What this swimming skill is
A glide is the quiet slide your body makes after a good push from the wall, before any kicking starts. Your child learns it on the front, face in, and on the back, face up. Every glide ends with a calm stand or a smooth start to kicking.
It builds on stretching into a long shape off the wall and standing up from a float. Next come gliding on the side and the flutter kick, which is a quick, small up and down kick with fairly straight legs.
See it in action
Step 6: Gliding While Swimming
Superman glides on the front and pencil glides on the back, taught with a song and glide races.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
Feeling how easy swimming can be.
A good glide shows your child that the water carries them when they are long and still.
A strong start to every length.
Every length begins with a push and a glide, so this helps every stroke.
Calm control.
Your child learns to glide, then stop and stand whenever they choose.
A relief for adults.
Adults often find gliding shows them that swimming does not have to be a battle.
