Name

One Finger Floating

Core Skill

The core skill of this challenge is to develop the swimmer’s confidence and balance in the water, as well as to introduce the concept of buoyancy.

Who

This challenge is suitable for level 1 swimmers who are learning the basic skills of swimming, such as breathing, floating, and gliding. Level 1 swimmers are typically beginners who are not comfortable in the water and need constant support from the instructor.

What

The challenge is to help the swimmers float on their front and back with minimal support from the instructor. The instructor holds the swimmer’s hand or head with five fingers and then removes one finger at a time until only one finger is left. The swimmer should try to stay relaxed and balanced in the water without sitting up or freaking out. The challenge is done in shallow water or on a bench. The goal is to do both front and back floats with only one finger support.

How

The instructor can follow these steps to conduct the challenge:

• Explain the purpose and rules of the challenge to the swimmers and demonstrate how to do it with a volunteer or another instructor.
• Each swimmer takes a turn with the instructor.
• The floater should lie on their stomach or back with their arms extended and their legs relaxed. The instructor should hold the floater’s hand or head with their entire hand and gradually reduce their support by removing one finger at a time.
• Encourage the swimmers to relax and breathe normally while floating. Remind them to keep their face in or out of the water depending on whether they are doing front or back glide.
• Praise the swimmers for their efforts and achievements. Provide feedback and tips on how to improve their floating skills.
• Repeat the challenge until all swimmers have tried both front and back glide with minimal support.

Difficulties the instructor may face

Some possible difficulties that the instructor may face while conducting this challenge are:

• Some swimmers may be too scared or nervous to float without full support from the instructor. The instructor can reassure them that they are safe and that they can do it. The instructor can also use positive reinforcement and incentives to motivate them.
• Some swimmers may have trouble maintaining their balance or buoyancy in the water. The instructor can help them adjust their body position and posture by giving verbal cues or gentle corrections. The instructor can also remind them to relax their muscles and let go of any tension.
• Some swimmers may not understand the concept of buoyancy or why they float in the water. The instructor can explain that buoyancy is a force that pushes them up when they are submerged in water.