Name

Dancing Jumps

Core Skill

The core skill developed in this game is jumping entries with proper body positioning and control. Swimmers will practice maintaining specific poses in the air and during their water entry, improving balance, body awareness, and transition into swimming skills.

Who

This game is designed for level 2, level 3, level 4, and Developmental swimmers. It is suitable for swimmers who are comfortable jumping into the water and have basic swimming skills. The game can be adapted to match the skill level and comfort of each swimmer.

What

In “Dancing Jumps,” swimmers line up outside the water and take turns jumping into water they are comfortable with. The objective is to perform a specific dance pose in the air and maintain that pose while falling into the water. Examples of poses include:

• Soldier position: Arms and legs straight and together.
• Position 11: Arms extended straight above the head.
• Streamline: Feet-first entry with arms extended above the head.
• Star: Arms and legs spread wide.
• Flex: Toes up and turned out.
• Any pose: Creativity encouraged!

How

1. Setup: Ensure the water is deep enough for safe entries.
2. Lineup: Swimmers line up outside the water.
3. Jumping: One by one, swimmers take turns jumping into the water, performing the assigned dance pose in the air and maintaining it until entry.
4. After Jump: Give specific instructions on what to do after the jump. Options include:
   • Swim freestyle for 5 yards with 1 breath, then return to the line.
   • Do 5 bobs and get to the instructor.
   • Jump off the bottom in streamline and perform a big splash like a breaching whale.
5. Safety: Emphasize the importance of keeping the water deep enough to avoid injury and ensure swimmers don’t land on the bottom with their heels or toes pointed down.
6. Creativity: Encourage fun and creativity in poses and tie them into swimming skills or post-jump activities.

Difficulties Instructors Might Face

1. Safety Concerns: Ensuring the water is deep enough and monitoring safe entries to prevent injuries.
2. Pose Maintenance: Some swimmers might struggle to maintain their poses in the air, requiring additional practice and encouragement.
3. Coordination: Coordinating the jumps with proper technique and ensuring swimmers transition smoothly into post-jump activities.
4. Distraction: Keeping swimmers focused on their tasks while having fun with creative poses.
5. Adaptation: Adjusting the game for different skill levels and comfort zones to ensure all swimmers participate safely and confidently.