I’ve now had 3 swimming lessons with Mark and my new front crawl technique is coming along nicely.
I really don’t know why but I don’t believe I was ever taught to crawl at school. I only ever remember swimming breast stroke.
We went swimming every Friday at junior school. I’ve always felt confident in the water. I remember learning how to dive, even diving off a very high diving board. Using pyjamas as a buoyancy aid. Back stroke, even butterfly, but not front crawl. How strange is that?
But now I’m doing it and loving the fact that I’m learning this new skill. Swimming has suddenly become a lot more enjoyable..
So, to help me remember, these are the 5 things I’m learning about front crawl:
- It’s all about getting into a smooth, relaxed rhythm
- Stretch out and roll with every stroke
- Work the big back muscles – particularly for strong arms under the water
- Remember to breathe out before taking a breath in
- Legs don’t need to kick and splash too much
Now all I need to do is practise, practise, practise until I can glide through 20 lengths without even noticing it! Dream on Hilary..