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STROKE DEVELOPEMENT

Ages 6 and over. Teacher / Pupil Ratio 1 : 6

Once skills have become a learned response to the aquatic environment, children are then taught to extend and build on their swimming ability through an effective and proven stroke development programme in preparation for competitive swimming. Swimmers are taught the FINA Rules, sportsmanship, ethics of the sport, racing dives and turns, stroke drills and they are introduced to and start to make use of a pace clock.

Even if your child never becomes involved in competitive swimming, the discipline of being involved in a professional and structured stroke development programme assists with time management and the supply of oxygen to the brain, which, it is believed, in turn, improves concentration for academics.

Additional Benefits:

  • The swimmer will be engaging the left and right side of the brain;
  • Breaststroke – encourages co-ordination of arms and legs and symmetry;
  • Freestyle – encourages central control and cerebral integration;
  • Backstroke – encourages central control and co-ordination;
  • Butterfly – encourages postural control and co-ordination;
  • Diving – promotes leverage and an understanding of momentum;
  • Tumble Turns – involve forward and backward rotation;
  • Breath Control – promotes good respiratory function and abdominals.

Introduction to Competitive Swimming

When we feel that they are competent, our young swimmers are encouraged to participate in the entry level Fun / Novice / Level 0 Swimming Galas, where they are assisted in the water by their instructor, if needs be. These Galas often include events like kicker board races and are a wonderful introduction to competitive swimming for young swimmers. The swimmers, who participate in these Galas, are prepared for the size of larger pools, cooler water, noise etc., and are far less intimidated than others when they come to compete in their first school or club gala.