Home › Artistic Swimming – Stage 10

Wall-Supported Leg Extension

With the hands holding the wall behind, swimmers lift one extended leg towards vertical from a back layout – an introductory, supported version of a leg-lift position.

Stages
Artistic Swimming – Stage 10
Difficulty
Advanced
Skills
Body Control, Body Positions
Equipment
None
Age
9–99 years
Group size
1–12 swimmers
Time
About 5 minutes
In a lesson
Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
Shared by
SwimShare Resource

Safety notes

  • Introductory level only – no forcing flexibility; stop if anything hurts.
  • Choose a section of wall away from steps and other swimmers.

What it develops

  • Perform a short sequence

How to run it

  1. Swimmer lies in a back layout with the head towards the wall, arms reaching back to hold the gutter or edge.
  2. Draw one knee up into the bent-knee position, then slowly straighten the lower leg upward only as far as is comfortable.
  3. Hold for two counts, bend and return to the layout.
  4. Alternate legs; progress to a support scull away from the wall only when the hips stay up.

Teaching cues

  • Hips stay at the surface.
  • Straighten slowly, only as far as is comfortable.
  • Pointed toes.

Make it easier

  • Stay at the bent-knee position.

Make it harder

  • Hold for four counts; try with a support scull away from the wall.

Common faults

  • Hips sink as the leg lifts.
  • Forcing the leg too high.

Corrections

  • 'Lift your hips first, then your leg.'
  • 'Only as high as feels good.'

Assistant / L1 role

  • Demonstrate the leg shape lying on a poolside mat (if available) or sitting, while the teacher coaches in the water.

Helps with