Starfish Constellation
The group floats on their backs in a circle holding hands, making a giant star – shared support for back floating.
- Stages
- Stage 2
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Skills
- Water Confidence, Buoyancy, Back Float
- Equipment
- None, Noodle
- Age
- 4–10 years
- Group size
- 4–10 swimmers
- Time
- About 3 minutes
- In a lesson
- Game / Consolidation, Recap / Safe Exit
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Make sure every swimmer can stand up from a back float before letting go.
What it develops
- Float on front and back and return to standing
How to run it
- Swimmers stand in a circle holding hands, feet towards the middle.
- Together they lean back, ears in, and let their legs float up into the middle.
- Hold the constellation for a count of 5.
- On 'Shooting star!', let go of hands and float alone for a moment, then stand.
Teaching cues
- Tummy up.
- Ears in.
- Hold hands gently.
Make it easier
- Each star uses a noodle.
- Teacher and assistant join the circle.
Make it harder
- Longer 'shooting star' float alone.
- Roll to the front and float as a front star together.
Common faults
- Pulling on neighbours' arms.
- Sitting up and bending at the hips.
Corrections
- 'Soft hands, like holding a bubble.'
- 'Push your tummy to the sky.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Join the circle between the two least confident swimmers so both have a steady hand.