Swimming — Stroke Development — Year 4 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: PE KS2 — swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres; use a range of strokes effectively; perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations
Overview
Pupils develop their front crawl and backstroke technique, focusing on body position, breathing and arm pull. They increase distance and begin to develop stamina in the water. Where pupils are not yet secure swimmers, the lesson provides differentiated support. Water safety and self-rescue are also addressed.
Swimming — Stroke Development learning objectives
- Swim front crawl for a minimum of 15 metres with a rhythmic kick and arm pull.
- Perform backstroke for 10 metres, maintaining a horizontal body position.
- Demonstrate controlled rhythmic breathing during front crawl (turn head, exhale underwater).
- Explain what to do if you fall into cold water unexpectedly (float to live / HELP position).
Success criteria
- I can swim front crawl with a steady kick and arm pull.
- I can swim backstroke with my body flat.
- I can breathe to the side during front crawl.
- I can explain what to do if I fall into cold water.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Pool entry and warm-up length: walk through waist-deep water, then swim one length slowly at own pace. Floating practice: back float for 10 seconds, front float for 5. Kickboard kick across the width — check feet are below the surface (not splashing).
Front crawl body position: head down (looking at the bottom of the pool), hips high. Arm pull: high elbow entry, pull under body, exit at hip. Breathing: turn head to side (not lift), ear stays in water. Pupils use a kickboard to practise breathing only: kick down the pool, breathing every three kicks. Backstroke: back float, ear in water, arms pull alternately from above head to hip in a windmill action, kick from hips. Pupils practise length of backstroke. Water safety: what happens in cold water? (Cold shock, loss of muscle control.) HELP position — demonstrate and practise in the water: float in foetal position.
Differentiated groups: (1) beginners — front crawl with woggle support, focusing on kick and breathing; (2) developing — front crawl full stroke, focus on breathing every three strokes; (3) secure — front crawl continuous 4 lengths, backstroke 2 lengths. Teacher gives individual feedback on body position and breathing timing.
Distance challenge: each group swims as far as they can in five minutes using their best stroke. Mark the wall at their turning point for a start-of-term comparison.
Exit pool; gather at poolside. Ask: what does 'streamlined' mean in swimming? Why do we breathe to the side in front crawl rather than lifting our heads? What is the HELP position and when would you use it? Well done reminders: stamina builds slowly — celebrate any improvement.
Support and extension for swimming — stroke development
Support
- Use floats or a noodle so pupils can focus on the kick or arms alone.
- Practise breathing at the poolside before swimming with it.
- Shorten the distance and build up.
Extension
- Breathe on alternate sides (bilateral breathing) every three strokes.
- Swim 25 metres continuously in both strokes.
- Practise a safe entry and float for a minute, then signal for help.
Check for understanding
Quick questions for the plenary or an exit ticket. Tap a question to see the answer.
1. What should your body be like in backstroke?
Answer: Flat and streamlined near the surface, ears in the water, looking up.
2. When do you breathe out in front crawl?
Answer: Underwater, so you are ready to breathe in when you turn your head.
3. What should you do if you fall into cold water?
Answer: Float to live: lean back, spread arms and legs, and float until your breathing is under control, then call or signal for help.
4. What is the HELP position for?
Answer: To keep warm in cold water while wearing a lifejacket, by holding your knees to your chest.
Resources you will need
- Floats and noodles
- Lane ropes and cones
- RNLI Float to Live resources
Common Misconceptions
- Lifting the head to breathe in front crawl causes the hips to drop, creating drag — teach rotation not lift.
- Kicking from the knee (like cycling) rather than from the hip — knees should only have a gentle bend.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Basic swimming confidence and water safety from Years 3-4 swimming programme.
- Ability to float and glide independently.
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