Mastering the backstroke is a major milestone for young swimmers. It’s one of the most well-known techniques for a reason. With its smooth movements and inherent challenges, this swimming stroke not only encourages strength and endurance – but, perhaps most importantly, fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
At America’s Kids In Motion, we’ve helped countless young people in Fresno County achieve their swimming goals and build confidence in the pool. Here are some key tips to remember as your kids learn backstroke.
Understanding Backstroke
Backstroke, often called the “back crawl,” is a fundamental swimming stroke characterized by a supine position and alternating arm movements. Unlike other strokes, where the swimmer’s face is submerged in water, the backstroke offers a unique perspective, allowing swimmers to look up at the sky while gliding through the pool.
For kids, mastering backstroke requires a combination of skill, technique, and confidence, all of which are encouraged through structured lessons and guidance from trained instructors like ours.
Backstroke Body Position
A cornerstone of backstroke is keeping the body in a horizontal position. Young swimmers are taught to lie on their backs and position their bodies parallel to the surface of the water, which makes them more hydrodynamic.
Through gentle encouragement and hands-on instruction, young swimmers learn to relax their bodies and trust in their buoyancy. This is an essential foundation for smooth strokes.
Backstroke Arm Movements
The backstroke is known for its symmetrical arm movements, sometimes compared to those of a windmill. As young swimmers extend their arms, they initiate the stroke with their fingertips pointed towards the sky. With each arm rotation, swimmers propel forward, building on the water’s resistance to generate momentum. Coordinating these movements requires focus and precision, and those skills are honed through repetition and guided practice.
Our experienced instructors break down the stroke into manageable components so kids can master each component step by step and build self-confidence along the way.
Backstroke Kicking
Another move to master alongside the fluid motion of the arms is the flutter kick, a rhythmic movement of the legs that propels swimmers forward smoothly. The kick generates propulsion and also maintains stability throughout the movement.
For kids’ backstroke swimming, it is encouraged to keep the swimmers’ legs extended and feet relaxed to maximize surface area and minimize resistance. Instructors help swimmers sharpen their kicking technique for maximum forward motion through targeted practices and supportive, constructive feedback.
Backstroke Breathing Patterns and Rhythmic Coordination
One of the more difficult skills to master when learning the backstroke is coordinating a swimmer’s breathing with the motions of their arms and legs. Children learn to breathe rhythmically, inhaling through their mouths as their arms recover overhead and exhaling through their noses as their arms extend out. This method makes the stroke easier and more efficient.
Through guided practice and progressive skill development, swimmers improve their sense of timing and coordination, allowing them to swim longer distances with ease and confidence.
Safety Considerations for Young Swimmers
While backstroke offers plenty of benefits for swimming students, safety is the most crucial consideration. Quality instructors will emphasize the importance of supervision and following pool rules so kids of every skill can learn in a secure environment.
Essential water safety techniques, including floating and treading water, are incorporated into lessons to instill confidence and preparedness in case of emergencies. At America’s Kids In Motion, safety is paramount. We encourage a culture of responsibility and highlight to children the importance of enjoying the water safely and carefully.
As kids embark on their swimming education, mastering backstroke serves as a gateway to exploration, confidence, and a deeper interest in life in the pool. Through structured lessons and expert guidance, early swimmers at America’s Kids In Motion learn not only the technical aspects of the stroke but also the importance of perseverance and teamwork. With each lesson, they swim closer to their goals and learn just how much they are capable of.
Learn to Swim at America’s Kids In Motion
If you’re looking for safe, structured, and fun-focused swimming lessons in the Fresno County area, contact America’s Kids In Motion today to learn more about lesson schedules at our Clovis, CA, location.
We offer swimming lessons, sports, education, and social activities under one roof, so your kids have everything they need.
