Learn Freestyle
15 meters of freestyle with correct side breathing. Over the 15 meters, breathing must occur at least once on both sides. The flutter kick is clearly visible throughout the 15 meters and contributes to overall propulsion. The freestyle technique learned in this exercise is still in the beginner stage and will be progressively refined in the upcoming lessons.
Preparation Exercises
Freestyle kick
The child swims 25 meters using the freestyle kick with arms resting along their sides, breathing forward as an exception. This exercise focuses on building strength and endurance for the freestyle kick. The kick is crucial for longer distances as it provides stability and rhythm to the swimming technique.
.webp)
Freestyle 3-breath pattern
The child swims 25 meters freestyle, breathing out every third arm stroke, with exhalation always occurring underwater. Limiting breathing to every three strokes automatically promotes a good rhythm, which is especially important for swimming longer distances.
Freestyle with Pull Buoy
The child swims at least ten meters with a pull buoy or a board between their legs and does not use the leg stroke. By using the pull buoy, the child can concentrate on the arm pull and find out how to position the arms and hands precisely in order to move forward efficiently in the water.
Häufige Fehler
.webp)
Breathing forward
Many children struggle to understand the need for shoulder rotation. Additionally, they are accustomed to breathing forward from previous exercises, such as the "motorboat" drill. This mistake often stems from poor communication, as children may not grasp that side breathing is the key element of the exercise. For this reason, emphasizing the importance of side breathing cannot be repeated enough. Alternatively, it could simply be that they are unable to perform it correctly yet. In such cases, the previously mentioned exercises can help.
too rushed
Some children tend to paddle their arms uncontrollably, which disrupts their body position and coordination between arm strokes and breathing. A highly effective exercise for this is slow-motion swimming. Explain to the child that they should move their arms very slowly and instead focus all their energy on the kick. As an alternative, you can have the child swim a longer distance before starting the exercise to reduce their energy levels. While this may seem strict, tired swimmers often become more efficient, as fatigue encourages them to move more economically. However, it’s essential to find the right balance to ensure the child is not overly exhausted.
