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Lesson 7 - Breaststroke and Butterfly Turns

Training Science & Competition Skills

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Year 8

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Swimming

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1h 9min

Big Question

How can mastering the technical rules of turns give you a competitive advantage in swimming?

Learning Objectives

Learn and apply the rules of breaststroke and butterfly turns with two-handed touch requirements
Develop efficient turning technique that maintains momentum and streamline position
Understand the consequences of rule violations and their impact on competitive swimming

Key Outcomes

Students will execute legal breaststroke and butterfly turns with simultaneous two-handed wall touches
Students will demonstrate streamline push-offs that maintain direction and speed
Students will explain the rules governing breaststroke and butterfly turns in competitive swimming

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

25m or 50m pool with clear wall markings

Ensure adequate lane space for multiple students practicing turns simultaneously

Alternative: Any pool length suitable for turning practice

Shin Pads

Minimum 5 turning positions available

Check wall surfaces are clean and appropriate for hand touches

Alternative: Pool end walls with visible target markers

Stopwatch

2-3 devices for turn timing

Ensure timing devices are waterproof or kept in safe dry location poolside

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps, pool pace clock

Kickboards

1 per student (optional for drills)

Place on pool deck within easy reach if used for modified drills

Alternative: Pull buoys for body position practice

Rope

Standard pool lane configuration

Ensure lanes are clearly defined for safe turning practice

Alternative: Visual markers if lane ropes unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Two-handed touch

The requirement for both hands to contact the wall simultaneously at the same level during breaststroke and butterfly turns

Streamline position

A body position with arms extended overhead, hands together, body straight and tight to reduce drag through the water

Side turn

The rotational movement to either left or right side when transitioning from the wall touch to the push-off

Momentum

The force of movement that carries a swimmer through the turn; maintaining speed during the turning sequence

Disqualification

Removal from a race due to rule violations such as one-handed touches or illegal turning technique

Wall touch

The moment when the swimmer's hands make contact with the pool wall to complete a length and begin the turn

Push-off

The powerful leg drive from the wall that propels the swimmer back into the water to continue swimming

Turning rules

The specific regulations governing how swimmers must execute turns in different strokes according to competitive swimming standards

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can swim breaststroke and butterfly with correct stroke technique
Students understand basic streamline positions and push-offs
Students have experience with freestyle and backstroke turns
Students can judge distances approaching the wall

Current Skills

Executing simultaneous two-handed wall touches
Performing side turns from breaststroke and butterfly positions
Maintaining streamline position during turn execution
Understanding and applying competitive swimming rules for turns

Next Steps

Developing racing turns at full speed under competition conditions
Learning advanced turn variations for different pool lengths
Integrating efficient turns into timed swim performances
Applying turning skills in competitive swimming contexts

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed touches with no rule violations

Turn execution time reduced by 0.5-1 second from initial attempts

Ability to maintain stroke rhythm immediately after turn

Confident application of turns in practice race scenarios

Key Teaching Points

Both hands must contact the wall simultaneously at the same horizontal level for legal breaststroke and butterfly turns - this is non-negotiable in competitive swimming
The turn must be one continuous, flowing movement from approach through touch, rotation, push-off, and breakout - hesitation wastes time and momentum
Streamline position during push-off is critical for maximising glide distance and maintaining speed - arms must be fully extended, squeezed against ears, with rigid body position
Feet should be positioned on the wall approximately shoulder-width apart with knees bent at 90-120 degrees for optimal explosive push-off power
The side turn (rotation to left or right) must be quick and efficient while maintaining one hand on wall for stability and legal compliance
Breakout timing is crucial - stay streamlined underwater to maximise free speed, but don't stay down so long that momentum is lost
Quality technique must be maintained even at race pace - illegal turns result in disqualification regardless of swimming speed

