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Froggy Hops Across

Swimmers cross the pool with a float using breaststroke kicks, counting their 'hops' – fewer hops means a better kick.

Stages
Stage 3, Stage 4
Difficulty
Developing
Skills
Forward Travel, Breaststroke Kick
Equipment
Float, Noodle
Age
6–99 years
Group size
1–10 swimmers
Time
About 5 minutes
In a lesson
Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
Shared by
SwimShare Resource

Safety notes

  • Leave space – wide kicks can hit neighbours.

What it develops

  • Swim about 10 metres on the front
  • Kick on the front, back and side
  • Show early actions for all four strokes
  • Show an effective breaststroke leg action

How to run it

  1. Swimmers hold a float out in front on the front.
  2. Each breaststroke kick is one frog hop.
  3. Count the hops to cross the width.
  4. Try again and beat your number by kicking and gliding.

Teaching cues

  • Heels up, feet out, kick.
  • Glide after every hop.
  • Count your hops.

Make it easier

  • Noodle under the chest.
  • Half width.

Make it harder

  • Face in, breathe every hop.
  • No float, arms streamlined.

Common faults

  • Rushing hops without gliding.
  • Scissor kick (legs doing different things).

Corrections

  • 'Kick, then be a rocket.'
  • 'Both legs do the same.'

Assistant / L1 role

  • Count hops for one swimmer at a time and record their best number.

Helps with