How the Rotation Method revitalizes boring lessons
What is the “rotation method” or short distance circle swimming?
The best short video on circle swimming:
We follow the same rules, but in a shorter distance.
Our goal is to keep our swimmers moving the entire time they’re in a lesson. We can’t force them to be moving non-stop, but we should leverage a framework that enables swimmers to follow a set pattern regardless of the activity we’re doing.
Whether it is the true beginner doing front glides from one bench to another:
Or if we’re doing more advanced stuff like a streamlnie with three freestyle strokes:
We all follow the same rules:
- Right corner of the lane goes first.
- Swim to the right of the long black line on the bottom of the pool.
- When you’re done, or at the distance, cross over that lane line.
- Return on the OTHER side of the lane.
For benches to benches:
- The right corner goes first.
- Cross the gap between benches.
- Go to the other side of the bench.
- Return on the other side, or the right side subjective to the swimmer.
For the below picture, focusing on the top lane:
The purple dot, below, is the instructor.
The green line is the swimmer doing their streamline.
The pink line is the swimmer doing 3 free strokes.
The orange curving arrow is the swimmer moving over to return in the same lane.
The yellow arrow is the swimmer returning.
All the lanes and benches below are using the rotation method in their respective areas.
From left to right:
- Level 1 rotating from bench to bench with the benches touching
- Level 2 rotating from bench to bench with the benches spread apart
- Level 3 rotating doing streamlines and arm strokes without breaths
- Level 4 rotating doing streamlines with freestyle breathing, butterfly strokes, breaststroke, or backstroke
So how does the Rotation Method breath life and fun into your swim lessons?!
When swimmers move in a system that they understand on their own they are empowered.
Learners with agency and opportunity will make small adjustments to improve on their own if given proper guidance.
Notice how swimmers aren’t waiting for the instructor to tell them to “go.” They already know when the swimmer ahead of them begins to return they can take their turn.
Automating movement like this, even with 3 year olds on benches, gives swimmers ownership over their actions. It brings them into the system of your lesson.
The instructor can then TEACH and give feedback instead of spending all their time telling people when they can take their turn.
Let the swimmers move on their own.
The instructor stands on the side, out of the way, and provides constant feedback and supervision.
Empowered swimmers will take ownership of their swimming attempts, be happier, and give instructors more time to focus on feedback and corrections.
Check out this lesson plan designed to help you use the rotation method in various levels and skills: