Henry and Tate are such little water babies. We swim in our backyard nearly every single day after school and definitely every weekend (basically from March through October). I want to continue to support Henry's growth as a swimmer (as long as he wants to; there's no reason to push him during his free time).
I did a little research to figure out how to best teach young children the freestyle stroke. I wasn't able to find one amazing, comprehensive resource, but was able to piece together a few things, and this will be my approach:
- Use a child-size kick board to teach him how to properly kick: long, extended legs and loose with fast kicks (being carefully not to bend his legs too much). Chin should be kept in the water. Here's a more thorough description. I can say things like "fast kicks" and "small and fast" to cue him about proper form.
- Then I'll teach him the "arrow" pose for swimming across the width of the pool without taking a breath: hands extended above the head with arms over the ears.
- Then I'll teach "catch-up" arms.
- Then add in the breathing!
During my research, I came across the most amazing website that has free step-by-step lessons with videos and lesson plans. I highly recommend it! http://uswim.com
As a swim teacher and coach for years I'd say you have the perfect plan! Let me just add my secret to breathing! Bobs tons of them! If he aims for 25-30 every time he's in the water it will get him comfortable with the rhythm of breathing which is the hardest thing to develop! Even though they seem easy they make a huge difference I always required my early swim team kids to do 50 bobs every time they got in the water. Also, catch up stroke with the kick board is a great addition.
ReplyDeleteThanks for chiming in, Katie! So helpful!
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