**Underwater Dolphin Teaching Progression 
Step #2
Getting Comfortable Under Water While on the Back**

In order to get to this…

…swimmers must be able to do one of three things.

They must be able to blow bubbles out the nose.

Or, they must have the unique ability to create a “reverse pressure” in their nose while upside down and under water, thus making bubbles unnecessary. (This can be learned). 

Or, they must be able to close off the nose with their upper lip, like this. This is a unique talent.

However, with all developing swimmers we initially learn to blow bubbles while upside down.  We start in a vertical position, and I go under water to see if they can create a steady stream of bubbles out their nose for a long period of time.

Then the swimmers practice on their own, going under water and blowing bubbles while they look at the surface of the water.

Next, we transition to a streamline float, while on the back, but still at the surface.   I make sure the head is in neutral…looking straight up. Don’t tuck the chin.

Next, I submerge her in this position and ask her just to kick.

I tell her to take a deep breath and then blow bubbles out her nose as she submerges.

I hold her head in line and keep her in streamline. The first time I submerge her I keep it quick.

I want her eyes to look at the surface of the water from underneath. Don’t tuck the chin. It will cause more resistance and the swimmer will surface too quickly.

Next, I have the swimmer practice ready position pushoffs, on her back into a straight, underwater, head-neutral streamline.


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Step #2 - Getting Comfortable Under Water While on the Back