https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa Aquatics - The Backstroke en-us 2018-11-26 19:54:23 UTC 2025-12-15 15:03:06 UTC hello@padlet.com eco20112011 https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308028842 For week one and two we have been focusing on the arms used for the backstroke. The students main areas of difficulty are keeping the arm rigid and maintaining the correct palm position needed to cut the water. 
The main methodology I implored was active instruction. I observed the students stroke and systematically informed him of positive and negative elements and how to improve upon them. 
In addition to this, I incorporated an isolation drill. The isolation drill allows the students to remove the other elements needed for the backstroke and solely focus upon the arms in this instance. The drill involved the student standing upright with their torso out of the water mimicking the movements of the teacher. I ensured to provide audio cues as well as visual ques to the student. 
I found that over the two weeks the students arms increased immensely and the student grasped the concepts very well through the drills used.]]> 2018-11-26 21:05:59 UTC https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308028842 eco20112011 https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308030806 The main focus of weeks three and four was the correct technique that must be implored for the legs. 
The students main areas of difficulty with regard to leg technique was keeping the rhythmic motion constant and using whole leg motions. To combat this I incorporated drills that implicitly worked on these two elements. Such drills include, taking the student out of the water and allowing them to practice their legs at the waters edge. Here i provided systematic oral cues and feedback on technique. Another drill used was the incorporation of a float. This allowed students to isolate their legs, not having to worry about keeping afloat students could really focus on technique.
I found that the students understanding of technique blossomed through the use of these drills and the student has gained a proficient level of competency in regards to their leg technique. ]]> 2018-11-26 21:10:59 UTC https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308030806 eco20112011 https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308240229 This week my teacher was helping me to perfect my arm technique.
I have been finding the arms difficult for some time, in particular keeping the arms straight and cutting the water. As a learner, I find it very difficult to pick out the flaws myself so having someone who is proficient enough to give corrective skill specific feedback is quite helpful.
I found the isolation drill helpful as it allowed me to actively correct my technique while i was still doing the movement, something that is not possible when you are performing the swim in the water.
I feel comfortable that I have increased my level of proficiency in implementing correct arm technique as a result of the practice and drills used in class.]]> 2018-11-27 13:11:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308240229 eco20112011 https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308250189 For week 3 and 4 we have been working on the leg technique. This is the area I personally found most difficult. I struggled to maintain a rhythmic movement and I was unsure of the correct leg technique.
The drills used by my teacher were immensely helpful. The first isolation drill (which was to sit at the waters edge and be provided with verbal cues and corrective feedback as I kicked my legs) very helpful. Being able to work exclusively on my legs and not having to worry about my arms or positioning was very beneficial and allowed me to develop correct technique.
This is similar to the isolation drill that was used in the water. By providing me with a float I did not have to worry about staying afloat and could concentrate exclusively on my leg technique.
I noted immense improvements in my techniques as a result of this intervention. The live corrective feedback really provided me with a clear picture of what is needed to maintain correct technique.]]> 2018-11-27 13:30:44 UTC https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308250189 eco20112011 https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308251389 The primary focus of week five and six was the  students positioning in the water. The student did not implore a streamlined enough shape in the water, creating drag and thus limiting his ability to swim.
To correct this nuance, I first explained why it was important for students to be streamlined in the water. I felt a good comprehension as to the mechanics of swimming would aid the student in the implementation of correct technique. 
In regards to drills used, the first drill incorporated was asking the student to stretch his hands as far forward as possible. This forces the students body position up in the water thus creating a more streamlined body.
Secondly, to correct the students head positioning, I placed a bottle cap on the students forehead and then tasked the student with swimming without knocking off the bottle cap. This forced the student to look towards the ceiling and inadvertently, raised their body position to a more lateral, streamlined shape. 
The drills used had an immense effect on the students positioning and allowed the student to gain a good grasp of the body positioning required for effective technique. ]]> 2018-11-27 13:32:57 UTC https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308251389 eco20112011 https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308256873 The main focus of the last two weeks has been working on body positioning. I found body positioning challenging and felt this was one area which was really hindering my swimming capabilities.
My teacher explained the logic behind why we must be streamlined to me first. I found an explanation into the mechanics of how we swim very helpful.
I was then asked to stretch my arms as far in front of me as possible. This in turn lifted my body position up in the water causing me to be much more streamlined.
My teacher then tasked me to place the lid of a bottle on my head while i swam. this caused me to look upwards thus making me more streamlined. I found this very helpful and enjoyable. ]]> 2018-11-27 13:42:56 UTC https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/308256873 eco20112011 https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/309704886 The primary focus of week 7 and 8 was gliding. This is a follow on lesson from streamlining the body position.
Evan was losing much momentum each swim at the initial glide stage. To counteract this I tasked Evan with gliding while kicking off the wall while using a float. Evan found this difficult at the start but as he was reminded of last weeks lesson on being streamlined and I instructed him to give a strong kick off the wall his technique improved.]]> 2018-11-30 10:43:05 UTC https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/309704886 eco20112011 https://padlet.com/eco20112011/p6sdtfwbnwqa/wish/309706799 For the final week, we focused on  gliding. I was finding it difficult to gain momentum when kicking off the wall to start the swim.
To combat this Eamon designed another isolation drill. Where we integrated a float so that I did not have to think about staying afloat this allowed me to practice my kicking off the all and ultimately gain proficiency in the technique.

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