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Streamlining

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Category: Tips
Published on Saturday, 16 January 2016 20:51
Written by starting Blocks
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Our level 3 is the beginning of our streamlining focus. Quite simply, streamlining the body has many benefits for a swimmer: for example, it reduces frontal resistance which therefore enables a greater glide through the water, it reduces “eddy” turbulence therefore reducing drag, it enables a much more effective kick and efficient stroke which in turn increase stamina and speed. To help your champion streamline, they will hear “ eyes down and toes up”!

Blowing Bubbles

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Category: Tips
Published on Saturday, 16 January 2016 20:50
Written by starting Blocks
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Something that sounds so trivial is in fact an essential component of a swimmers stroke. Each stroke requires a well timed exhalation to allow an efficient well timed inhalation. Some swimmers struggle to blow bubbles, or, control their breathing while swimming.
HOMEWORK- if your little champion is developing this vital component of swimming, try the following activities at home: With a cup of milk and a straw- take a full breath, then blow through the straw a full exhalation which will make milk bubbles (and probably a mess!). With a bowl of  water, or in the bath- take a full breath, then with lips 2-5cm above the surface of the water, exhale to blow a “hole” in the water. See how long you can blow the hole for. Or even blow bubbles in the bath in sets – full breath then bubbles for a full exhalation, raise head for an inhalation only ( no exhaling here!) and without a pause, back to bubbles (Repeat this several times). Blow a ping pong ball or something similar around the surface of the water. Then blow bubbles to move it.

Floating

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Category: Tips
Published on Saturday, 16 January 2016 20:49
Written by starting Blocks
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At our beginners level, we introduce both front( eyes down) and back ( eyes up) floating. This helps with many aspects of swimming including: understanding buoyancy, breathing control, confidence and survival instincts. We encourage practice of this outside of lessons at the pool or even in the bath!