Kick, Stroke and Swim: Complement Your Swimming Program by Engaging the Whole Body on Dry Land and in the Pool

Abstract

The Kick, Stroke and Swim (KSS) program can be used to engage students in swimming-skill acquisition and fitness training using a variety of modalities, strategies and techniques on dry land. Practicing swim strokes and techniques on land gives all levels of swimmers — from beginner to competitive — a kinesthetic awareness of the individual components of each stroke that will enhance skill development and refinement. The KSS program assists with assessing the fundamental techniques of each skill component, may be used with peer assessments, and is a helpful tool to demonstrate proper technique for parental assistance. The swimming strokes executed on a variety of equipment such as a physioball, playground ball, therapy roller, therapy half-roller and BOSU ball, can address the skills of swimmers at different levels. Practicing these skills and techniques on the pool deck and in other land-based spaces during physical education class or at home, may assist students with retention and skill development. In addition, KSS training may enhance stroke acquisition and improvement of a student's overall fitness level, and land training could offer students an opportunity to build a confident skill base before entering the pool. This article will provide techniques, strategies and ideas for physical educators and swim instructors to engage swimmers at all levels.