At Paradise Swim children will learn and develop their simple strokes (freestyle and backstroke) around the age of 4-6. Once children can perform these strokes to standard, they will then move onto learning their more complex strokes (breastroke and butterfly).
Breastroke technique is developed through two steps, one focusing on the kick, then one introducing the pull.
Froggie Legs:
We ask for a circle kicking motion, followed by snapping into straight legs, then tucked knees under the belly.
Feet must be pointed outwards, both legs must move in sync.
As swimmers develop their froggie legs, the movement will become more consistent, creating a smooth glide on the surface of the water.
Breastroke:
Breastroke introduces arm movement, in addition to the froggie legs.
Swimmers will be taught to 'make the pizza, then cut the pizza'. Swimmers begin in a streamline position, then are asked for a circular pull with pinkies to the sky, followed by bringing hands to chest with thumbs to the sky, then shooting back into a streamline position.
Swimmers learn to incorporate their arms with their previous knowledge of froggie legs; we ask for one pull, two kicks.
As swimmers develop both their 'pizza cutting' arms and froggie legs, they will move onto learning a one kick, one pull movement.
If you or your child are interested in swimming squad as they are older, breastroke knowledge and technique is essential. Breastroke will also help your children feel more comfortable swimming in open environments unassisted.