With a Pool Noodle in the Hands

The child holds a pool noodle, or alternatively a pull buoy, in their hands. The pool noodle is held in front of the body with stretched arms in the prone position. The drive comes from the flutter kick. Then the child swims toward the pool wall. As soon as it bumps the noodle against the edge of the pool, it pushes the noodle down underneath the body and does a forward roll. If the child's strength is not enough for this, an object with less buoyancy should be used (for example a pull buoy or even a diving ring). This exercise is useful for three reasons. First, it helps the children find the right distance from the pool wall. Second, the pool noodle has to be pushed down with the arms and the whole body, which automatically lowers the chin and bends the back. Third, the exercise helps to learn the correct arm movement. Many children want to use their arms at the side to help with the rotation; this is prevented and the arms automatically come into their correct place.