Physical: Kicking, propulsion, dynamic balance

Cognitive: Direction change, sequencing

Social: Group play

3 or more

Pool noodles, or kickboards

Swimmers form a line holding noodles or kickboards. On the instructor’s cue, the “car wash” begins and swimmers start to kick forward, circle around each other safely, and follow directional calls (forward, reverse, circle left/right). The focus is on continuous kicks and changing direction while maintaining balance and coordination. This turns kicking practice into a fun, game-like swim activity.

Yes

Adaptations for Wheelchair Users:

• Seated “direction calls” with upper-body turns (forward, reverse, left, right)

• Timed reaction movements to mimic direction changes

• Shortened intervals with structured rest breaks

Change the equipment:

• Use chest-deep shallow water for stable footing

• Create wide lanes with floating markers to prevent collisions

Change the task:

• Practice straight forward kicks only before adding turns

• Use visual cue cards (arrow signs) instead of rapid verbal calls

Change the equipment:

• Move to deep water with no wall contact

• Narrow lanes slightly to increase spatial awareness demands

Change the task:

• Add rapid direction changes (two cues back-to-back)

• Add push-off from wall before entering lane

• I will keep kicking the whole time without stopping.

• I will turn the right way when I hear the direction.