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      Rotations whilst floating and travelling with coordination

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can rotate from my front to back, back to front and vertically around 360 degrees in the water.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: accurately rotating from our back onto our front and vice versa, requires the body to be relaxed and precise.
      2. Move: our head leads the movement when performing a turntable in the water.
      3. Think: floating on your back is the best position to be in to keep the nose and mouth clear of the water.
      4. Feel: confidence is needed to move our head, shoulders and hips as this will affect the way our body turns in the water.
      5. Connect: considering other pupils' positions in the water requires awareness.

      Keywords

      • Rotation - the act of turning from front to back or back to front

      • Turntable - 360 degree rotation, in a seated position

      • Travel - independent movement around the pool where feet are off the floor

      Common misconception

      Pupils think that learning to swim distances is more important than learning to rotate onto our backs.

      Turning onto our back to float, and have the nose and mouth clear of the water, is an extremely important skill to learn as it means the airways are clear.

      Teacher tip

      When teaching gymnastics talk about how rotations are important in swimming. In the pool, use lots of games which incorporate rotations and changing direction.

      Equipment

      1 x noodle per pupil, 2 x floats per pupil

      Content guidance

      Additional qualification required

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is it called when we make figure of 8 motions with our hands?

      swimming
      Correct answer: sculling
      gliding

      Q2.
      When kicking in back paddle, how should our legs move?

      Correct answer: alternating
      together
      slowly

      Q3.
      What do we need to be able to experiment and try new ideas?

      calmness
      cooperation
      Correct answer: confidence

      Q4.
      Where should your eyes be looking when swimming back paddle?

      Correct answer: the ceiling
      the side
      in the water

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What are you trying to keep clear of the water when rotating from front to back?

      eyes
      feet
      Correct answer: nose and mouth

      Q2.
      Which body part helps to direct a turn in the water?

      knees
      Correct answer: head
      stomach

      Q3.
      Why is rotating in the water important?

      Correct answer: awareness of surroundings
      see the sky
      makes you dizzy

      Q4.
      How do you position your hands when sculling to rotate 360 degrees in a vertical position?

      Correct answer: 1 up, 1 down
      both up
      both down

      To help you plan your all physical education lesson on: Rotations whilst floating and travelling with coordination, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...