Name

Position 11 Cartwheel

Core Skill

The core skills targeted in this challenge are Position 11, Streamline, and Flip Turns. These are essential for developing efficient swimming techniques and improving overall performance in the water.

Who

This challenge is designed for Level 3, Level 4, and Developmental swimmers. These swimmers have a foundational understanding of swimming techniques and are ready to refine their skills further.

What

In the Tip Tap Cartwheel challenge, swimmers will:

1. Push off the wall on the surface in a streamline position.
2. Dive to the bottom after a short streamline.
3. Perform a Position 11 cartwheel at the bottom.
4. Push off the bottom and twist their body 90 degrees.
5. Stand on the bottom like a gymnast, ending in a streamline position.

How

1. Start in Streamline: Swimmers push off the wall in a streamline position on the surface.
2. Dive to the Bottom: After a brief streamline, they dive to the bottom of the pool.
3. Position 11 Cartwheel: At the bottom, swimmers perform a cartwheel while maintaining Position 11.
4. Push and Twist: They push off the bottom and twist their body 90 degrees so their belly button points perpendicular to their original streamline direction.
5. Stand in Streamline: When they touch the bottom with their feet, they stand up with their hands in a streamline position.

Difficulties Instructors Might Face

1. Maintaining Streamline: Swimmers might struggle to maintain a proper streamline position throughout the challenge.
2. Executing the Cartwheel: Performing a cartwheel underwater can be challenging, especially while maintaining Position 11.
3. Coordination: The twist and push-off require good coordination and body awareness, which might be difficult for some swimmers.
4. Judging Consistency: Ensuring consistent and fair judging can be tricky, especially if different judges are used for each lane.
5. Safety Concerns: Ensuring swimmers do not collide with each other or the pool bottom during the cartwheel and twist.