Training Science & Competition Skills
•Year 8
•Swimming
•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
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
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
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
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
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)
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
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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