What this swimming skill is
Good backstroke is not swum flat. As each arm lifts out of the water, that shoulder rises, then the other takes its turn, while the face stays calm and still. It looks like a gentle rocking.
It comes after your child can kick on their back with the hips up. Once the roll feels natural, bringing the arms over the water becomes much easier, and that is the next step.
Why it matters
Easier arm strokes.
Rolling makes room for each arm to lift out and reach back without straining.
Kinder on the shoulders.
Swimming flat puts more strain on the shoulders. A gentle roll shares the work with the whole body.
A smoother ride.
The stroke feels less choppy, and your child moves along more steadily.
Who it is for
This skill is for children, teens and adults who can kick on their back with the hips up. Children usually learn the roll through games, like kicking along with one shoulder poking out of the water. If you are an adult who learned backstroke flat, you may find the roll makes it much smoother. For older adults, your instructor keeps the roll smaller and adjusts it to how your shoulders move.
With each arm stroke
The goal
Your child's shoulders take turns rising out of the water as they swim on their back, while the face stays still and calm. The rocking keeps going with the arms over a whole length.
