What this swimming skill is
Every length begins at the wall. In this skill your child puts both feet on the wall, pushes away, and stretches out long, like a pencil or a rocket. Then they start kicking and swimming without stopping. They learn it on their front and on their back.
It comes after your child can swim to the wall and hold on safely. Next, they join a push-off to a turn, so they can swim length after length without stopping.
Why it matters
Lengths feel easier.
A good push gives free speed at the start of every length. Your child does less work to get going.
It is fun.
Most children love the glide. It feels fast, and they can see themselves going further each time.
It builds comfort in the water.
Pushing off asks your child to stretch out with their face in the water. It quietly builds confidence.
It is the start of every turn.
Once the push-off is smooth, turning at the wall is a small step away.
Who it is for
This is for children, teens and adults who can glide and kick a short way on their own. Your child is ready when they are happy to put their face in the water and can swim to the wall and hold on. If you are learning as an adult, a good push-off makes lap swimming noticeably easier. If your shoulders do not stretch fully overhead, your instructor adapts the position so it is comfortable.
