Project

Goal

I CAN keep myself above the water surface through controlled treading water and perform a   precise throwing movement at the same time.
I KNOW how to use my leg and arm movements to generate enough buoyant force to keep myself above the water surface.
I FEEL safe and physically competent in the water because I can use my strength and coordination in a controlled way.

Success criteria

The minimum goal is to remain above the water with control, throw accurately, hold the ring steady, and move with coordination

Environment/Space/Equipment

The equipment needed for this activity includes water polo balls or similar floating balls, floating gymnastics hoops, a laminated sheet, and a waterproof pen. The task takes place in a swimming pool in deep water. Ideally, the game should take place in a 25-metre lane, or even better, across two lanes. Alternatively, it can be carried out in open water, preferably in a freshwater lake during an excursion.

Group management

The children play in groups of three or more, with these groups often including both boys and girls. Each group should organise themselves so that each player rotates through the roles of throwing, holding the hoop and observing or recording. Roles should switch every minute. Use the laminated sheet to document throws and ensure that everyone is included fairly. Allow around two minutes for recording and rotation after each round.

Time/Duration/Schedule

The Throw & Flow setup should take no longer than 5 minutes, including handing out all materials and explaining the rules. Each team member should hold the hoop as a target at least once and also take part in throwing, depending on group size.
A good rule of thumb is to switch roles every minute, but this can be adjusted depending on the group. Please allow about two minutes for writing down the results, adding up the scores and changing positions.

Pre-requisite

Basis Aquatic Skills: treading water
Movement Knowledge: how to use arm and leg movements to stay in position, generate stability or throwing power, and perform a controlled throwing movement in the water Social Skills: cooperating in pairs or groups, taking turns fairly and giving feedback on successful throws.

Description

Basic instructions: Form a group of three or more people. One person holds a gymnastics hoop above the water while treading water. The other two then take turns trying to throw a floating ball through the hoop while keeping themselves afloat. After about one minute, swap roles so that everyone has the opportunity to both throw and hold the hoop.

Advanced instruction: Reduce the size of the hoop to make the target smaller, or increase the throwing distance.

Optional instruction:
Compete against another group! Which team can make the most accurate throws while switching roles fairly and staying coordinated in the water?