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'As long as both hands touch the wall, it doesn't matter if one is slightly before the other.' Correction: Both hands must make simultaneous contact - even a fraction of a second difference can result in disqualification. Practice with the mental image of your hands being connected by a rope.
Misconception: 'Streamline position just means arms stretched out.' Correction: True streamline requires arms fully extended and squeezed tightly against ears, hands stacked with fingers aligned, head positioned between arms, and entire body rigid from fingertips to toes to minimise drag.
Misconception: 'The faster I swim towards the wall, the faster my turn will be.' Correction: Excessive approach speed can actually slow turns down if it causes loss of control or poor touch technique. Controlled speed that allows perfect technique execution is faster overall.
Misconception: 'I should push off from the wall as quickly as possible.' Correction: While turns should be quick, the push-off must be powerful and precise - rushing the push-off often results in weak leg drive, poor streamline position, or incorrect push-off angle.
Misconception: 'Butterfly and breaststroke turns are the same as freestyle turns.' Correction: These symmetrical strokes require two-handed touches and cannot use flip turns - the turning technique is completely different from freestyle tumble turns.
Misconception: 'I can do underwater dolphin kicks for as long as I want after a breaststroke turn.' Correction: After breaststroke turns, you are permitted one underwater pull and one kick before breaking the surface - excessive underwater work results in disqualification.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break practice into shorter segments with clear endpoints; provide frequent specific feedback and encouragement; use highly engaging competitive activities to maintain focus; allow brief movement breaks if needed; establish clear, simple behaviour expectations; use visual cues and demonstrations rather than lengthy verbal explanations; position near teacher for redirecting attention

dyspraxia

Allow additional practice time for motor skill development; break down turn sequence into smaller, manageable steps; provide additional demonstrations and modelling; use verbal counting or rhythm to aid coordination ('one-two-touch, turn-push-glide'); reduce speed demands to allow focus on coordination; offer encouragement focused on effort and incremental improvement; consider use of visual markers for spatial awareness

autism spectrum

Provide clear, structured lesson schedule with visual timetable; establish predictable routines for practice progression; offer quiet space at pool edge if sensory overwhelm occurs; use consistent language and signals throughout lesson; give advance warning of transitions between activities; reduce competitive pressure if causing anxiety; allow use of preferred equipment (goggles, cap) even if not standard

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured lane markers and wall targets; provide detailed verbal descriptions of turn phases; assign sighted buddy for guidance and spatial awareness; use tactile markers on pool wall if available; give additional time for familiarization with pool layout; provide clear, loud verbal cues during practice

hearing impairment

Ensure student can see teacher clearly for demonstrations and lip reading; use visual signals for starts and stops (flag or light system); provide written rule summaries and technique steps; assign buddy to relay visual signals; position close to teacher during instruction; use poolside whiteboard for key teaching points

physical disability

Modify turn technique based on individual physical capabilities (may use one-handed touch with permission for disability swimming); allow turns from standing or supported position if needed; provide additional flotation devices if helpful for body position; adapt push-off technique based on leg function; focus on personal improvement rather than comparison to peers; consult with SEND specialist for individual adaptation plans

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Timing turn execution and calculating improvement percentages; measuring glide distances; comparing race times with and without efficient turns; calculating relay split times; analysing penalty additions (adding 5 seconds per illegal turn); understanding angles of push-off for optimal trajectory

Science

Understanding forces during push-off (Newton's Third Law - action and reaction); exploring drag reduction through streamline positions; investigating buoyancy and body position in water; examining cardiovascular response to intensive swimming; analysing muscle groups used in turning movements; discussing energy conservation through efficient technique

Design & Technology

Analysing pool design features that support competitive swimming; examining timing systems and touch pad technology; understanding equipment design for swimming training; exploring how streamline principles relate to vehicle and aircraft design (reducing drag)

Geography

Understanding pool dimensions and spatial awareness; mapping movement patterns during turns; exploring directions and orientation in water; discussing international swimming competitions and global sporting venues

PSHE

Developing resilience when learning challenging techniques; managing competitive pressure and emotions; demonstrating sportsmanship in relay activities; accepting constructive feedback gracefully; setting personal goals and working towards improvement; showing leadership and encouragement to teammates; understanding rule compliance and integrity in sport

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at pool edge corner position providing visibility of all lanes and both pool ends. Move between shallow and deep ends to observe turns from multiple angles. During relay activities, position centrally to observe multiple lanes simultaneously. Maintain position where you can reach pool edge quickly if intervention needed.

