Swimming Skills Instruction Flashcards

During the back crawl, where should the swimmer's head be?

Answer: Still, with ears in the water and eyes looking up or slightly back

A steady head with the ears submerged keeps the hips up and the body aligned.

Which flotation device is most appropriate for supporting a beginner during skill practice in US swim lessons?

Answer: A properly fitted US Coast Guard-approved life jacket

US Coast Guard-approved life jackets are the recommended support, while inflatable toys aren't safety devices.

In the butterfly, how do the arms recover?

Answer: Together over the water, swinging forward low and wide

Butterfly arms recover at the same time over the water with a low, wide swing.

A student doing the elementary backstroke brings their knees up toward their chest during the recovery. What is the correction?

Answer: Drop the heels down and keep the knees near the surface

Dropping the heels while keeping the knees low avoids drag and sets up an effective whip kick.

Which skill progression is most appropriate for teaching a deep-water entry to a beginner?

Answer: Sitting entry, then a kneeling dive, then a standing dive

Diving is taught from low to high starting positions, and only in water deep enough for safe diving.

What is the main purpose of a sculling skill?

Answer: Making propulsion and support with figure-eight hand movements

Sculling uses figure-eight hand movements to support or move the body, which builds feel for the water.

A student is afraid to put their face in the water. What should the instructor try first?

Answer: Use gradual activities such as blowing bubbles and wetting the chin, then the mouth, then the face

Small, gradual steps build comfort and trust without forcing the student.