Puppy Paddle
A simple alternating paddle under the water that gives swimmers their first independent arm propulsion on the front.
- Stages
- Stage 2
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Skills
- Water Confidence, Forward Travel, Front Kick
- Equipment
- Float, Noodle
- Age
- 4–99 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
- Keep distances short so swimmers don't tire in the middle.
What it develops
- Travel about 10 metres on the front
How to run it
- Standing, swimmers practise paddling: one hand then the other scooping under the chest.
- Holding a float under the chest (or with a noodle), they lift their feet and paddle to a target.
- Add a gentle kick.
- Progress to paddling with face in for three paddles, then lifting to breathe.
Teaching cues
- Hands stay under the water.
- Scoop and push back.
- Kick your feet too.
Make it easier
- Float under the tummy and a shorter distance.
- Assistant supports under the tummy.
Make it harder
- No equipment.
- Face in and blow bubbles between breaths.
Common faults
- Slapping the surface.
- Upright body with feet on the floor.
Corrections
- 'Hide your hands under the water.'
- 'Lie on the water like a puppy on a bed.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Walk backwards in front of the swimmer holding the far edge of their float, letting go for a few paddles at a time.