What this swimming skill is
Swimming a length of backstroke is one thing. Swimming several without the hips sinking and the stroke getting ragged is another. As swimmers tire, the head lifts, the kick fades and the arms rush. This skill is about keeping the stroke calm and steady as the distance grows.
It comes after your child can swim a straight length of backstroke and find the wall safely. From here, many swimmers go on to backstroke turns, building stamina, or joining a swim team.
Why it matters
Comfortable longer swims.
A smooth stroke is what lets your child swim further without running out of energy.
A good partner to front crawl.
Mixing backstroke with front crawl adds variety, and breathing with the face up is a welcome change.
Ready for the next step.
Swim teams, school events and swimming for fitness all build on a steady backstroke.
Pride in progress.
Swimming a distance that once seemed far is a great feeling, at any age.
Who it is for
This skill is for children, teens and adults who can swim a full length of backstroke in a straight line. School-age children heading toward a swim team often work on this next. If you are an adult swimming for fitness, backstroke is a good way to vary your lengths. For older adults, a smooth, relaxed backstroke can be one of the most comfortable ways to swim further.
Over longer swims
The goal
Your child keeps the body level and the stroke smooth for 50 metres, then builds to 100 metres with good form. The last length looks much like the first.
Why it matters
Holding a good stroke over distance is what makes longer swims comfortable and enjoyable instead of tiring and ragged.
What happens in lessons
One focus at a time.
Each swim has a single simple focus, like keeping the eyes up, so your child never juggles too much.
A pace that lasts.
Your instructor helps your child find a steady pace they can keep going, instead of starting fast and fading.
Watching every length.
Your instructor watches each length and tells your child what is holding up well.
Building up gradually.
Distances grow a little at a time, with rests at the wall whenever needed.
How you can help between lessons
- If your pool and supervision allow, your child can swim easy lengths of backstroke with one focus at a time. An adult stays in the water within arm's reach of a young child.
Common questions
- How far is 100 metres in our pool?
- It depends on your pool. In most home pools it means several lengths, with a turn or a push off at each end. Your instructor counts them with your child and watches the stroke on every length.
- Does my child need backstroke turns for this?
- A simple turn at each wall helps the swim flow. Your instructor starts with an easy one: touch the wall with a hand, turn and push off on the back. Faster racing turns can come later.
- Why do my child's hips sink toward the end of a swim?
- Usually the kick is fading or the head is lifting, and both happen when swimmers tire. Your instructor shortens the swim, resets and builds back up.
- Is backstroke good for fitness?
- It works the whole body, and many people swim it alongside front crawl. Your instructor keeps the focus on a smooth stroke first, because that is what makes longer swims possible.
