How to Teach the Elementary Backstroke Kick to Little Kids

The elementary backstroke is a type of swimming style used solely for recreation and not for competition. This backstroke differs from the regular backstroke in that it uses both the frog kick and sweeping arm movements to propel a swimmer through the water. While executing this swimming stroke, you can still make progress through the water but at a slower pace. Teaching this simple stroke to the younger crowd takes ingenuity and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Styrofoam swim noodles
  • Swimming pool
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Instructions

  1. Out of the Pool

    • 1

      Instruct the child to stand on the pool deck, where he will practice before entering the water. This method will get the child to become comfortable with the motions of the elementary backstroke prior to getting in the water.

    • 2

      Start the child at "home base" or the in glide position with her arms at her sides and her feet together. She will bring her arms up to her armpits as if she's tickling herself or pretending to be a monkey. The arms then extend straight out to the sides as if to form the letter "T" or as if the child is pretending to be an airplane. Bring the arms straight down to the sides back to the "home base" position.

    • 3

      Explain that the leg motions mimic the way a frog swims. As the child is standing on the pool deck, only one leg is used for this exercise. The leg will bend at the knee and will be brought back toward the buttocks. Bring the legs out and around, snapping them back together to push the water out of the way. Clarify that the knees should stay close together, as if stuck together like glue.

    • 4

      Put the steps together on the pool deck. Have the child practice both the arm and leg movements together until he feels comfortable.

    In the Pool

    • 5

      Place your hand on the small of the child's back for support. You could also use a Styrofoam swim noodle in place of your hand. This will allow your hands to be free while helping the child. Have the child practice the arm motions separately from the leg motions. This will allow her to get used to each motion before bringing them together for a complete swimming stroke.

    • 6

      Practice several times putting the two motions together. Keep your hand on his back or the noodle in place until he is comfortable.

    • 7

      Remove the swim noodle or your hand from the child's back. Continue working with her until she is comfortable enough to swim across the pool by herself. Stay in the shallow end of the pool until the child gains enough practice and confidence prior to going into the deep end.