Lesson 7 - Breaststroke and Butterfly Turns
Training Science & Competition Skills
•Year 8
•Swimming
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Ensure adequate lane space for multiple students practicing turns simultaneously
Alternative: Any pool length suitable for turning practice
Check wall surfaces are clean and appropriate for hand touches
Alternative: Pool end walls with visible target markers
Ensure timing devices are waterproof or kept in safe dry location poolside
Alternative: Smartphone timer apps, pool pace clock
Place on pool deck within easy reach if used for modified drills
Alternative: Pull buoys for body position practice
Ensure lanes are clearly defined for safe turning practice
Alternative: Visual markers if lane ropes unavailable
Key Vocabulary
The requirement for both hands to contact the wall simultaneously at the same level during breaststroke and butterfly turns
A body position with arms extended overhead, hands together, body straight and tight to reduce drag through the water
The rotational movement to either left or right side when transitioning from the wall touch to the push-off
The force of movement that carries a swimmer through the turn; maintaining speed during the turning sequence
Removal from a race due to rule violations such as one-handed touches or illegal turning technique
The moment when the swimmer's hands make contact with the pool wall to complete a length and begin the turn
The powerful leg drive from the wall that propels the swimmer back into the water to continue swimming
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
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.