“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to

work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter.

CHAPTER 4 Dog Paddle

Course Learning Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to:

1. Identify the mechanics of dog paddle as part of water safety

2. Discuss the components of fitness involves in dog paddle
3. Discuss the importance of dog paddle for beginners in swimming

INTRODUCTION:
One of the simplest strokes in swimming especially for beginners is dog paddle. It is
believed that dog paddle is one of the oldest swim strokes used by ancient humans,
believed to have been learned by observing animal’s swim.
The dog paddle is a fast and fun way to move around the pool while keeping your head
above water. It is also a good way for beginners to learn how to swim! You can do a dog
paddle with or without a lifejacket.

DISCUSSION:
Dog Paddle
1. Get used to the water. Go to the shallow end of the pool and walk down the steps
into the water. Spend a few minutes splashing around and getting used to the water. If
you’re nervous about being in water, try blowing some bubbles to relax. First, take a
deep breath. Bend your legs until your face is underwater, keeping your eyes closed.
Exhale slowly, blowing out bubbles. This will help you relax.
Don’t start swimming until you’ve relaxed. If you swim while you’re stressed out you
risk injuring yourself or drowning.

Try opening your eyes underwater while you blow bubbles. This will also help you r
elax.

2. Position yourself to swim. Stretch your arms in front of you, keeping your head
above the water. Stretch your legs loosely out underneath you. You can keep your feet
on the bottom of the pool until you start swimming. Remember to breathe deeply and
relax.

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Janvier B. Mantala LPT,MPES
 Don’t lie completely flat or stay completely horizontal. Try to find a point in
between where your body is almost floating.
Make sure to do this in shallow water. If you need to, you can stand up to
breathe or float until you catch your breath.

Image shows on how to position the body to swim the dog paddle

3. Practice the arm motions. Cup both hands by pressing your fingers together tightly
and bowing your palm out. Extend your hands one at a time and pull water towards
yourself in a scooping motion. You will feel yourself moving forward a bit when you
scoop the water. Practice this motion until you’re comfortable with it.
Some people prefer to scoop water in a downward motion instead of towards
themselves.
Your hands should be under the water at all times.

Image shows the arm motion in dog paddle

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Janvier B. Mantala LPT,MPES
4. Swim using your legs. Your legs will keep you afloat while your arms move you
forward. While scooping water with your arms, kick your feet under the water. You can
kick in a “bicycle” motion by kicking your legs in circles or a “frog kick” motion by kicking
your legs out. Practice each kicking motion and decide which is more comfortable for
you.
Breathe deeply. Keep your head over the surface of the water to allow you to
breathe easily.
If you find yourself struggling to swim or breathe, stand up and take a break.

Image shows using the leg motion in dog paddle

5. Alter your breathing technique if needed. If you find yourself straining your neck,
keep your head close to the surface of the water. Raise your head above the surface
when you want to inhale and slowly exhale while your face is in the water. Make sure
you’re staying calm at all times.
If you’re having too much trouble keeping your head above water you need to
paddle harder with your hands.
If you find yourself getting worn out, either stand up or turn onto your back and
float until you catch your breath.

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 Image shows the breathing technique in dog paddle

6. Correct swimming problems. If you’re having trouble staying close to the surface of
the water this means you need to kick harder with your feet. Kicking your feet will keep
you afloat but only if you’re kicking hard enough. Similarly, if you find yourself moving
forward too slowly, paddle harder with your hands.
If you’re scooping the water towards yourself, scoop the water down instead.
You won’t go forward as fast but it will help you stay afloat.
If you’re struggling to do a bicycle kick, switch to a frog kick (and vice versa).

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Janvier B. Mantala LPT,MPES
 Image shows on how to correct the swimming problems in dog paddle

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Dog-Paddle

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Janvier B. Mantala LPT,MPES