As little swimmers move onto stroke development classes, we focus on stroke technique.
As 3–5-year-olds, little swimmers will learn the basics of freestyle, taught as 'big circle arms'. This aims to get your child familiar with the movement of reaching forward and taking individual strokes, in addition to their splashing toes.
Once swimmers can show they are competent doing their individual strokes, as well as coming up for a breath regularly, they will move onto learning their 'roll to breathe'. Swimmers will turn their head and roll to breathe on every third stroke and must show consistent kicking legs.
When moving onto swimming in a stroke development and technique class, swimmers will focus on each part of their stroke and correcting any habits. At paradise swim, we focus on:
Straight kicking legs:
We ask for swimmers to avoid bending their knees as it creates a drag through the water. Straight legs and pointed toes ensure a smooth glide and a balanced body position.
Chin to chest:
Keeping chin to chest head position allows a flat body position on the surface of the water. When the swimmers chin is lifted from their chest, their hips will drop, and they will struggle to maintain their straight kicking legs on the surface of the water.
Ear to shoulder:
When swimmers roll to breathe, we ask for their ear to shoulder to ensure that their head position is maintained. It is common that children will want to lift their head forward which results in the hips dropping. Practicing an ear to shoulder roll creates good habit for little swimmers.
Tall arms:
To avoid bent arms and sloppy strokes, we ask for swimmers to reach to the sky when they do their stroke. Because swimmers are consciously reaching, their stroke will lengthen.
If your swimmer has hopes of swimming squad as they are older these basic techniques are essential. Freestyle knowledge is also a great skill to have when swimming unassisted and keeping afloat.