SIP 051: Go to Games for swim lessons

Today we're going to look at the "staple" games for swimming lessons. These are the go to games I use for most swim lessons.   Once you get a group of swimmers with you more regularly where they know you and are used to your system and routines, you can start playing more inventive and dynamic games.   For beginners, for summer temporary staff the best games are the staples, the basics, the go to games.   Buckethead   http://swimminglessonsideas.com/2012/06/28/game-buckethead/   Fun, first game we teach swim instructors. The easiest game to play, requires fun and energy which are often in high supply for beginners who are often younger.  Gives lots of opportunity to bond in a positive trust earning way with swimmers     Bake a Cake   http://swimminglessonsideas.com/2012/04/19/underwater-game-for-beginners/   Jumps   Assisted, unassisted, and different types of jumps. Most successful when given a certain number of attempts each time. The clearer you are with instructions, then the more benefit.   Typical uses: refreshing or resetting when doing a lot of work with specific skill focus. When you're doing a lot of repetitive glides and arm stroke work, break up the monotony with jumps.   Effective for getting used to going underwater, effective for learning how to recover after falling in.  Let participants hold your hands, and control the depth to which they fall in.   Make additions to the jump using clear instructions. For example: jump in, swim to instructor then streamline back to the wall with a boost. Or jump in, roll over on back, then kick on back to wall.    Physical challenges:   varying options and dynamic category of games instead of just *one* game. Poses, flips in seconds, body position challenge, contest       Every game in this podcast can be created on the fly using the formula found in the book, How to Create Fun and Effective Swim Games. You can get a copy at amazon now! http://amzn.to/1UdwqG4