Hug the Teddy
Swimmers hug a float on the chest like a teddy while lying back – a secure feeling back float.
- Stages
- Stage 1
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Skills
- Buoyancy, Back Float, Back Kick
- Equipment
- Float
- Age
- 3–8 years
- Group size
- 1–10 swimmers
- Time
- About 4 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Make sure swimmers know to bring knees forward to stand.
What it develops
- Move backwards about 5 metres
- Float on the back with support
How to run it
- Give each swimmer a float to hug on the chest like a teddy bear.
- Lean back slowly, looking up, until the ears are in the water.
- Lift the feet and let the legs float to the surface.
- Recover by bringing the knees towards the chest and standing up.
Teaching cues
- Hug your teddy close.
- Chin up a little, look up.
- Tummy up.
Make it easier
- Assistant supports under the back of the head.
Make it harder
- Kick to travel backwards.
- Let go of the teddy and float with arms by the sides.
Common faults
- Curling into a ball around the float.
Corrections
- 'Long legs, show me your toes.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Stand behind nervous swimmers with a hand under their head and shoulders.