Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics

Teaching Aquatics Skills – Learn to Swim
Training Session Plan Form
12-Week Beginners Program - Sample
88
Week 1 Get to know pool, staff, athletes, family and caregivers
Water familiarization, entries, exits, pool rules, etiquette
Week 2 Reinforce week 1
Begin skills assessments
Introduce breathing
Week 3 Finalize skills assessments - goal setting for each individual for the season
Hum, mobility, control of rotation, floats and tumbles
Week 4 Review previous session’s skills
Begin to identify and develop individual programs
Introduce arm actions, continue with breathing and floats
Week 5 Review previous sessions
Work on weak points – reinforcements through games and activities
Introduce team and group activities – relays
Week 6 Work on identified issues from previous week – work on weak spots
Review individual goals – adjust as required
Week 7 Conduct skills assessments
Work on skills identified
Review and progress on previous session’s work.
Week 8 Introduce new skills – back float, push and glide, kick as ready
Continue team work and relays
Week 9 Introduce competition events as identified for each group
Practice in a noncompetitive games environment
Week 10 Introduce race aspect of events
Practice good sportsmanship – use relays and cheer on buddies
Week 11 Conduct final skills assessment for season
Practice full skills progression – end with events, fun games
Week 12 Fun competition gala with awards
Certificates of Achievement for the season
Special Olympics Aquatics Coaching Guide
Created: February 2004