Teaching Your Child to Swim: Pulls and Kicks

Swimming is a valuable skill, and teaching children to develop strong pull and kick techniques is key to their swimming success. Let's explore some fun and effective ways to help your child improve these skills.

Kick Training: Starting with the Basics

Kicking is a natural movement for kids in the water. Begin by having your child sit next to you on the pool's edge to practice kicking their feet up and down with straight legs. This fundamental exercise is a great warm-up for any swim lesson and remains beneficial no matter the child's swimming level.

Singing songs like "If You're Happy and You Know It" with a swimming twist can make kick practice more enjoyable. Try singing "We're kicking, we're kicking, we're kicking" to keep the activity fun and engaging.

Free Resources for Beginner Swimmers

For more guidance on teaching your child to swim, visit Swim Development Australia. They offer beginner lesson plan that covers essential swimming skills and water safety. This resource is invaluable for both parents and young swimmers.

Refining Kicks in the Pool

Once in the water, focus on refining your child's kicks. Encourage them to kick with relaxed, straight legs by holding them chest to chest with their chin up on your shoulder. If they start using bicycle kicks, gently guide their legs into a straight position with their toes pointed.

A helpful tip is to hold their calves, encouraging small, fast kicks. Add a pool noodle under their arms to aid balance, allowing them to focus more on kicking. Incorporating face-in-water techniques or blowing bubbles can enhance practice.

Mastering Pull Techniques

Before any pool session, practice pull techniques on the pool edge. Pulling is crucial for forward motion, so teach your child to stretch their arms long and pull back into their body with palms down and fingers together.

Add some fun to the pulls by singing "We're pulling, we're pulling" to make learning lively. In the water, support them under the armpits while they pull the water from in front toward their sides. Remember, it's normal for kids not to have strong pulls initially, so patience and practice are key.

Engaging Practice with Toys

Incorporate floating toys like little ducks to encourage your child to stretch and reach in the water. This playful interaction motivates them to practice their pulls and kicks.

Building muscle memory requires consistent practice. Whether on the pool edge, in the bath, or through songs, regularly practicing these skills will enhance your child's swimming abilities over time.