Every child learning to swim will make mistakes.
It is part of the process, and it is how they learn and grow.
However, as a parent or coach, understanding these common mistakes and knowing how to correct them can make a big difference in your child’s progress and confidence in the water.
Here are some typical swimming mistakes children make and simple ways to help them correct these issues.
1. Holding Their Breath Too Long
One of the most common mistakes is holding their breath for too long instead of breathing rhythmically.
Children may think they need to hold their breath the entire time they are swimming, which can lead to exhaustion and a lack of focus on technique.
To correct this, encourage your child to practice breathing techniques outside of the water first.
For example, have them blow bubbles in a bowl of water, getting them used to the rhythm of exhaling and inhaling.
2. Incorrect Arm Movements
Children often struggle with the correct arm movements, especially when learning strokes like freestyle or breaststroke.
They might move their arms too widely or cross them over the center of their body, which can throw off their balance and reduce their efficiency.
To help correct this, break down the stroke into smaller steps.
Focus on one arm movement at a time, and use visual cues like drawing lines on the pool deck or using a kickboard for support as they practice.
3. Poor Kicking Technique
Many children either kick too much from the knees or do not kick enough, leading to inefficient movement in the water.
If your child’s kicks are too splashy or weak, it might be because they are not engaging their hips properly.
A good way to correct this is by having them practice flutter kicks while holding onto the side of the pool or using a kickboard.
Remind them to keep their legs straight and kick from the hips, not the knees.
4. Lifting Their Head Too High
When children are learning to swim, they often lift their head too high to breathe, which can cause their legs to sink and make swimming more difficult.
This is especially common in freestyle and breaststroke.
To help correct this, teach your child to keep their head in a more neutral position with their eyes looking slightly forward or down, depending on the stroke.
Practicing in front of a mirror on land or using drills that focus on head position in the water can be effective.
5. Not Using Enough Rotation in Strokes
Rotation is key in many swimming strokes, especially in freestyle and backstroke.
Some children swim flat, which can make it harder to move efficiently through the water.
Encourage your child to practice rotating their body with each stroke.
One way to work on this is by using side-kick drills, where they focus on keeping one side of their body in the water while the other side rotates up for a breath.
Helping Your Child Improve
Correcting swimming mistakes takes time and patience, but with consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your child will make progress.
Remember to keep the lessons fun and encourage your child to celebrate their improvements, no matter how small.
Swimming is not just about technique; it is also about building confidence and enjoying the water.
Looking for More Tips?
Explore our other guides on swimming techniques and water safety.
You can also reach out to us for personalized advice on helping your child become a stronger swimmer.
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