Best Swimming Strokes for Kids 5 and Up

Children who have become generally comfortable in the water can begin to learn the basic strokes that will help them move about in the pool. Before learning actual strokes, the child should learn how to glide, pushing off the walls of the pool and holding their hands above their head – picture Superman flying, and you’ve got the general idea. When the momentum following the push-off stops, it’s time for the child to kick. As soon as the child feels at ease gliding and kicking both with their face in the water and also on their back, it’s time to learn some actual strokes.

The Arm Stroke

Kids will learn this stroke more effectively if they try it out on land before entering the pool. Show them how to put their fingers together with their hands scooped a bit (picture a pair of spoons). Have them begin with their arms at their sides, and then bring them up to waist level, extending the elbow away from the body. The elbow pulls the arm out of the water, and then the child extends them over their head. This may require a little effort on the child’s part, as many kids seem to find the process of reaching and keeping their hands scooped a bit counter-intuitive – their tendency is to want to open their fingers.

The Elementary Backstroke

This is a nice, easy stroke that can be learned using a kickboard. The child begins with the arms at the sides, palms resting against the legs. To teach your child elementary backstroke first have them practice using a kickboard. The idea is to have the child move their arms upward along their body, then over their head, and finally back down to the original position, while whip-kicking. This can be tried out at poolside first. Have the child sit on the side of the pool, and then bring their knees toward them until their feet are touching the wall of the pool. Then they can flex their feet, and move their legs apart, ultimately returning to the original position.

The Backstroke

This stroke requires a little more energy, since the feet will be moving in a flutter kick. Arm strokes alternate, with the thumb exiting the water and the arm going over the head, elbow out. Then the hand goes back in the water pinky-first with the elbow pushing toward the waist. For best results, the child should try to keep the hips up as much as possible. They should already know the flutter kick from previous lessons. This stroke can be practiced on land until the child is comfortable with the movements.

What’s Next?

Once your child learns these basic skills, they might consider joining a swim league, where they can improve on the skills they’ve learned, and also learn to master the competitive swimming strokes. Alternatively, they might like to explore another sort of activity like synchronized swimming or perhaps diving. They’ve acquired the basic skills, and if they have the interest, they can find other ways to enjoy being in the water.