What this swimming skill is
Sidestroke is swum lying on one side, with the head resting near the front arm and the face clear of the water. The arms take turns reaching and pushing, while the legs open and close like a pair of scissors. Children often learn the arms as 'pick the apple, put it in the basket'.
It usually comes once your child can slide along on their side and do a scissor kick. It follows elementary backstroke and leads into swimming with the head up.
Why it matters
A restful stroke.
Sidestroke lets your child keep moving at an easy pace when they need a break.
Seeing ahead.
The face stays out and the eyes can look forward, which many swimmers find reassuring.
Balance in the water.
Staying steady on the side builds balance that helps with other strokes.
Who it is for
Children, teens, adults and seniors learn sidestroke, usually once they can slide along on the side and do a scissor kick. Children like the 'pick the apple' story for the arms. If you are learning as an adult, sidestroke is a relaxing stroke that keeps your face out of the water. Most people have a favourite side, and that is fine to start with.
The whole stroke together
The goal
Your child combines the arm movements with a scissor kick while lying on the side. They swim 25 metres staying steadily on their side.
