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
.webp)
Dog paddling
In this exercise, the child swims with outstretched arms and alternating legs, with the hands shoulder-width apart. The forearm of the left arm moves towards the chest, while the upper arm and elbow remain in position. The palm of the hand is facing backwards to displace the water. After the forearm has returned to the extended position, the other arm repeats the movement. This is performed alternately for at least ten meters. The exercise is used to train the elbow position when crawling. The forearm initially moves forwards during the crawl, with only the forearm moving backwards and the elbow remaining in place. The elbow only lowers when it is at a right angle to the upper arm. The alternative of pulling with an outstretched arm would direct the force downwards and not generate an effective drive. The elbow position is not yet crucial at this level, but it is good for the children to familiarize themselves with it.
.webp)
Shark fin
The shark exercise is similar to the swordfish. The only difference is that the back arm is raised like a shark's fin with each breath (see picture). As soon as the face is back in the water, the arm returns to its original position. This exercise aims to train the coordination between the crawl stroke and breathing. In crawl swimming, the sideways breath begins as soon as the arm leaves the water backwards and ends when the arm re-enters the water at the front.
.webp)
Freestyle sprint after water arrow
The child pushes off from the pool wall for three seconds, glides with arms stretched forward and should then crawl 15 meters as quickly as possible. This exercise sequence emphasizes the rapid change from a stretched posture to a dynamic arm and leg drive, which is crucial for an effective take-off jump.
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.
