Breaststroke Practice
Arms and Legs Practiced Separately – the Playful Way
Goal: Raise awareness of arm and leg strokes, practice separating the movements.
Frog Leg Game (Legs only)
Lying on the stomach in the water, supported by a kickboard or noodle.
Only the legs move – “like a frog escaping from a fisherman.”
You can say: “Frog legs! Close your heels! Push back!”
Clapping Arms (Arms only)
Lying on the stomach, legs are “sleeping.”
Arms move in a circular motion and clap together in front.
You can say: “Open – pull – close – glide!”
Breaststroke Races
Swim alternately: first legs only, then arms only, then full strokes (depending on ability).
You can add playful timing or race with floating toys:
“Who gets there first – You or the crocodile?”
Full Breaststroke & Direction Changes
“Robot Frog”
Each movement follows a verbal cue: “Arms – Legs – Glide!”
Can be done with music – e.g., move on claps.
Lane Switch Game
Swim from one side to the other while avoiding obstacles (e.g., floating toys).
Say: “Now you’re a scuba frog – glide silently through!”
Animal Race
Example: “Frog vs. Duck” – swim in different styles: slow, fast, splashy, elegant.
Swim to Target
Swim to a toy and return while holding it under the arm – helps with direction control.
Goal: Coordinate arms and legs; prepare for proper breathing technique.
Freestyle Kick – Playful Coordination Practice
Powerful Kicks & Proper Body Position
Goal: Develop straight body alignment, rhythmic kicks, water awareness
Rocket Race
Kick in prone position on the board or with arms extended.
Say: “Who flies to space faster?”
“Hot Water” Game
The goal is to keep the legs from dropping – or the “hot water” will burn!
This encourages core tension and body position.
Snake Slalom
Place toys or rings on the water. The child kicks between them without moving them.
Fountain Contest
Who can make the biggest splash? From a sitting or lying position.
You can score it: “1 point for a small wave, 3 points for a big splash!”