Floaters There are numerous items available that can be used as floaters, including the solid plastic flippers to neoprene and foam-filled animals. Flippers have a specific use in building the swimmer’s confidence by encouraging them to blow in the water, thereby flipping the toy over. They and other floaters are also very useful in adding […]
Noodles are a more recent innovation and compliment the traditional float. The noodle, the long ‘spaghetti’ float, is arguably more versatile than the traditional float and has the advantage that it can be used under the swimmer and without the need for the swimmer to hold it, so offering buoyancy while the swimmer uses both […]
The ubiquitous rectangular float has been around unchanged for at least half a century and will probably be around well beyond the next. It is a terrific buoyancy aid, typically held in both hands while the swimmer practices leg movement. Used this way, not only is it helping the swimmer to stay buoyant but it is […]
Why would we want to improve propulsion? To go a greater distance in the same or less time To make our strokes work better and reduce the risk of injury through overworking muscles and joints To improve our workout through increased resistance in the water. It is not critical to develop a perfect stroke to […]
Butterfly is probably the closest we get to swim like a fish. Given the anatomical difference between us and fish (we have arms and legs and a distinct lack of fins) it is therefore hardly surprising that butterfly is one of the most difficult strokes to learn and to do well. The key to […]
Diving for Beginners Experienced swimmers make diving into the pool look easy, but it can be a challenge to learn if you’re new to the sport. There’s no reason to be intimidated by diving — remember, everyone had to learn to dive at some point, even the pros! Step 1: Start with Streamlining Streamline position is […]
Improving your breaststroke technique To ensure you are working towards getting the most out of every breaststroke when swimming in the pool, some tips to help you achieve this. Body position To improve your breaststroke technique your body position should be with your head facing forward in line with your body. Keep your shoulders, hips […]
Step 1 : Test the seals of the eye pieces with your face shape Place each pair of goggles over your eyes without fitting the straps around your head. Use your fingers to press the goggles gently onto your eyes. If they have enough suction to seal to your face for 3 seconds, they’re a […]
Mistake 1 : Sinking Tummy How to fix it : Working with floats and noodles, practice kicking legs and keeping tummy pushed up to the top of the water. A toy can be placed on the child’s tummy to emphasize keeping the tummy up and out of the water. Mistake 2 : Bent leg action […]
Mistake 1 : Holding your breath in the water How to fix it: Practice blowing bubbles by blowing toys and objects across the water then move onto blowing bubbles into the water. Mistake 2 : Bent leg kick action How to fix it: Practice leg action with floats and really encourage a nice straight strong […]