Applied Relay Games in Swimming

In any sport, relay games are an excellent way to build timing, teamwork and focus. The traditional swimming relay where one swimmer swims a distance to be replaced by the next swimmer is just the beginning. Whether you're training a team or leading some recreation, try some different relays to change things around.

  1. Siamese Twins

    • Pair swimmers up in teams of two. Have them stand side by side and bind the inside ankles and wrists together. Swimmers must swim a distance using only the outside limbs to move forward. Individual pairs can be their own teams, or compete with larger teams in a traditional relay structure. This game is best played in shallow water in case some participants have trouble staying afloat.

    Ball Carry

    • Each team spaces out along a length of water. The first swimmer swims carrying a heavy ball in one or both hands. The ball is not allowed to float on the water. When the ball-carrying swimmer reaches his next teammate, they must pass the ball without it touching water. A variation of this relay is played with balls that are lighter than water and must be kept beneath the surface.

    Undertow

    • Teams line up at the edge of the water. The first swimmer dives under the surface and swims underwater until she has to surface, at which point she stops. The next swimmer swims normally out to that point, then swims under the surface as far as he can before surfacing. The team that covers the longest combined distance wins.

    Different Strokes

    • Structure this game like a standard relay. However, each team member must swim her length using a swimming stroke no other team member has used. Team members may choose their strokes ahead of time, or you can require improvisation.