Challenge: Log Push with Partners
Form a group of 3.
1 person lays horizontal across the lane on their back or belly.
Hands and toes should point perpendicular to the lane lines.
2 friends push the legs and shoulder to “push the log” to the flags.
Pushing people cannot go past the “T” mark.
I often get asked what this game works on. A parent might be watching from the stands or the observation lounge or a coach might wander by with a curious look on their face.
Great question.
Let’s look at the pieces involved in this challenge:
- Swimmer needs to remain buoyant on the surface with a rigid body and core (the log).
- The other swimmers need to coordinate and push the log person. They can’t go past the T mark, and the log needs to roll or float past the flags or some other nearby landmark. This works on hydrodynamics. The pushers learn that a streamline is better than not streamline, and if they’re smart they’ll use the wall to help them push! This will help their streamlines and flip turns.
- It’s fun!
Yes, we play games with a purpose. Even if that purpose is a small skill or teaching a more nebulous skill like “buoyancy and core control.” It is worth our valuable time after a long set to refresh our minds, flush our brains with fun, and do something different. We can spend 3-4 minutes playing this challenge game where kids get to interact and amuse themselves while they’re also learning body control and strengthening their core.
