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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can perform aquatic breathing by blowing steady bubbles with a straw and use balance and control to perform a range of rotations.

Key learning points

  1. Move: aquatic breathing involves blowing bubbles.
  2. Move: a log roll requires balance and precision and can be used to rotate from front to back and back to front.
  3. Think: it is important to be able to rotate in water in order to change stroke or direction.
  4. Feel: determination is required to keep trying to master a challenging skill.

Keywords

  • Blowing bubbles - created by blowing out through your mouth or nose in a controlled manner

  • Streamlined - making your body long and straight like a rocket when you swim

  • Log roll - turning from your front to back or back to front in a streamline position

Common misconception

Pupils think that you need to wear a nose clip to prevent water from going up your nose when swimming or rotating in the water.

Blowing out when performing rolls in the water stops water from going up your nose.

Teacher tip

Many of the activities can be repeated in groups using unison and canon if tasks are mastered quickly.

Equipment

small ball (tennis), mats, bowls, straws, towel or mop, wet floor caution sign

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.
Name a floating position?

tree
Correct answer: star
crab

Q2.
To perform front paddle, what direction should you lean in?

Correct answer: forwards
backwards
sideways

Q3.
To travel forwards using front paddle, where should you pull the water?

sideways
upwards
Correct answer: backwards

Q4.
To balance in a tuck float, which muscles do you need to use to stay still?

back
Correct answer: core
side

4 Questions

Q1.
What do we call breathing in a relaxed manner when we are in or underwater?

Correct answer: aquatic breathing
land breathing
water breathing

Q2.
What roll requires you to turn your head to the side and lift one shoulder?

forward
Correct answer: log
backward

Q3.
Where are you stopping water from going whilst blowing out during a forward roll in the water?

eyes
Correct answer: nose
mouth

Q4.
What is most important when working with a partner and discussing ideas?

talking
sharing
Correct answer: listening

To help you plan your all physical education lesson on: Aquatic breathing, rotations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...