How to Teach a Child the Backstroke
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
-
-
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.
-
2
Demonstrate how easily the flutter kick can be added to the backstroke.
-
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.
-
4
Demonstrate the arm movements of the backstroke (see "How to Swim the Backstroke," under Related eHows).
-
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.
-
6
Support the child as he practices the arm movements while floating on his back.
-
7
Demonstrate the backstroke in its entirety, with both arm movements and flutter kick.
-
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.
-
9
Congratulate the child, and have him do it again, correcting what he did wrong.
-
10
Do this several times, increasing the distance he must swim each time. Praise each good attempt.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be patient and progress gradually.
Never leave a child unattended near a swimming pool.
