Stage 4
1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF BUOYANCY
This activity may be achieved through teacher/pupil discussion or by showing understanding through use of equipment/via activity. The following equipment may be used in an activity, float, star float, swimming through a hoop. Teacher can use other examples of how to ascertain swimmers understanding of buoyancy as suggested, use of games may be preferable.
2. PERFORM A TUCK FOR 5 SECONDS
Swimmers must take a deep breath and hold to ensure they are floating above the pool floor. Swimmers slowly curl up and bend knees into tummies tucking arms around knees whilst the chin rests on the chest. Maintain the tuck position for 5 seconds whilst remaining suspended in the water-may be either above or below the waterline.
3. PERFORM A SEQUENCE OF CHANGING SHAPES (MINIMUM OF 3) WHILST FLOATING AT THE SURFACE.
Swimmers must ensure controlled, floating/linking movements throughout the sequence, whilst pausing at each shape and ensuring a minimum of 3 shapes within the sequence.
4. PUSH AND GLIDE FROM WALL TO THE POOL FLOOR.
Starting position may be two hands on the wall or no hands on the wall with participant standing with arms out in front ready. Arms cover the ears, hands one on top of the other and face in the water.
Hips/bottom move upwards as the swimmer pushes downward towards the floor. This should NOT be a surface dive but a gradual dive.
5. KICK 10 METRES BACKSTROKE
Long legs swinging, toes breaking the surface kicking upward, action originating from hip. Legs close together whilst maintaining a stretched body position. Must ensure no use of hands.
6. KICK 10 METRES FRONT CRAWL
Long legs with small splash, the kick originating from the hip and hips near the surface of the water. Loose ankles throughout. Must ensure no use of hands. Face may be in or out of the water.
7. KICK 10 METRES BUTTERFLY ON THE FRONT OR ON THE BACK.
Swimmer can be on their back, front or side keeping head still, kicking to undulate the body. The kick must originate from the hips, legs relatively straight, flicking toes upwards and a bounce like action.
8. KICK 10 METRES BREASTSTROKE ON THE BACK
In a semi-sitting position knees under water, bend knees, drop heels and drive feet slightly outward (avoiding wedge kick) and backward together in a circular motion to end in straight legs. Knees must remain close together and symmetry must be achieved throughout.
9. KICK 10 METRES BREASTSTOKE ON THE FRONT
Keeping body stretched out, thighs remain still whilst knees flex to lift heels to the bottom whilst remaining under water, feet flex outward and heels are driven outward and backward and together returning to straight legs. Knees must remain close together and symmetry must be achieved throughout.
10. PERFORM ON THE BACK A HEAD FIRAT SCULLING ACTION FOR 5 METRES IN A HORIZONTAL.
Stretched body position at the surface of the water, toes pointed and hands at hip level. Figure of 8 movements with the fingers slightly tilted upward. The backs of the hands should face the swimmers head and ears are in the water. Arms remain in the water throughout.
11. TRAVEL ON BACK AND ROLL IN ONE CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT ONTO FRONT.
Starting position could be swimmer doing back paddle, Backstroke or kicking on the back and then a log roll takes place. The head leads first by turning sideways and the shoulder lifts, then the hips rotate and the rest of the body rolls all the time the legs are kicking.
12. TRAVEL ON THE FRONT AND ROLL IN ONE CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT ONTO BACK.
Starting position could be swimmer doing front paddle, Frontcrawl or kicking on the front and then a log roll takes place. The head leads first by turning sideways and the shoulder lifts, then the hips rotate and the rest of the body rolls all the time the legs are kicking.
13. SWIM 10 METRES, CHOICE OF STROKE
The 10 metres swim must be preformed to the expected standard as described by the ASA in the NPTS resources.
