NOTES TO TEACHERS At most schools squad drill is practised, and therefore it is unnecessary to explain the various preliminary orders and turnings which should be given ; but when a large number of pupils are under instruction, care should be taken to afford sufficient space for the free use of the limbs. The pupils are first taught the necessary leg movements, followed by those of the arms, and when proficient in both are taken through the combined arm and leg motions until these are correctly and smartly executed.
Special provision should be made by the teacher for regular practice in deep breathing. The method is as follows : From the position of attention, bring the head and shoulders well forward and slowly exhale through the mouth as much air as possible from the lungs. Follow this by slowly making a deep inspiration through the nostrils, and gradually throwing back the head and shoulders to the position of 'attention. If this exercise is repeated six times at each lesson, the pupils will not only be benefited by the exchange of air in the lungs, but will learn how to fill them properly and thus add to their buoyancy when in the water.
When the pupils are all in position in the water, the teacher will repeat the orders used in the combined arm and leg drill,' and carefully note that the whole of the body is immersed, with the chin touching the surface, the hands and arms being about three inches and the legs about nine inches below the water. When taking a stroke all jerky action must be avoided, the body must be kept steady, the back slightly holloweti, and the head thrown back in an easy, unstrained position. The teacher must see that the pupils' arms and legs act simultaneously, that in drawing up the legs for the kick the knees are separated, that the kick or flip is made outwards, and that the closing of extended legs is made sharply, rounded, and with a swinging motion.
During the exercise in the water the teacher should carefully note : (I) That when the legs are being drawn up, the knees are well apart, and that the soles of the feet face the surface of the water. (2) That in kicking outwards, the lower
part of the legs from the knee to the toe are swept vigorously with a rounded movement, slashing the water with the front of the foot as the legs are being straightened. (3) That the stroke of the straightened legs is continued with vigour until they absolutely touch in line with the body.
As soon as the pupils can accomplish a few strokes, the teacher should place them against the side of the bath at proper intervals, and with the help of a push-off, encourage them to reach the other side.
The arrangement of the class in sections and proper position should be a matter well thought out, and the num ber entering the water at the same time should not be too large ; otherwise a great deal of time may be wasted, to say nothing of the pupils becoming cold before the instruction is begun.
A swimming class should be divided into three sections : the first' to consist of swimmers, the `second' of pupils who unaided can manage a few strokes, and the third' of such beginners as require support.
In the absence of any aids or supports, the pupils should be numbered off in pairs and ranged in a single line, in the water, at the side of the bath. On the word Ready,' the odd numbers place their right hands under the chin or chest of the even numbers. On the word One,' the even numbers sink into the water up to their necks and place themselves in position ready for the stroke. On the word Two,' the even numbers swim and the odd numbers walk across the bath, supporting them on the surface in their first attempt at the breast stroke. When the pupils arrive at the opposite side, the word Change Rank' is given, and then the even numbers take the place of the odd and repeat the practice.