In addition to the preparatory exercises, some core exercises are required.
Use a gymnastic hoop. Hold it at the surface of the water at first so that the child can glide through it. Lower the tire gradually so that the child glides along the pelvic floor like a “submarine.” This exercise increases the level of difficulty as the child must learn to push themselves off at the lowest point of the pelvis and maintain this depth. A correct posture influences the swimming direction, and the variation of dive depths makes the exercise effective.
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.
As already said, this exercise is about learning how to control the body underwater. However, to do this, the entire body must be completely straight and straight as an arrow. Many children tend to raise their heads or bend their elbows. This massively increases water resistance and makes the exercise impossible. If you have this problem, you should look at the water arrow again and repeat it with a completely straight body.
