Working with young swimmers, it's incredibly important to set up the foundation of every pushoff.

Why do it: The pushoff and breakout are the foundations of every length of swimming. No detail is too small to focus on, or repeat, repeat, repeat.

How to do it: 1 - Set targets for the push offs to make sure the swimmers don't try to overdo it and go too far. 2 - Have the swimmers perform a "pencil" push off to the first target. 3 - Then, have them initiate a Position 11 flutter kick to the second target. 4 - Finally, have them take 4 arm swings while focusing on maintaining a constant kick to the third marker.... then stop.

How to do it really well (the fine points): The markers not only give reasonable targets, but they also help to make sure the swimmers aren't going to be gliding ineffectively for too far. The additional benefit of the markers are to make sure the swimmers aren't going too far without air.

Remember, repeat repeat repeat. Don't rush to move to the next step, teach the importance of foundations!


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Turns - Pencil Push Kick Swim