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Torpedo Through the Hoop

Swimmers glide through a hoop held at the surface – a target that encourages a long, flat body.

Stages
Stage 1
Difficulty
Developing
Skills
Submersion, Streamlining, Push and Glide
Equipment
Hoops
Age
4–12 years
Group size
2–10 swimmers
Time
About 5 minutes
In a lesson
Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2, Game / Consolidation
Shared by
SwimShare Resource

Safety notes

  • Hold hoops firmly and check that the edge is soft and smooth.

What it develops

  • Push and glide on the front and back

How to run it

  1. Teacher or assistant holds a hoop upright half in the water a short distance from the wall.
  2. Swimmers push off in a torpedo shape and glide through the hoop.
  3. Move the hoop further away as they improve.
  4. Try on the back as well as the front.

Teaching cues

  • Arms squeeze your ears.
  • Eyes down (front) or up (back).
  • Stay long until you're through.

Make it easier

  • Hoop close to the wall; swimmers can hold a float.

Make it harder

  • Lower the hoop so swimmers glide under the surface.
  • Two hoops in a row.

Common faults

  • Swimmers reaching for the hoop with their hands.

Corrections

  • 'Hands together like an arrow – no grabbing.'

Assistant / L1 role

  • Hold the hoop and give feedback on the body shape as each swimmer passes through.

Helps with