Gliding on the Water
The child pushes off from a standing position with both feet against the pool wall. After the push-off, the child remains in a fully extended position. The hands are placed on top of each other, and the legs remain as still as possible. This position is held for at least 5 seconds. The goal of the exercise is to glide as far as possible. This exercise primarily trains the two core elements: water acclimation and gliding.
Preparation Exercises
From a seated position
For this exercise, your child should sit on the edge of the pool, bend their back, and let themselves fall forward into the water with outstretched hands. A swim ring can be used as an aid to encourage deeper diving. Falling into the water increases momentum and enhances body control. The hands should always point toward the target, as the child will glide in that direction. Additionally, this exercise is an excellent preparation for learning to dive in a later course.
Stretch and pull
The child stands on the floor of a waist-deep pool, extending both arms forward with hands placed on top of each other. Hold your child’s hands and walk slowly backward, pulling the child forward. As you begin pulling, the child lifts their legs off the floor, takes a breath, and places their face in the water between their arms. This exercise practices stretching in a prone position and holding their breath. Additionally, the child experiences water resistance, similar to the feeling during the gliding phase later on.
Pretzel stick jump
In the same position as before: body fully extended, hands placed on top of each other, this time in waist-deep water. From the extended position, bend to the knees and jump as high as possible three times, fully extending the body at the highest point each time. This exercise simulates pushing off the pool wall by transitioning from a non-extended position directly into a fully extended one, similar to the water arrow.
Häufige Fehler
Relaxing
Children often struggle to stay stretched, especially if they are not accustomed to prolonged submersion. In cases of panic or body flinching, we recommend repeating the demonstrated exercises, particularly the pulling exercise, multiple times to build comfort and confidence.
