Swimming lessons in Singapore are an excellent way for children to have fun while staying healthy and active, which is why it’s a standard after-school programme in most schools. It is not only a great form of exercise but also a life skill that’s useful in a variety of contexts. Encouraging your child to learn to swim is crucial as a parent, and there are so many effective ways to learn to swim as a child – but what exactly do swim lessons entail?

Among the fundamental aspects of swimming is mastering the four stroke techniques, as commonly taught in swim classes. Here, we’ll dive deeper into what these stroke techniques are, as well as tips and ideas on how to engage kids in their learning.

1. Freestyle 

The front crawl, commonly referred to as freestyle in Singapore, is the most basic and widely utilised swimming stroke. It’s a straightforward stroke that involves kicking your legs as you alternate arm strokes. If you find your child struggling in swim lessons with the freestyle technique, you can have them practise kicking while holding onto the edge of the pool.

Once they’re comfortable, you may slowly show them how to synchronise their breathing and arm strokes. Make it enjoyable for them by setting a goal to swim without stopping until they reach the other end of the pool or timing them to see how quickly they can cover a specific distance!

2. Backstroke 

Another straightforward stroke is the backstroke, which involves swimming on your back while alternately using arm strokes and kicking your legs. If your child needs more practice, you can help them by having them float on their back while holding onto the edge of the pool.

As they get their momentum, you can then show them how to coordinate their kicking and arm strokes. Playing games like having them swim to the far end of the pool and back without touching the sides can also add to the fun! With the backstroke, having them be confident with floating on their back is crucial before going in with the backstroke technique itself.

3. Breaststroke

Once your child has mastered the basic strokes, the chances are that they’ll start to learn more complex strokes the deeper they are into their swimming lessons – one of which is the breaststroke. A more complicated stroke, the breaststroke combines arm strokes, leg kicks, and gliding. With this technique, it’s essential to have your child practise the arm and leg movements separately before combining all three movements.

Once they’ve gotten the hang of it, you can instruct them on coordinating their movements and gliding through the water. Have them compete against their friends or see who can complete the most laps without stopping to make it more engaging.

4. Butterfly

The most challenging of the four strokes to master is the butterfly technique, which calls for good arm, leg, and core strength. You can start by having them practise the leg and arm movements separately before combining them.

When they’ve mastered the coordination, you can show them how to breathe correctly as they coordinate their motions. To add to the fun factor, play games like timing them to see how quickly they can swim a specific distance or competing to see who can perform the most consecutive butterfly strokes.

Tips for teaching stroke techniques

As you support your child in their lessons, here are some tips that you can use to help them learn the stroke techniques quicker and more effectively:

1. Keep it fun – Remember to incorporate challenges and games, as they make the learning process more enjoyable for your child.

2. Be patient – It takes time to learn how to swim and master stroke techniques, so be patient with your child and encourage them along the way!

3. Practice makes perfect – Motivate your child to practise the stroke techniques regularly outside of their swimming lessons to help them master their skills.

4. Recognise their efforts – Tell your child when they’re doing a great job and provide helpful criticism to help them get better.

Conclusion

It is vital for kids to acquire the four stroke techniques as they not only keep them healthy and active but also help develop life skills that can be used in many situations. And while these techniques are taught in swimming lessons, there’s no harm in helping your child further improve their skills for a smoother swimming journey!

Looking for private swimming classes for kids in Singapore? SG Condo Swimming Lessons provide swimming classes at your condominium with attractive rates that are hard to miss. When you’re ready, jump in with us and swim your heart out!