In addition to the preparatory exercises, some core exercises are required.
The child pushes itself off the surface of the water, glides not on the surface, but towards a tunnel lying on the pool floor. Correct arm and head control is crucial. The arms and head must be lowered to slide down. The tunnel should be far enough away to reach the required depth in time. This exercise promotes an understanding of the necessary upper body control when diving.
Place a swim board in the water and try to get it to the other side of the pool without touching it. The exercise can be made more difficult by various types of drives, such as using just one hand, no hand at all, only the head or just the legs. Water feel is decisive for all types of drives in water. This is the ability to understand the water resistance and to manipulate the water in such a way that the desired result (in this case moving the board forward) is achieved. This exercise allows the child to fully concentrate on the feeling of water and the water's response to arm movements.
Do this exercise with your child in the waist-to-chest deep children's pool. Stretch both arms up first. The aim is to place a different body part on the pelvic floor with each step. Announce each step, count to three and complete it: right hand, left hand, both hands, backside and nose as a challenge. Warn against touching your nose to avoid injury. This exercise teaches how to behave correctly in water to reach a certain depth. Many children have difficulty getting their entire body underwater, and the gradual difficulty offers experiences of achievement and a challenge.
Use a swim noodle or a swim board on the water. The child holds onto it with one hand and takes part in the “diving competition.” At your signal, the child dives until you remove the swimming noodle. Start with two seconds and gradually increase the time. This entertaining exercise promotes small successes and improves the child's ability to stay underwater longer — important for the core “airplane” exercise, which requires holding the breath for at least five seconds.