Bringing arms over in front crawl

What this swimming skill is

After each arm pushes the water back, it has to travel forward again, over the water, to start the next stroke. Children often swing a stiff, straight arm like a windmill, and adults often tense up. This skill is about letting the arm swing over loose and easy, without a pause.

It comes after your child can push the water back with each arm. Next, they learn to fit a breath into the stroke, which is much easier when the arms move in a relaxed, steady rhythm.

Why it matters

A moment to rest.

The trip over the water is the only part of the stroke where the arm gets a break. Keeping it relaxed saves energy on every stroke.

A steady rhythm.

When the arms keep moving without pauses, the stroke flows and your child keeps moving forward.

Less splash near the face.

A relaxed arm skims over the water instead of slapping down, which makes breathing easier and calmer.

Easier on the shoulders.

One arm after the other

The goal

Your child's arms swing over the water one after the other, loose and relaxed, without stopping. The rhythm stays steady for a whole length.

Why it matters

A relaxed, steady arm swing keeps the stroke flowing and gives each arm a brief rest, so your child can swim further before tiring.

What happens in lessons

Loosening up.
Your instructor starts by having your child shake out the arms and hands, so they know how relaxed should feel.
One arm at a time.
Your child swims with one arm while holding a noodle with the other, bringing that arm over slowly.
Skimming the surface.
Your instructor turns it into a game, with the fingertips brushing lightly along the water on the way forward.
Both arms, steady rhythm.
Both arms come back in, and your child works on keeping them moving without a pause.

How you can help between lessons

Before swimming, have your child shake their arms and hands loose. It is a good reminder of how the arm should feel on the way over.
On land, bend forward at the hips together and swing one arm forward slowly and loosely, letting the hand dangle. Try both sides.
In the pool, your child can try a few slow, relaxed swims, with an adult in the water within arm's reach.

What's normal along the way

A stiff, straight arm.: Very common in children. It relaxes as the body roll improves and your child stops trying quite so hard.
A pause with the arm at the hip.: Sometimes the arm waits while your child thinks about the next thing. Your instructor helps keep it moving so the rhythm stays smooth.
Shoulders creeping up toward the ears.: Effort often shows up as tension. Your instructor keeps swims short and calm so your child can let go.

Signs of progress

Your child's arms come over the water loose and steady, without pauses and with little splash. The whole stroke looks calmer and more even.

Milestones

Brings each arm over without breaking the rhythm
You'll notice: Each arm comes over the water and straight into the next stroke, with no stop at the hip or in the air.
KidsTeensAdultsSeniors
Keeps a relaxed, steady arm swing over a length
You'll notice: Over a whole length, your child's arms swing over loosely and in a steady rhythm, with relaxed shoulders.
KidsTeensAdultsSeniors

What this swimming skill is

See it in action

Why it matters

Bringing arms over in front crawl

What this swimming skill is

See it in action

Why it matters

Who it is for

One arm after the other

The goal

Why it matters

What happens in lessons

How you can help between lessons

What's normal along the way

Milestones

Common questions

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