What this swimming skill is
Many swimmers ease off or drift through the last part of a length. In a strong finish, your child keeps their stroke going right up to the wall and touches without a long glide. Each stroke has its own way to touch, and your instructor shows your child each one.
This builds on swimming into the wall safely, and it pairs with a good start for anyone heading to meets. Next comes the medley, where the finish of one stroke becomes the start of the next.
Why it matters
Every length counts.
Swimming right to the wall means your child swims the full length every time.
Stronger racing.
Races are often decided at the wall. Finishing without a glide helps your child show what they can do.
A calm end, not a crash.
A controlled finish is steady and safe, rather than a sudden stop.
Good habits for longer swims.
Keeping the stroke going when tired builds stamina and confidence.
Who it is for
This is for children, teens, adults and older adults who can swim a full length. Children on a swim team learn it for racing. If you are learning as an adult, a good finish helps you swim the full distance and end each length with control. Your instructor adjusts how hard each person swims into the wall, so older adults can finish strongly without jarring wrists or shoulders.
