It is common for your child to be uncomfortable swimming on their back. Children, especially when first learning kicking on our back, will naturally lack balance.
Upper body position must be the focus when teaching kids how to kick on our back. Pushing their belly to the sky and looking to the roof allows swimmers to remain flat on top of the water and therefore feel more balanced. To further make sure swimmers maintain a flat body position, we ask them to push their chin back. Head position must be correct in order for children to improve their technique.
Additionally, kicking technique will affect the speed and balance of the swimmer. It is quite common for children to have bent knees when kicking on their back, which causes them to look somewhat like they are pedaling a bike. We ask for pointed toes and straight legs, allowing the child to focus on the length in their kicking.
Kicking on our back creates the foundation for backstroke. Not only is it a great skill to have, but it ensures your child safety and confidence when swimming unassisted.
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