To become a safer swimmer, children need to build on each swim stroke they can master. Learning a variety of swim strokes will lead to better navigation of the water for young swimmers. It will also boost their confidence and put their skills to the test.
Learning different strokes helps a child get in touch with their bodies, teaching them to use every muscle. At Njswim, we teach a variety of techniques to make swimming easy and fun.
Students learn the basics, swim strokes that are more challenging, and techniques that are just cool to play around with.
Swimming, swimming, in the swimming pool
When days are hot, when days are cold, in the swimming pool
Breaststroke, sidestroke, fancy diving too…
There’s wisdom in this little camper’s song.
Variety Leads to Innovation
Swimming strokes are constantly evolving. European swimmers were surprised to see two members of the Ojibway nation, perform a forerunner of the modern freestyle during a London swimming exhibition in 1844 (a more sedate breaststroke was the norm back then).
This style was initially ridiculed as it was “un-European.” However, the obvious speed advantage soon made the stroke common in swimming competitions.
In the 1940s, breaststrokers discovered they could go faster by bringing both arms forward over their heads. This gave birth to the butterfly stroke, which is now one of the four strokes used in competition.
The backstroke developed from the front crawl and was modified further by Australian swimmers, who bent their arms underwater to increase the forward momentum. One stroke is adapted and modified to increase speed and voila, a new stroke is born!
At the 2000 Olympics, American swimmer Misty Hyman fish-kicked her way to gold in the 200-meter butterfly. Even more proof that variety leads to innovation.
Different Strokes for Little Folks
The Freestyle or Crawl Stroke
This is the ‘basic’ swimming stroke, though it’s not necessarily the easiest to learn. The crawl stroke gives new swimmers confidence in the water. It teaches them how to maneuver faster without using up too much energy.
An excellent way to improve posture and flexibility while being able to see overhead and swim at the same time. Although new swimmers may be nervous about rolling to their back in the water, a knowledgeable teacher and a relaxed environment will help students achieve their goal.
Good for swimming longer distances, the sidestroke is a sure sign of proficiency. Children who are nervous about keeping their faces in the water will love this stroke where your head is kept above water the entire time.
The breaststroke may end up being your child’s favorite stroke at first. After learning how to float, this stroke doesn’t take much skill to master. Using some basic arm movements and ditching the flutter kicks, your child will confidently use this stroke outside of their swim lessons.
The more strokes a child learns, the more confidence they’ll have in the water. Nothing builds confidence like being able to demonstrate your brand-new skills at the pool!
Safety First, Last and Always
Our first priority is teaching children to be comfortable and safe in the water. Having the ability to use a scissor kick or frog kick, and to swim with several different types of arm pulls is crucial.
In case of cramping or injury, these skills give your child the confidence that they can get themselves to safety and exit the pool on their own. Learning these skills thoroughly at a young age is critical to mastering them.
At Njswim, your child, infant, or toddler will learn in warm water and a fun atmosphere. Most importantly, they’ll learn from skilled and certified swim instructors.
We’re passionate about making every child feel happy and safe in the water. Our year-round rolling membership policy promotes our commitment to this goal.
A Place for Every Swimmer
Our programs are truly designed for all ages. Our curriculum strives to be educational, safe, and fun! We have the progression of swimming down to a science so your child can enter the pool with confidence each and every time.
We teach your child the basics. From taking their first steps in the water to learning to float. This level is designed to make our students comfortable in the water. The focus of these lessons will be building buoyancy, balance, and breath control.
Level 1A/2B – 2B/2
Teachers practice the fundamentals of different strokes with your child. Students prepare to swim for short distances on their own, swim with assistance for longer distances, and pop off the wall.
Level 2 to Level 3
Swimmers build more confidence in their swimming skills. At this point, they understand the basics and can swim on their own for a short time. Now, more difficult swim strokes can be taught, eventually leading to your child’s total independence in the water.
Power Swim or Swim Team Prep
Here we build on safer water habits and teaching your child to love the water. We help them build the speed, endurance, and skill needed to succeed.
We provide a full description of all our swim classes and schedule.
Our goal is to thoroughly educate students in the fundamentals and beyond. We strive to create excellent swimmers who can use their skills for sports, exercise, or recreation. A good swimmer is a happy swimmer. A good swimmer is a safer swimmer. And that’s beneficial to everyone.