Skills library
Every skill our certified instructors teach, explained in plain words: what it looks like, how we teach it, and the milestones along the way.
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Every skill our certified instructors teach, explained in plain words: what it looks like, how we teach it, and the milestones along the way.
Backstroke is swum on the back with the face out of the water, so breathing is easy and many beginners find it calming. These pages follow it from lying level on the back to swimming straight, finding the wall safely and going further.
Your child learns to roll the shoulders gently from side to side on their back, while the head stays still. That small roll makes the arm stroke easier, smoother and kinder on the shoulders.
In reviewKids · Teens · Adults · Seniors
Your child learns to lie long and relaxed on their back, face clear of the water and hips up, while they kick. It is the foundation of backstroke, and it makes the whole stroke feel easier and calmer.
In reviewKids · Teens · Adults · Seniors
Your child learns to lift each arm out of the water and swing it up and over to start the next stroke. A clean, steady arm swing keeps them moving in a straight line and makes backstroke feel smooth.
In reviewKids · Teens · Adults · Seniors
Your child learns to put each hand into the water above its own shoulder and push the water toward their feet. This is what moves them along in backstroke, so each stroke starts to carry them further.
In reviewKids · Teens · Adults · Seniors
Your child brings the arms and the kick together into one steady backstroke. It is the moment backstroke becomes real swimming, with the face out of the water and breathing easy.
In reviewKids · Teens · Adults · Seniors
Your child learns to steer on their back using things they can see above and around them. They also learn to reach the wall with a hand, not their head. It makes backstroke feel safe and relaxed, even in a busy pool.
In reviewKids · Teens · Adults · Seniors
Your child learns to keep backstroke smooth and relaxed as the swims get longer. It makes longer swims comfortable and opens the door to swimming for fitness and swim teams.
In reviewKids · Teens · Adults · Seniors