What this swimming skill is
When new swimmers lift their head to look forward, their legs tend to sink, and swimming turns into hard work. This skill is about keeping the head, body and legs in one long, flat line near the surface, on the front and on the back.
It builds on floating on the front and on the back. It leads on to balancing on the side, stretching into a long glide shape and staying level in front crawl and backstroke.
Why it matters
Swimming feels easier.
A flat body pushes less water out of the way, so your child goes further with the same effort.
Less tiring.
Kicking hard to hold up sinking legs wears children out. Staying level saves that energy for fun.
Better strokes later.
Every stroke works better from a level body, so this pays off for years.
A fresh start for adults.
Adults who learned with the head up often find swimming suddenly feels lighter.
Who it is for
This is for children, teens and adults who can already float and glide a little. Children often pick it up through games and glides. Your child is ready when they can float on the front and back and push off the wall. Perhaps you are an adult who swims with your head up while your legs sink. If so, this is often the change that makes swimming feel easier.
