiet zone available if sensory overload occurs. Written breakdown of pyramid structure to reduce anxiety. Option to lead warm-up with script/prompt cards. Clear expectations and explicit social scripts for peer interactions.

visual impairment

Use lane ropes with different textures for tactile identification. Provide detailed verbal descriptions of pyramid structure and equipment. Buddy system with sighted peer for equipment stations. Bright coloured equipment for any partial vision. Audio cues (whistle patterns) for start/stop signals. Clear verbal countdown during rest periods.

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all activities before starting. Use visual signals for start/stop (raising hand, flashlight). Written pyramid structure displayed on poolside board. Ensure student can see teacher's face for lip-reading. Visual timers for rest periods. Buddy system for rotation instructions. Written instructions for homework task.

physical disability

Modify pyramid distances to match capability (e.g., 10m-25m-50m-25m-10m). Extended rest periods as needed. Allow use of flotation equipment throughout if required. Adapt equipment station activities to abilities (e.g., arm exercises at poolside with paddles if unable to swim). Focus on personal achievement not comparison to peers. Specialised equipment if available (pool wheelchair access, specialist flotation).

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in leadership - clear verbal instructions, appropriate volume and pace. Providing constructive feedback to peers. Articulating personal reflections and learning. Writing training logs and plans using appropriate terminology and structure.

Science

Understanding cardiovascular system during sustained exercise. Exploring muscle fatigue and lactic acid accumulation. Examining forces and resistance in water. Investigating buoyancy principles with floats and buoys. Understanding leverage and resistance with paddles. Exploring flexibility and range of motion in swimming strokes.

Design Technology

Understanding design of swimming equipment - how form follows function. Planning and designing personal training programmes considering multiple variables. Evaluating effectiveness of different equipment designs for specific purposes.

Mathematics

Calculating total distance swum in pyramid (adding 25m+50m+75m+100m+75m+50m+25m = 600m). Working with time intervals and rest periods. Understanding progressive numerical patterns in pyramid structure. Measuring and comparing personal times across different distances.

PSHE

Developing resilience and mental toughness through challenging physical activity. Building leadership skills through warm-up delivery and peer coaching. Taking responsibility for personal fitness and training planning. Setting and working towards personal goals. Supporting and encouraging peers. Building confidence through achievement of demanding tasks.

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Maintain central poolside position with visibility of all lanes during pyramid workout. During equipment stations, continuously circulate between four stations providing feedback. Never turn back to pool or obstruct view of entire group. Position with emergency rescue equipment within immediate reach.

Observation Focus

Watch for: technique deterioration indicating fatigue, irregular breathing patterns suggesting distress, students stopping mid-length, signs of cramp (sudden stop, grimacing), equipment misuse, collision risks, shivering or blue lips indicating cold, engagement levels and motivation, peer interactions and support.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: any safety concern arises, student shows signs of distress or exhaustion, technique breakdown risks injury (especially with paddles), equipment misuse occurs, student stops mid-pool during pyramid, collision risks present, negative interactions between students, inappropriate leadership behaviours during warm-up.

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: proper float grip and body position at beginning of equipment section. Show: correct pool buoy placement between thighs. Model: proper flipper fitting and walk carefully to demonstrate safety. Display: hand paddle strap adjustment and emphasise maintaining good technique. During warm-up: model confident leadership stance, clear verbal projection, and demonstration-first approach.

Verbal Cues

•'Pace yourselves, this is sustainable effort not sprinting!'
•'Maintain your technique - tired muscles still need good form!'
•'You can rest at the side if needed - safety first!'
•'Breathe regularly, find your rhythm!'
•'Encourage each other - we succeed together!'
•'Focus on your own pace, not others!'
•'Mental toughness is a skill - you're developing it now!'
•'How you finish shows your character - finish strong!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

25-metre or 50-metre swimming pool with 4-6 marked lanes. Water depth suitable for Year 7 students (minimum 1.2m in shallow end). Clear visibility to pool floor. Adequate deck space for equipment storage.

Surface Check

Pool water clarity checked - can see bottom clearly. Pool deck inspected for slip hazards - wet patches, equipment left out. Chemical levels appropriate. Water temperature between 28-30°C ideal for training session.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All floats checked for tears, deterioration, or waterlogging
•Pool buoys inspected for damage and secure construction
•Flippers checked for splits, sharp edges, broken straps
•Hand paddles inspected for broken straps, sharp edges, proper sizing
•Lane ropes securely fastened at both ends with proper tension
•Emergency rescue equipment accessible and in working order

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Exhaustion from demanding pyramid workout - could lead to difficulty completing lengths safely
•Muscle cramps from intensive swimming - particularly leg cramps in later stages
•Collisions between swimmers - especially when using flippers (increased speed)
•Shoulder strain from hand paddles - particularly with accumulated fatigue
•Slip hazards on poolside - equipment, water, rushing
•Cold exposure - extended time in water during equipment exploration
•Drowning risk - always present in aquatic environment

Risk Mitigation

•Students ability-assessed before lesson and grouped in appropriate lanes
•Continuous active supervision throughout entire lesson
•Clear instruction that students can rest at poolside if needed during pyramid
•Adequate rest periods built into pyramid structure
•Progression from shorter to longer distances allows adaptation
•Equipment properly fitted and sized before use
•Clear lane swimming rules established and monitored
•Controlled rotation system during equipment stations
•Cool-down period incorporated for physical recovery
•Maximum visibility positioning of teacher throughout
•Emergency procedures reviewed before lesson commencement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally on poolside with visibility of all lanes during pyramid workout
•During equipment stations, continuously circulate between four stations
•Pay particular attention during 75m and 100m swims when fatigue highest
•Watch for signs of distress: stopping mid-pool, laboured breathing, panic
•Monitor students using hand paddles closely - shoulder strain indicator is stroke breakdown
•Ensure no lone swimmers at any time
•Position with back to wall for full pool visibility, never turning away from water

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if incident occurs using emergency whistle signal. Reach/throw rescue equipment for distressed swimmer. Clear lanes for emergency access. Trained first aider (teacher) to assess situation. Call for additional support if needed. Incident recorded according to school policy. Parents informed of any injuries sustained.