Cannonball jump
The child jumps from the pool edge, drawing the knees up and hugging them with both arms, chin lowered so the whole body curls into a ball. The tuck is held after entering the water until the child surfaces. The exercise takes place in deep water, so the child's safety must be ensured at all times. Trains water acclimation and floating.
Preparatory exercises
Washing machine
Once your child masters the tuck position in the water from standing, gently spin them around with both hands — without overdoing it. The exercise trains regaining alignment after a brief loss of orientation, a critical safety skill in the water: a child used to temporary disorientation is less likely to panic in real situations.
Cannonball underwater
Practice the tucked position on land first, then in the water — initially without jumping. The child lifts their feet off the bottom, moves from standing into the cannonball (tuck) position and floats for as long as possible. Without a jump the risk of injury is much lower, so this also works in the kids' pool — but the water should be at least chest-deep for the child.
Pull along the edge
In the deep pool, the child pulls themselves along the edge, alternating hands, for about ten meters, then tries to climb out on their own — with parental support if needed. The tuck jump must be done in deep water to avoid injuries, but many children fear the depth: pulling along the edge familiarizes them with it. If your child is afraid, start with a regular jump before the tuck jump.
Common mistakes
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Opening too early
If your child has mastered the tucked position while standing in the water, gently spin them around with both hands — without overdoing it. Reorienting after brief disorientation is a critical safety skill in the water; this exercise trains it and reduces the likelihood of panic in real-life situations.
