Activity
Windmill Arms for Freestyle Swimming
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 3
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 4
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 4
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 5
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 5
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 6
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 6
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 7
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 7
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 8
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 8
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 9
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Class: Class 9
Skill: Sports for All
Sports: Swimming
Technique: Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Windmill Arms for Freestyle Swimming
Learning Outcomes
This lesson focuses on learning the basic arm movement for freestyle swimming, also known as front crawl.
Understand the windmill arm motion in freestyle swimming.
Practice alternating arm movements on land and in shallow water.
Description Of Activity
Land Practice (10 minutes):
Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
Explain the windmill motion: one arm reaches forward with a straight elbow, mimicking throwing a frisbee.
The other arm bends at the elbow and rests by your side.
Practice switching arm positions, mimicking a windmill's blades.
Encourage students to keep their core engaged and body upright during arm switches.
Shallow Water Practice (15 minutes):
Move to a shallow area of the pool where students can comfortably stand with their heads above water.
Instruct students to hold onto the pool wall with one hand for balance.
Practice the windmill arm motion again, this time underwater.
Emphasize a smooth transition between reaching forward and pulling back.
Encourage a slow and controlled movement, focusing on proper technique over speed.
Safety Note:
Ensure all students are comfortable in the water and under adult supervision throughout the lesson.
Additional Tips:
Make the lesson fun! Play upbeat music or incorporate games to keep students engaged.
Introduce breathing techniques once students are comfortable with the basic arm movement (future lesson).
Remember, progress at the student's pace. Celebrate small victories and prioritize fun and water safety.
Variations
Partner Practice: Have students stand facing each other in shallow water, holding hands. One student practices the windmill motion while the other observes and provides feedback on form. They can then switch roles.
Pool Noodle Assistance: Students can hold a pool noodle behind their back while practicing the windmill motion. This helps maintain body position and encourages a smoother arm pull.
Coaching Tips
Break it down: Explain and demonstrate the windmill motion on land first, then in shallow water.
Focus on form: Emphasize a straight arm reaching forward and a smooth pull back towards the chest with the elbow bent.
Keep it slow: Encourage students to practice slow and controlled arm movements for better technique development.
Visualize the windmill: Remind students to imagine their arms creating a windmill motion underwater.
Individual attention: Observe students and offer personalized feedback to improve their technique.
Equipment/Material Required
Pool with shallow and deep ends (optional)