Game version
Glide game: from the wall, push off and glide to a floating ring, then your partner goes. The pair collects ten smooth glides, with an adult watching.
Backstroke Wall Start
Start backstroke from in the water by pushing off the wall onto your back.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Hold the wall with both hands and put your feet on it under the water.
Core: To the second. Aim for a long, relaxed glide.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Pool
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Starts & Turns
The steps
How it works
- Hold the wall with both hands and put your feet on it under the water.
- Tuck in close, then push back with your arms over your head.
- Glide on your back, then start kicking.
- Do 8 starts.
Coaching point
Push away, arms by your ears.
Safety: Swim only with a lifeguard or coach watching and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a distance: Less (to the first flag), Core (to the second), More (to the third). Aim for a long, relaxed glide.
Story
You are a seal launching from a rock into the sea.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for a long, relaxed glide. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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