Games aren’t just for fun — they’re a powerful tool for learning! In swimming lessons, structured play can accelerate skill development, boost confidence, and enhance teamwork. These are vital components for developing your children’s swimming ability, with games taking various forms depending on their grade.
This week’s Tuesday Tips post will explore game-based learning in children and the importance of games on swimmers’ development.
What is game-based learning?
Game-based learning can be defined as the use of games and structured play activities to teach physical skills, strategies, and to improve engagement within a given sport.
Game-based learning keeps swimmers actively engaged, making them the central focus of their own progress. This is highly beneficial, promoting active engagement and improving motivation. Additionally, game-based learning can improve swimmers’ ability to work within a team and enhance their decision-making abilities.
What does game-based learning look like in swimming?
Game-based learning can take various forms in a swimming lesson, with different games being utilised to improve different aspects of swimming. These games can vary from teacher to teacher and from grade to grade.
Each game is designed with a specific focus — maybe breathing techniques, teamwork, or speed — to help swimmers refine their skills in an interactive way. Games you may see in lessons include:
- Baking a cake: Introduces aquatic breathing to children but also focuses on familiarity with the water, reducing fear.
- Sinkers: A classic game that improves aquatic breathing and confidence in submersion.
- Water polo: Encourages coordination and endurance, essential for mastering strokes.
- Relay races: Centres around speed and teamwork skills, fostering a competitive but fun environment.
So, should all lessons be game-based?
No. Although game-based learning is a valuable tool, games should not dominate the entirety of a swimming lesson. This is due to the requirement of structured learning, focusing on technique and stroke progression.
However, research has supported the use of both games and structured learning within lesson time. A structured approach ensures swimmers develop correct techniques, while games keep lessons engaging and reinforce key skills. The best swimming programmes combine both for optimal results. Additionally, this blended learning style will be effective for the majority of swimmers, enabling maximal learning throughout the class. For example, stroke correction requires dedicated time, but adding a short, skill-focused game afterward can reinforce learning while keeping swimmers engaged.
Final remarks
Game-based learning is more than just play — it is a fun and engaging way to aid in swimming progression and is highly encouraged by Mighty Splash. This encourages swimmers to progress, placing them at the centre of learning, and ensuring every swimmer builds confidence, skill, and a love for the sport.
Mighty Splash incorporates game-based learning into our children’s swimming lessons. Click here to find out more and book your place now!
