Name

The Great Gap Kick-Off!

Core Skill

This game is designed to emphasize and develop a strong, continuous flutter kick for propulsion and horizontal movement, which is a fundamental building block for all competitive strokes.

Who

This challenge is specifically tailored for novice (Level 1 or Level 2) swimmers, focusing on building foundational aquatic skills in a fun and engaging way.

• Level 1 Swimmers: This is suitable for beginners who might still be new to the water, a bit afraid, or skittish. They should be comfortable submerging their face in the water (or willing to try with encouragement) and capable of performing a basic kick with the aid of support. The shallow water and benches are particularly beneficial for this group, helping to reduce anxiety and foster initial confidence.
• Level 2 Swimmers: These swimmers are typically more focused on achieving independent glides and making consistent horizontal progress. They should be able to maintain their face in the water while kicking for short bursts. The challenge allows them to refine their kicking power and efficiency.

What

In “The Great Gap Kick-Off!”, swimmers will utilize a kickboard or noodle for support as they propel themselves across a designated “gap” in the water. This gap should be at least two body lengths wide. The primary objective is to cross the entire distance by relying solely on a powerful, continuous flutter kick for forward movement, without stopping the kick or pulling with their arms. This activity directly links fun with the development of propulsive kicking, a crucial skill for independent swimming.

How to Implement

Setup the Gap

1. Benches/Platforms: Strategically arrange two stable benches or shallow-water platforms parallel to each other. These will serve as the starting and ending points, clearly defining the “gap” that the swimmers need to cross. Ensure the benches are secure and provide a safe push-off point.
2. Distance: The gap between the benches should be a minimum of two body lengths wide. For example, if you have a 4-foot tall child, the gap should be at least 8 feet. This distance is designed to be a measurable challenge, pushing the swimmer’s limits just enough to be “just out of their reach” but still achievable with effort. Adjust this distance based on the group’s general ability, making it slightly harder for more advanced Level 2 swimmers and slightly shorter for hesitant Level 1s.
3. Support: Have an ample supply of kickboards or noodles readily available for each swimmer. These supports are crucial for maintaining buoyancy and allowing the swimmers to focus entirely on their kicking technique.

Demonstrate and Explain

1. “Floppy Feet, Strong Kick!”: Begin with a clear, enthusiastic demonstration of a proper, continuous flutter kick. Emphasize “floppy feet” to show ankle flexibility and demonstrate how the kick powerfully pushes water backward. Stress that the kick, not the arms, is the engine for movement in this challenge. You can do this on the side of the pool or even by holding onto the wall.
2. Support Hold: Clearly show the swimmers the optimal way to hold their chosen support:
   • Kickboard: Held at the top edge with arms extended, keeping the body flat and buoyant.
   • Noodle: Straddled (legs on either side) or held under the arms, ensuring the swimmer’s body remains horizontal and streamlined, with their face in the water.
3. Goal: State the objective with excitement to engage the swimmers: “Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to kick so strongly that you ZOOM across this gap to the other bench!”. Make it sound like an exciting adventure.

The Challenge – “Kick and Cross!”

1. Starting Line: Swimmers will line up at one of the benches (or the pool wall if a bench isn’t available for the start) with their chosen kickboard or noodle.
2. The Launch: On your clear “Go!” command, each swimmer should push off the starting point and immediately begin their strong, continuous flutter kick.
3. Face Position: For Level 2 swimmers, the goal is to keep their face in the water throughout the entire crossing. For Level 1 swimmers, adapt by allowing them to dip their face in and out as comfortably as possible, while still emphasizing continuous kicking.
4. The Aim: The ultimate goal is to kick without stopping, propelling themselves across the entire gap to successfully touch the second bench.

Success Criteria

• Continuous Kick: The swimmer must maintain a continuous kicking motion from the starting point to the target bench/wall.
• Distance Achieved: They must successfully move at least two full body lengths across the designated gap.
• Target Touched: The swimmer must physically touch the second bench with their kickboard, noodle, or any part of their body.
• Arm Usage: There should be minimal reliance on arms for propulsion; arms should be primarily holding the support.
• Verbal Reward: When a swimmer succeeds, respond with enthusiastic praise! Shout “SUCCESS! What a ZOOMING kick!” or “POWER KICK! You did it!”. Positive reinforcement is key.

