BASIC FRONT CRAWL ARM DRILL
Develop coordinated front crawl arm action with supported kicking for higher-functioning youth learning swim stroke skills.
How to Perform
- Have the child hold the kickboard with one hand at the front while the other arm is free, body in a horizontal kicking position.
- Ask the child to perform continuous flutter kicks while using the free arm to pull through the water in a front crawl pattern.
- Cue the child to turn the head slightly to the side for breathing in coordination with the pulling arm, then return the face to neutral.
- After a set number of strokes or distance, switch the holding and pulling arms so both sides practice.
- Encourage smooth, alternating strokes with consistent kicking and breathing across the length of the pool.
Key Execution Cues
Remember: Reach long with each stroke, pull the water past the
body, and turn the head to breathe without lifting too high.
Safety & Precautions
Important: Avoid in acute shoulder injuries or significant pain;
adjust volume for children with limited shoulder range.
Additional Safety Notes: Supervise closely alongside the child, reduce distance if breathing becomes uncoordinated, and offer rest at the wall between lengths.
Exercise Modifications
Make it Harder (Progressions)
Remove the board and practice with bilateral arm strokes, increase distance, or refine breathing to every two or three strokes.
Make it Easier (Regressions)
Shorten distances, slow the stroke tempo, or keep the face above water, focusing first on arm movement patterns.