Training Science & Competition Skills
•Year 8
•Swimming
•Ensure clear lanes for turning practice, appropriate depth for tumble turns (minimum 1.2m recommended)
Alternative: N/A - essential facility
Check wall is clear of lane ropes at practice areas, ensure wall markers visible
Alternative: N/A - essential for turning practice
Stored at pool edge for accessibility during practice progressions
Alternative: Pull buoys, small floats
Establish clear lanes to prevent collisions during turning practice
Alternative: N/A
Position for clear visibility by all students during explanations
Alternative: Visual diagrams, poolside demonstrations
A somersault turn performed in freestyle swimming where the swimmer rotates forward to place feet on the wall
A forward roll movement in the water where the body rotates 360 degrees
The moment when the feet make contact with the pool wall during the turn
A streamlined body position with arms extended overhead, hands together, and body aligned, used when pushing off from the wall
The turning of the body around its axis during the somersault phase
The technical components and physical principles that make an efficient turn
The optimal distance from the wall to begin the tumble turn rotation, typically 1-1.5 metres
The most hydrodynamic body position with minimal resistance to water flow
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Measuring and estimating distances (1.5m turn initiation distance, 3-4m streamline glide); timing and measuring turn duration in seconds; calculating efficiency improvements (time saved per turn); angles of push-off and trajectory; counting repetitions and sets; percentages when calculating success rates (e.g., '60% of turns successful')
Forces and motion: understanding momentum conservation during tumble turn; Newton's third law - action/reaction during wall push-off; hydrodynamics and streamlining reducing water resistance; body systems: cardiovascular response to exercise, respiratory system and breathing control; rotation physics and angular momentum principles
Rotational dynamics and angular velocity; hydrodynamic principles and drag reduction; impulse and momentum transfer during push-off; energy conservation and efficiency; body position affecting resistance and flow
Resilience and perseverance when learning challenging new skills; managing frustration when turns don't work initially; self-awareness through honest self-assessment; supporting and encouraging peers during difficult tasks; setting realistic personal goals; celebrating personal progress rather than comparing to others; water safety awareness and responsible behaviour around pool
Stand at mid-pool position along poolside allowing visual monitoring of both turn walls; move strategically to observe different students during practice phases; position in shallow water during demonstrations for clear visibility; maintain central observation point during swimming sets
Watch for compact body position during somersault rotation (chin tucked, knees to chest); monitor feet placement on wall (30-45cm below surface, knees at 90 degrees); assess streamline position quality (arms locked behind head, body straight); check turn timing relative to wall distance (initiation at 1.5m approximately); observe breathing patterns - breath taken before turn initiation; monitor fatigue levels especially during swimming sets; watch for students becoming disoriented during rotation
Step in immediately if student appears disoriented or distressed during rotation; intervene if student repeatedly hitting wall with head or shoulders instead of feet; provide one-to-one support if student unable to complete rotation after 4-5 attempts; adjust practice progression if more than 30% of class struggling with particular phase; stop individual student if signs of exhaustion or unsafe practice; redirect students reverting to unsafe technique modifications; pause lesson if any safety concerns arise
Demonstrate all skills in slow motion first, then at normal speed; use exaggerated movements for clarity (ultra-tight tuck, very obvious streamline position); perform from water level where students can see clearly; verbally narrate during demonstration ('Now I'm tucking... now feet contacting wall...'); show common mistakes as well as correct technique for comparison; use confident, competent swimmers for peer demonstrations when appropriate; consider underwater camera or video replay if technology available; demonstrate breath timing clearly - visible breath before rotation
25-metre swimming pool minimum; width adequate for multiple lanes (minimum 4 lanes recommended); depth minimum 1.2 metres in turn practice areas (1.5m+ preferred); clear run-up space of 5+ metres before wall for approach practice
Pool water clarity sufficient for teacher to observe all students underwater during rotations; pool wall surfaces smooth and free from sharp edges or protruding fixtures; pool floor clear of any objects or hazards; lane ropes securely fastened and properly positioned; water temperature appropriate (27-30°C for instruction)
THREE WHISTLE BLASTS = Emergency stop - all students immediately grab wall or pool edge and look at teacher; Teacher enters water if student in distress; Activate emergency response protocol if serious injury; First aid administered by qualified person; Incident recorded according to school policy; Other students supervised and kept calm; Lesson paused or terminated as appropriate to situation; Emergency services contacted if required (999); Parents/guardians notified of any incidents
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