Activity
Breathe Like a Fish! (Breathing Control Introduction)
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 1
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 2
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 2
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 3
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 3
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 4
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 4
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 5
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 5
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 6
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 7
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 8
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 9
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 10
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 11
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Class 12
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Nursery
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: KG
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: Pre Nursery
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: LKG
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Class: UKG
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Breathing
Breathe Like a Fish! (Breathing Control Introduction)
Learning Outcomes
Practice exhaling underwater comfortably.
Understand the concept of taking a deep breath before going underwater.
Get familiar with turning the head for side breathing.
Description Of Activity
Warm-up (5 minutes):
Sing songs about swimming or blowing bubbles. Play by the pool's edge, splashing gently and practicing blowing bubbles on land.
Exhaling Practice (5 minutes):
Ask children to stand in shallow water, holding onto the pool edge or a kickboard.
Instruct them to take a big breath through their nose, then blow it out completely underwater with their mouth open, making a whooshing sound.
Encourage them to imagine they are fogging up a window underwater.
Repeat several times, praising each attempt.
Turning for Air (10 minutes):
Introduce the concept of side breathing. Demonstrate how to turn their head to the side (like looking for a friend) while keeping their body still.
Have them practice exhaling underwater with their mouth open while turning their head to the side. Encourage them to imagine blowing bubbles out their ear!
Gradually introduce taking a quick breath through their mouth while their head is turned (start with just a peek above the water).
Putting it Together (10 minutes):
Ask children to hold onto the pool edge and practice combining the steps: big breath, exhale underwater with a turn, and a quick breath with their head turned.
Encourage them to count their "blows" underwater (bubbles or whooshes). Start with small goals (1-2) and gradually increase as they get comfortable.
Cool-down (5 minutes):
Read a book about swimming or play a calming game.
Enjoy a healthy snack together.
Variations
For younger children: Focus on exhaling underwater with a whooshing sound instead of side breathing.
For older children: Introduce kicking while practicing exhaling and turning for air.
For a group activity: Play a "bubble race" where children race to blow the most bubbles underwater while turning their head for air (adult supervision required).
Equipment:
Kickboard (optional)
Fun pool toys (distraction for younger children)
Remember: This lesson is about building confidence and introducing the basic principles of breathing control. Keep it fun, keep it safe, and celebrate every step towards becoming a swimming pro!
Coaching Tips
Be patient and encouraging. This is a new skill, and it may take time for children to feel comfortable.
Use positive reinforcement and celebrate every effort!
Focus on the fun! Games and silly sounds can make learning easier.
Demonstrate the activity yourself and let them see how easy it can be.
Let them set the pace. Take breaks if needed and revisit previous steps before progressing.
Always maintain a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio for safety.
Equipment/Material Required