Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

Any swim coaches out there??

8 replies

SwimmingQuestion · 15/05/2019 15:08

Just a nagging question! ...

DS is the smallest in his club swimming squad (both in age and stature), and his least favourite stroke is front crawl. It's no surprise therefore, that he swims along at the back and comes in one of the last when he swims crawl with the squad.

However, what confuses me is that when the squad are working on legs, he is always out in front, or at least middle if the pack! Same with arms!

So my question is - if he is fast with legs only and fast with arms only, why is he the slowest when he combines them?!!!!

(I am not planning on doing anything with the answers! I'm pretty sure he and his coaches have it covered and it will sort itself out as he gets older! Its just really bugging me!!!! and I want to know!!!! !)

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!!

OP posts:
WitchesGlove · 15/05/2019 15:11

His timing and his breathing

billybagpuss · 15/05/2019 15:14

How is his general confidence in the group? DD was like this, she preferred being at the back as she was intimidated by the others (very cliquey group and she wasn't in the clique)

Jobbieseverywhere · 15/05/2019 15:20

Physical strength...?
His technique might be better than others but they are just stronger at this point?

thirdfiddle · 15/05/2019 18:56

When they isolate elements aren't they supposed to be going slowly and concentrating on technique? We're only on stages so club may be different but DC get told to slow down when they're doing part strokes.

winterisstillcoming · 15/05/2019 18:59

Coordination?

Monarexfluff · 15/05/2019 19:03

My 10 year old is the same, it's timing and coordination. Don't worry it will get better as he gets older and stronger

Madcats · 15/05/2019 22:32

Not a swim teacher...just watched a lot of kids.

DD is now 11. It took her ages to recognise that, to swim faster, she really did have to kick more and move her arms quicker too. Is that the issue?

How is his core? Where is he in the water when he "swims' versus when he and his peers concentrate on arms and legs? How is his rotation when breathing? Does he snatch a quick breath or does he gasp..for a noticeable time...? Newbies tend to take longer to breath so they lose momentum...their torso drops...more drag etc. when they try to combine the 2 skills

A pullbuoy will tend to lift the lower torso up into a more streamlined position if you are small. Likewise, the way you hold your kickboard for kicking will affect streamline. DD used to enjoy chatting when her head was out of the water kicking.

Original poster
SwimmingQuestion · 17/05/2019 06:52

Thanks all! I think it's perhaps some combination of most of the above! From where I sit he looks like he's got a good stroke! But I think it is probably something to do with breathing, and maybe rotation and coordination when he combines everything! Yes, I also wonder if he just forgets to kick hard too when he brings the arms into the equation!! Thanks! I'll try and forget about it now!! Good to know this has happened with other kids, Monarexfluff! And yes, I expect he'll grow out of it as he gets older, stronger and has more teaching to perfect his stroke!

Thanks all

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page