Learn how to glide
From a standing position, the child pushes off the pelvic wall with both feet. After the push off, the child remains in a completely straight position. The hands lie on top of each other and the legs do not move as much as possible. This position is held for at least 5 seconds. The aim of the exercise is to glide as far as possible.
This exercise primarily trains the two core elements of getting used to water and gliding.
Prerequisite exercises:
Please read the Safety notes before you start.
Preparatory exercises
Salt Stick Walk
The exercise starts on land. First, both arms are extended forward and the hands are placed on top of each other. Then the arms come up so that the head is stuck. Next, the entire body is stretched completely down to the tips of the toes (see picture). As soon as the child is completely stretched, the salt bar run begins. To do this, tiptoe around the pool. During the entire run, the body remains as stretched as possible. If you have done the exercise several times on land, you can also try it in shallow water.
Swimming is a constant alternation between stretching and relaxation. Relaxation is easier for children, as they rarely completely stretch themselves out in everyday life. This exercise helps you practice this constant stretch over a longer period of time.
Salt Stick Jump
It is in the same position as in the previous exercise. The body is completely stretched from the fingertips to the tips of the toes and the hands lie on top of each other. This time, however, the exercise starts in water about waist deep. From a straight position, you then kneel down and jump as high as possible three times. At the top point, the entire body is completely stretched again.
This exercise simulates rejection from the pelvic wall. You go from an unstretched posture (preparation for jump) directly into an extended position, just like with a water arrow.
Drag
The child stands on the floor of the hip-deep pelvis and stretches both arms forward, with the hands lying on top of each other. Hold your child by your hands and slowly run backwards so that the child is pulled forward. The moment you start pulling, the child releases his legs from the floor, takes a breath and places his face in the water between his arms.
This exercise involves stretching in a prone position and holding breath. In addition, the child feels the water resistance, similar to the later gliding phase.
Common mistakes
relax
Many children find it difficult to stay stretched. This is especially the case if they are not yet used to keeping their heads underwater for so long. As soon as they have their heads underwater for more than one to two seconds, they get a slight panic and as a result they twitch their entire body. If your child experiences this mistake, we recommend that you repeat the exercises shown above a few more times. Especially dragging.