Failure Criteria and Adaptations

• “Fail” Conditions: A “fail” occurs if the swimmer stops kicking mid-gap, uses their arms to pull themselves forward (doggy paddling), shows signs of fear that disrupts the kick, or does not reach the second bench. When a swimmer fails, provide immediate and clear feedback: “That was a fail, and here is why… [e.g., ‘your kick stopped halfway,’ ‘you used your arms to pull’]”.

Easier Adaptation (Level 1 Focus)

• Face Comfort: For Level 1s, prioritize continuous kicking over perfect face immersion. Allow them to lift their head to breathe as needed. Gently encourage them to try putting their “chin, lips, nose, eyes, face” in the water to their individual comfort level, gradually building up.
• Instructor Support: Position yourself strategically within the gap. You can offer gentle verbal cues, light physical guidance (e.g., a hand under their support), or even a temporary “spot” if a swimmer struggles. Start very close to them and gradually increase your distance as their confidence grows.
• Reduced Distance: If a swimmer is overwhelmed, initially shorten the gap slightly so success is more readily achievable. As confidence builds, you can incrementally increase the distance back to the full challenge length.

More Difficult Adaptation (Level 2 Focus)

• No Head Lift: Challenge Level 2 swimmers to maintain their face in the water for the entire crossing, only turning their head to the side for a quick, efficient breath (similar to practicing freestyle breathing technique).
• Kick Count: Introduce an efficiency challenge: “Can you cross the gap using only 10 kicks?” This forces them to focus on powerful, effective kicks rather than just rapid, splashing ones.
• Race Element: Introduce a friendly “race” between two swimmers (or teams) to see who can cross the gap fastest while still maintaining a strong, continuous kick. This adds a competitive element that can boost engagement and effort.

Difficulties Instructors Might Face

1. Managing Anxiety and Fear: Especially with Level 1 swimmers, some may be hesitant about pushing off or putting their face in.
   • Solution: Reinforce the “Easy Adaptation” strategies. Start with very short gaps, provide ample verbal encouragement, use consistent cues, and offer direct physical support if needed. Don’t force face immersion; encourage it gently. Acknowledge and validate their feelings.
2. Swimmers Using Arms for Propulsion: Many beginners instinctively use their arms to scull or pull when trying to move, neglecting their kick.
   • Solution: Emphasize the initial demonstration very clearly. Use phrases like “Kick, kick, kick! No pulling with arms!” Provide immediate feedback if arms are used. You might even have them place their hands on top of the kickboard for added stability, making it harder to pull with their arms.
3. Maintaining Horizontal Body Position: Some swimmers may let their hips drop, creating drag and making kicking less effective.
   • Solution: Ensure they are holding the kickboard/noodle with arms extended. Remind them to “push their belly up” or “be a rocket.” Gentle physical adjustments from the instructor can help them feel the correct position. The goal of “looking down” (for Level 2) also helps maintain a flat body.
4. Inconsistent Kicking: Swimmers might stop kicking mid-gap, or their kick might become weak and ineffective.
   • Solution: Continuously encourage “Keep kicking! Don’t stop!” Use rhythmic verbal cues (“kick, kick, kick”). For Level 1, focus on any continuous leg movement. For Level 2, emphasize power and range of motion.
5. Setting Appropriate Gap Distance: Finding the “just out of reach but achievable” distance can be tricky for individual swimmers.
   • Solution: Be prepared to adjust the benches or platforms on the fly. Start with a conservative distance and gradually increase it as you observe the group’s performance. Having multiple “lanes” with slightly different distances can cater to diverse abilities.
6. Managing Multiple Swimmers Simultaneously: If teaching a group, ensuring everyone gets turns and receives feedback can be challenging.
   • Solution: Implement a clear rotation system. While one swimmer goes, others can be practicing kicking on the wall or waiting their turn with clear instructions. Use positive peer reinforcement by having the waiting swimmers cheer on the one attempting the challenge.