Fingertip Float
A structured way to fade support in a back float: whole hand, two fingers, one fingertip, then none.
- Stages
- Stage 2
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Skills
- Buoyancy, Back Float
- Equipment
- None
- Age
- 4–99 years
- Group size
- 1–4 swimmers
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Only fade support as fast as the swimmer stays relaxed.
What it develops
- Float on front and back and return to standing
How to run it
- Swimmer lies back with the helper's hands under the back of the head and shoulders.
- Support changes on each float: whole hands, then two fingers, then one fingertip.
- Final float: the helper's hand hovers just below the head without touching.
- Swimmer stands up after each float using 'chin forward, sit, stand'.
Teaching cues
- Ears in.
- Tummy up.
- Breathe normally.
Make it easier
- Stay on whole-hand support for longer.
- Add a noodle under the knees.
Make it harder
- Float with no support for a count of 10.
- Add arms over the head for a longer star.
Common faults
- Swimmer pushes their head back into the hands.
- Hips drop as support reduces.
Corrections
- Remind them the water holds them up, not your hands.
- 'Push your belly button up.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Work in the water with swimmers who cannot yet hold a back float, moving through the support steps one float at a time while the teacher leads the rest of the group.