Magic Carpet
Swimmers lie on their front on a noodle or float 'carpet' and are towed around by a helper.
- Stages
- Stage 1
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Skills
- Water Confidence, Buoyancy, Front Float, Front Kick
- Equipment
- Float, Noodle
- Age
- 3–8 years
- Group size
- 1–6 swimmers
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2, Game / Consolidation
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Tow in standing depth only and watch for the swimmer sliding off the side.
What it develops
- Move forwards about 5 metres
- Float on the front with support
How to run it
- Place a noodle under the swimmer's chest and armpits, or two floats under the chest.
- Swimmer lies forward on the carpet with legs floating behind.
- Helper holds the front and gently tows them around the area.
- Swimmer can kick to 'power' the carpet.
Teaching cues
- Lie flat, let the legs float up.
- Chin on the water, then face in when ready.
- Relax and enjoy the ride.
Make it easier
- Slow towing, face out.
- Two noodles for extra support.
Make it harder
- Kick independently to a target.
- Face in and blow bubbles while being towed.
Common faults
- Clinging tightly with the legs straight down.
Corrections
- Tow slowly so the legs trail up behind.
Assistant / L1 role
- Ideal assistant role: tow one or two nervous swimmers while the teacher runs the rest of the group.