This Season
 

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.

Related Searches:
    Difficulty:
    Moderate

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • Swimsuits
    • Swimsuits For Children
      • 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.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Be patient and progress gradually.

    • Never leave a child unattended near a swimming pool.

    Related Searches

    Read Next:

    Comments

    You May Also Like

    Follow eHow

    Related Ads