Aqua Instructor Tip - Rocking Horse into straight leg back kicks combo 😍💦

If you taught last week’s Rocking Horse + front kicks combo, you’ll love this follow-on. Same feel, same “block of music” structure… but this time we take the straight leg to the back. It’s one of those combinations that looks simple, feels brilliant, and gives your class that “ooh… my brain had to work there” moment. ⭐The combo: Rocking Horse + straight leg back kicks Start with Rocking Horse on the right leg Cue your arm line first (your choice, but commit to it and keep it consistent). Pull back as you rock back, push forward as you rock front. ⭐For a strong, effective Rocking Horse: Keep the torso in line with the body (no head-throwing to drive momentum). Land each rock front-to-back with the feet coming as close together as possible. Let the torso move with the legs so the abdominals have to earn their keep. ⭐Move into the straight leg back kick Rebounding action, bounce off the forefoot. Same arm line as the Rocking Horse. Then bring the back leg forward and set yourself up to return to Rocking Horse… but make sure you switch to the left leg forward before you restart the Rocking Horse. Keep the same number of repetitions on both sides. ⭐The music block breakdown (this is where the magic is) 32 counts (1 block of music): 4 Rocking Horses (right leg forward) 8 straight leg back kicks That’s your 32 counts. Then repeat on the left side with the same rep pattern. In the video, I also show you how to start breaking this down further into an 8-count block. That’s where the coordination and “brain training” really ramps up. If you’d like to learn this style of choreography and feel confident with music blocks, DM me, and I’ll point you in the right direction. Effort doesn’t come from the legs… it comes from the water Want this to land as cardio at its best? The effort needs to come from the arms and the turbulence your participants create. And here’s a simple way to coach that without barking “work harder” at people (because honestly… no one wants to hear that) Train their perception of effort at the start of class Use the same arm line you’ll use in the combo, sweeping arms front to back. Start with a gentle push/pull and ask them to rate it out of 10. Gradually build the water movement until they feel like they’re around an 8/10. Remind them: everyone’s 8/10 will look different, and that’s the point. This gives them ownership over intensity and helps them understand what they can do in the water to achieve their goals ⭐Pool deck coaching tip This one needs a bit of practice to demo well on deck, because the way you deliver it will directly shape your participants’ success. Watch the full video, notice how it’s demonstrated from pool deck, and practise it until you’ve got the motor memory. And one final reminder ✅ The leg you start on always lifts forward first, so it’s a rock back to start Join aqua expert and group fitness educator Marietta Mehanni as she shares practical tips and techniques to refresh your teaching and keep your classes moving with purpose! Whether you're after fresh ideas or want to fine-tune your cueing, you'll find inspiration here. Want more support? If you're an aqua instructor looking to grow your confidence and expand your teaching toolkit, the Aqua Mentoring Membership is for you. You'll get access to resources, session breakdowns, class ideas, and a community that understands the challenges and joys of teaching in water. 👉 Get started with 30 days FREE access to Aqua Mentoring here: https://www.mariettamehannieducation.... For more resources, workshops, and education, visit: 🌐 https://www.mariettamehannieducation....