Observation Focus

Primary focus: two-handed touch legality and simultaneous contact. Secondary focus: streamline position quality and push-off power. Monitor: student fatigue levels, breathing patterns, and signs of distress. Watch for: technique breakdown under speed pressure, unsafe behaviour near walls, and collision risks between swimmers.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: illegal turns become persistent pattern (stop and re-teach), student shows signs of exhaustion or distress (remove from activity for rest), unsafe behaviour observed near walls or during push-offs (stop activity and reinforce safety), technique breakdown compromising learning (reduce speed demands), competitive atmosphere becoming negative or too intense (pause and refocus on learning objectives).

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate in water for maximum authenticity and student understanding. Perform demonstrations at multiple speeds (slow for learning, normal for application). Exaggerate key technique points such as hand contact and streamline position. Demonstrate both correct technique and common errors for comparison. Use verbal narration during demonstration to highlight each phase. Consider using confident student demonstrators to show peer-level achievement. Repeat demonstrations from multiple angles (side view, front view) for comprehensive understanding.

Verbal Cues

•'Both hands together!' - to reinforce simultaneous touch requirement
•'Tight streamline!' - to prompt optimal push-off position
•'Quick turn!' - to maintain momentum through turn phase
•'Stay legal!' - to remind of rule compliance under pressure
•'Smooth and controlled!' - when students rushing and losing technique
•'Glide it out!' - to encourage maximum streamline distance
•'Feel the wall approaching!' - to develop distance judgement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool minimum 25m length with adequate depth for safe turning practice (minimum 1.5m at turn walls). Multiple lanes available to prevent congestion. Clear wall surfaces appropriate for hand touches.

Surface Check

Pool water clarity sufficient for underwater observation. Pool walls free from sharp edges, damage, or slippery algae. Pool deck non-slip and clear of obstacles. Adequate drainage to prevent slipping hazards.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Stopwatches and timing devices kept away from pool edge to prevent water damage and trip hazards
•Lane ropes properly tensioned and secured to prevent entanglement
•Emergency rescue equipment (reaching pole, rescue tubes) accessible and in good condition
•First aid kit available poolside with contents checked and in date

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning or submersion injuries
•Collision with pool walls during turning practice
•Collision with other swimmers at congested turn areas
•Slips and falls on wet pool deck
•Exhaustion or cramp during intensive swimming practice
•Hyperventilation from extended underwater swimming
•Head injury from incorrect push-off angle or technique

Risk Mitigation

•Verify all students are competent swimmers capable of 100m+ continuous swimming
•Establish clear practice protocols with staggered starts to prevent wall congestion
•Teach and reinforce correct turn technique progressively to prevent wall collisions
•Maintain continuous visual supervision of all swimmers at all times
•Enforce 'swim to the side if in difficulty' rule
•Monitor fatigue levels and provide adequate rest periods
•Ensure students understand safe push-off technique and angles
•Maintain appropriate student-to-teacher ratios for pool environment (maximum 20:1)
•Establish clear emergency procedures and ensure all students know stop signals

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at pool edge with clear view of all lanes and both pool ends
•Rotate observation focus between different swimmers and turn areas
•Pay particular attention during competitive relay activities when excitement high
•Monitor student breathing patterns and signs of fatigue or distress
•Ensure no unsupervised areas of pool during lesson
•Maintain closer supervision during timed swims and intensive practice

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal (whistle blast): all swimmers immediately stop and hold pool edge. Assess situation and provide appropriate response. For minor issues (cramp, fatigue): guide student to pool edge for rest. For suspected injury: support student to pool edge, assess injury, provide first aid as appropriate, contact emergency services if required. For serious emergency: activate pool emergency alarm, begin rescue procedures using appropriate equipment, send for emergency services, begin CPR if required and trained. Complete accident report form for all incidents.