How to Teach a Child the Backstroke

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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When a child can do the back float unaided and can do a flutter kick with a kickboard, then it's time to teach the backstroke.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Review the flutter kick and back float with the child. Make sure he is very confident with these skills before you move on to teaching the backstroke.
Step 2

Demonstrate how easily the flutter kick can be added to the backstroke.
Step 3

Have the child start from the wall, put his head back in the water, and push off into a back glide with the flutter kick. Repeat until he has mastered this skill.
Step 4

Demonstrate the arm movements of the backstroke (see "How to Swim the Backstroke," under Related eHows).
Step 5

Have the child stand in the shallow end of the pool and practice the arm movements. Hold his arms and guide them at first.
Step 6

Support the child as he practices the arm movements while floating on his back.
Step 7

Demonstrate the backstroke in its entirety, with both arm movements and flutter kick.
Step 8

Have the child start from the wall, put his head back in the water, push off and swim the backstroke to you, while you're several feet away.
Step 9

Congratulate the child, and have him do it again, correcting what he did wrong.
Step 10

Do this several times, increasing the distance he must swim each time. Praise each good attempt.

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