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Kick, Kick, Splash

Holding the grown-up’s hands in shallow water, the child lies forward and kicks, making little splashes. Comfort in the water comes first.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

In shallow water, hold both of your child’s hands, facing them.

Ages
4 to 6
Time
3 min
Players
Just you
Space
Pool
Bring
Pool where your child can stand
Level · skill
Beginner · Stroke Technique

The steps

How it works

  1. In shallow water, hold both of your child’s hands, facing them.
  2. They lean forward and kick their legs with straight-ish knees.
  3. Walk backward slowly as they kick.
  4. Rest standing up between rounds. Keep it short and fun.

Coaching point

Praise the try: “Great kicking! Look at those splashes.”

Safety: A grown-up stays in the water within arm’s reach the whole time, where your child can stand, with a lifeguard or another adult watching too. No breath-holding games, and never jump or dive in.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Let the child be the coach for a turn: show the grown-up how to do “Kick, Kick, Splash”, then swap.

Story

You are a superhero in training, and “Kick, Kick, Splash” is today’s mission.

Practice makes progress

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