Grade 3 Movement Swimming – Dribbing Notes
Movement — Swimming
Subtopic: Dribbing
What is dribbing? Dribbing is small, soft hand and foot movements in the water. It helps you stay steady, move slowly and control your body. Think of it like tiny taps on the water — not big splashes.
Why dribbing is good for you
- Helps you balance and float.
- Makes it easy to move slowly and safely.
- Builds small muscles in your hands and legs.
- Good for games and learning confidence in water.
Easy steps to do dribbing
- Get ready: Stand in shallow water with an adult near. Water at chest or waist is best for beginners. 🧍♂️💧
- Float or hold a float: Try a back float or hold a noodle if you need help. 🟦🛟
- Hands: Make soft cups with your hands (like holding a little water). Move them forward and back slowly — small taps. 👐➡️⬅️
- Feet: Do tiny kicks from the hips — not big splashes. Think tip-toe kicks. 🦶💦
- Head and breathing: Keep your face in or above water comfortably and breathe slowly. 😊
- Practice together: Ask a friend or teacher to count slow taps with you: “1…2…1…2.”
Simple picture (use while practising)
Water: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Swimmer: 🏊♀️
Hands: 👐 — gentle push → ← — gentle push
Feet: 👟 (tiny kicks) ✨ ✨ ✨
Fun games to practice dribbing (Kenyan places)
- Polo dribble: Use a small soft ball at a school pool — dribble the ball with soft hand taps while moving slowly. Great for Mombasa or Nyanza school pools!
- Follow the crocodile: Form a line and follow teacher’s slow dribbling — pretend you are a crocodile gliding on a lake (Lake Victoria fun!). 🐊
- Dribble and count: Count 10 small taps then stop — repeat 3 times. Good for practicing self-control.
Safety rules (very important)
- Always have an adult or coach watching. 👀
- Use life jackets or floaters if you cannot swim well. 🛟
- Do dribbing in shallow or supervised water only — not deep water alone.
- Follow pool rules at school or public beaches like Diani and Kilifi.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen if you practise in the sun. 🧴🧢
Quick practise checklist
Before practice: water shallow, adult present, float ready.
Try 1 minute today: soft hands, tiny kicks, slow breathing. Give yourself a high-five! ✋
Little rhyme to remember:
"Sip the water, tap the hand — tiny kicks across the land!"