Front crawl over longer distances

Your child learns to keep front crawl smooth and relaxed as the swims get longer, instead of falling apart when tired. It is what makes swim teams, fitness swimming and longer swims feel possible and enjoyable.

AquaMobile curriculum teamFront crawl · 4 min read

KidsTeensAdultsSeniorsWaiting for instructor review

What this swimming skill is

Swimming one length is great. Swimming several without the stroke falling apart is a different challenge. As swimmers tire, the head lifts, the legs sink and the arms get short and rushed. This skill is about keeping a good stroke and a steady, comfortable pace as the distance grows.

It comes after your child can swim a full length of front crawl with a steady kick and breath. From here, many swimmers go on to turns at the wall, building stamina, or joining a swim team.

See it in action

Freestyle Swimming: How to Correct a Short Finish

For confident swimmers: finishing each arm stroke fully, which makes front crawl easier to keep going.

From the AquaMobile YouTube channel

Why it matters

Swimming further, comfortably.
A smooth stroke is what lets your child swim longer without running out of energy.
Something to enjoy for life.
For teens and adults, front crawl over longer swims is one of the most popular ways to stay active in the water.
Ready for the next challenge.
Swim teams, school events and longer swims all build on this.
A real sense of achievement.

Front crawl over longer distances - What We Teach - AquaMobile Swim School

Front crawl over longer distances

AquaMobile curriculum teamFront crawl · 4 min read

KidsTeensAdultsSeniorsWaiting for instructor review

What this swimming skill is

It comes after your child can swim a full length of front crawl with a steady kick and breath. From here, many swimmers go on to turns at the wall, building stamina, or joining a swim team.

See it in action

Freestyle Swimming: How to Correct a Short Finish

For confident swimmers: finishing each arm stroke fully, which makes front crawl easier to keep going.

From the AquaMobile YouTube channel

Why it matters

Swimming further, comfortably.
A smooth stroke is what lets your child swim longer without running out of energy.
Something to enjoy for life.
For teens and adults, front crawl over longer swims is one of the most popular ways to stay active in the water.
Ready for the next challenge.
Swim teams, school events and longer swims all build on this.
A real sense of achievement.

Over longer swims

The goal

Your child keeps a level, relaxed front crawl for 50 metres, then builds to 100 metres at a steady pace. The last length looks much like the first.

Why it matters

Keeping a good stroke over distance is what makes longer swims comfortable and enjoyable instead of exhausting.

What happens in lessons

One thing at a time.
Each swim has one simple focus, like keeping the head still, so your child is never juggling too much.
Checking in along the way.
Your instructor watches every length and tells your child what is holding up well and what is slipping.
Finding a comfortable pace.
Your child learns a pace they can keep going, rather than sprinting and running out of steam.
Building up gradually.
Distances grow a little at a time, with rests at the wall whenever they are needed.

How you can help between lessons

If your pool and supervision allow, your child can swim easy lengths with one focus at a time, like a still head. An adult stays in the water within arm's reach of a young child.
Count arm strokes on a length now and then, and keep a simple note of the count and how the swim felt. It helps your instructor plan the next lesson.
Before swimming, loosen up on land with gentle arm circles and ankle circles.
If you are an adult swimmer yourself, swim where someone can see you, and rest at the wall whenever you need to.

What's normal along the way

The stroke slips toward the end.: Very normal. Tiredness shows up first in the head and legs. Your instructor shortens the swim, resets and builds back up.
Starting too fast.: Almost everyone does this. Your instructor helps your child find a pace they can hold all the way.
A plateau for a while.: Distance progress often comes in steps rather than a smooth line. A few quieter weeks are part of the journey.

Signs of progress

Your child swims several lengths in a row with the stroke looking steady and calm, and finishes without being worn out.

Safety note

Longer swims are tiring, and tired swimmers make mistakes. Swim longer distances only with a watchful adult nearby, and rest at the wall whenever needed.

Milestones

Keeps a good body position for 50 metres
You'll notice: Across 50 metres, your child's body stays level near the surface, even on the last length.
KidsTeensAdultsSeniors
Keeps technique and pace for 100 metres
You'll notice: Your child swims 100 metres at a steady pace, and the stroke at the end looks much like the start.
KidsTeensAdultsSeniors

Front crawl over longer distances

What this swimming skill is

See it in action

Why it matters

Front crawl over longer distances

What this swimming skill is

See it in action

Why it matters

Who it is for

Over longer swims

The goal

Why it matters

What happens in lessons

How you can help between lessons

What's normal along the way

Milestones

Common questions

Swim pros near Cincinnati

Swim pros near Cincinnati