ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming

Introduction

Listed below are the main areas of skills which are developed as a swimmer takes their journey through aquatics, following the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming:

ENTRY - safe entry into water, use of steps, pool side, jumps and eventually dives.

EXITS - safe exits from water, use of steps and pool side.

BUOYANCY & BALANCE - developing an understanding of buoyancy and balance and what affects it, and how to become buoyant in the water.

ROTATION & ORIENTATION - developing skills such as: how to turn around, how to lie back, how to lie forward, how to regain an upright position, and how to twist from the back to the front and vice versa.

STREAMLINING - understanding of streamlining, how to be streamlined and why it is important.

AQUATIC BREATHING - developing confidence in the water and feeling of being at ease with the water around the face, learning how to breathe correctly, which consequently is developing a 'safe' swimmer.

TRAVEL & COORDINATION - developing movement forwards, backwards, sideways, how to travel effectively, exploring different ways of travelling in water.

WATER SAFETY - development of a basic understanding of how to keep safe in and around water.

HEALTH & FITNESS - developing an understanding of why activity is good for you.

Following a review of the old National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) has introduced new and improved ways of teaching people to swim, in particular children.

A key principle behind the plan is FUN. Rather than simply learning strokes and distance, lessons now use fun and games to help children learn to swim.

The plan develops a wider range of skills that lead to better swimmers. Children are not guaranteed to achieve a Stage per block of lessons.

It is proven that the use of fun activities in the water leads to better and more confident swimmers. There must be 100% pass rate of outcomes before your child can move to the next stage. At each stage of the NPTS, all skills are crucial and must be comfortably achieved prior to moving on to the next stage.

The Scheme:

ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming - An All Inclusive Programme

A detailed guide for all parents is available from reception, price £2.50. It is strongly recommended that all parents purchase one of these.

FOUNDATION
Developing early years water confidence, which is encouraged through sessions such as 'adult and child' and 'pre-school' sessions. The emphasis is upon development of very basic motor skills and introduction to water.

STAGE 1
Developing basic safety awareness, the 'class' scenario, basic movement skills and water confidence skills. Swimmers may use aids, e.g arm bands, floats etc.

STAGE 2
Developing safe entries to the water, including jumping in, basic floating, travel and rotation unaided to regain upright positions. Swimmers may use aids, e.g arm bands, floats etc.

STAGE 3
Developing safe entries including submersion, travel up to 10 metres on the front and back, progress rotation skills and water safety knowledge.

STAGE 4
Developing the understanding of buoyancy through a range of skills, refining kicking technique for all strokes, and swimming 10 metres to given standard as directed by the ASA.

STAGE 5
Developing 'watermanship' through sculling and treading water skills, and complete rotation, also performing all strokes to the given standard as directed by the ASA.

STAGE 6
Developing effective swimming skills including coordinated breathing; developing the water safety aspects and understanding of preparation for exercise.

STAGE 7
Developing quality stroke technique up to 100 metres, incorporating skills learnt and combing them to develop a linked routine and complete successfully an obstacle course that combines a variety of skills accomplished throughout stages 1 - 7.

STAGE 8 - 10
Once the swimmer has developed the core range of skills, the swimmer may then have the choice to take part in different aquatic disciplines*

• Competitive swimming
• Diving
• Synchronised swimming
• Water polo
• Rookie lifesaving

*Not all disciplines will be available at all pools