Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics

Teaching Aquatics Skills - Stroke Development
Stroke Development Training Plan
Arm Stroke - Standing in Water
Teaching Points
1. The arm stroke can also be practiced standing in the water.
2. Swimmer stands with one foot forward and one back for stability. The arms are below the water surface.
3. Athlete watches his/her hands while practicing the stroke to prevent the arms from pushing back past the
shoulders.
Complete Breaststroke - Combine Kick and Arm Stroke
Beginners feel comfortable with this sequence once it has been developed. Usually, only refinement is required for
competition experiences.
Teaching Points
1. The ultimate sequence is – Pull – Breathe – Kick – Glide. The glide is extended for one to three seconds.
2. Following the push from the wall, complete an arm stroke. During the stroke, lift the head for a breath.
3. Kick, and then a glide with the arms extended.
4. Follow whole sequence by another Pull - Breathe – Kick - Glide.
196
Pull.
Breathe.
Kick - Glide.
Special Olympics Aquatics Coaching Guide
Created: February 2004