What this swimming skill is
Where the hand goes into the water sets up the whole stroke. Many new swimmers slap the water or reach across in front of the head, which makes the body wiggle like a snake. This skill is about a quiet hand that goes in straight ahead and stretches forward.
It comes after your child can roll gently from side to side in front crawl. Next comes the part of the stroke that moves them along: pushing the water back toward the feet.
See it in action
How to Swim Freestyle: How to Correct Arm Crossover
For confident swimmers: why hands that cross over in front of the head slow front crawl down, and how to fix it.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
Swimming in a straight line.
When each hand goes in on its own side, the body stays straight instead of snaking. Your child ends up where they were aiming.
More distance from each stroke.
A long reach means each arm covers more water, so swimming takes fewer strokes and less effort.
Less splash, more calm.
A quiet hand makes the stroke feel calm, and it keeps water away from your child's face when they breathe.
Good habits early.
Crossing over is much easier to change early than after years of swimming that way.
