Game version
Eyes-up swim-and-pass: swim a short distance with the ball in front and pass it to a partner. Swap, with a coach watching.
Backstroke Look-Around
Swim on your back with your head up so you can see the whole pool behind you.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Kick on your back with your chin a little up.
Core: Medium. Beat only your own smooth control.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Pool
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Swimming
The steps
How it works
- Kick on your back with your chin a little up.
- Take easy backstroke arms, short and quick.
- Call out the color of a cap your coach points to.
- Do 6 widths.
Coaching point
Head up, eyes on the game.
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 level: Less (short), Core (medium), More (a little longer). Beat only your own smooth control.
Story
You are a ship carrying treasure across the harbor.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat only your own smooth control. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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