Swimming help! How can I get him to kick right?

Question

i've just started a AWAI course an am helping to teach these two little boys (about 5 years (level Whale) and 8 years (level 2). the younger of the two is an excellent swimmer for his age but his older brother (the Eight year old) just CAN'T kick RIGHT. when he is on his back, he can hold his kick go about ten kicks then starts to thrash his feet around to keep his head out of the water. When he is on his front, he can hold it for about four seconds before the same thing happens. I've tyred different techniques on how he can keep his legs straight but nothing is working too well. He's doing his best and that's all i want from him, but it would be nice to get it good enough to pass. HE can do every thig else.

Any way, my question is that, dose any one have any suggestions on tricks i can use, or things i can try?

Answer 1

from what you are describing, it sounds like exactly what happens when the kid panics. this panic is from something, either thinking they will run out of breath or thinking they will go under. why is his head going under the water? hold him up and let him know you won't let it go and that he's safe. it sounds just like a fear of water to me; i don't think it's about kicking. approach it as a fear of water and maybe that will help. good luck

Answer 2

I have several of my students that do this as well. I think the best way i've found to approach this is support them with your arms and gain their trust. Once they trust you, the kids will almost always be more confident in their swimming. If he's doing this fine for even just a little bit, more than likely he's just bothered by water in his ears, water going up his nose, or simply nervous about drowning (this is where the trust factor comes into play). Oh and tell them to get their stomachs up so that they can flatten out their bodies on top of the water, making the arm strokes, kicking, and breathing much easier than being in a slanted position.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

not a pro.  but i was in a swimming team since 8.

i remember this one exercise where the instructor told me to grab on to the edge of the pool.  keep my butt above water and keep kicking to make water splash for as long as possible.  Apparently needs lower back strength?

That way he can at least concentrate on kicking the right way without fear of drowning.

not sure if it helps...  but it's still a good exercise