Ever wondered why swimmers spend time sculling, kicking so much, or holding that tight streamline position?

Do these drills seem repetitive, slow, or even a little pointless at times?

Well, there’s actually a method behind it all…

Each of these skills plays a crucial role in building strong, efficient swimmers – from developing a better feel for the water, to improving balance and propulsion and, ultimately, reducing drag.

But how do these pieces all fit together? And why do we focus on them so consistently?

Today, you’ll learn about three key elements of swimming:

• Sculling 
• Kicking 
• Streamline position 

The Power of Sculling

Have you ever wondered what that funny drill is when you see swimmers waving their hands around in front of them? Whilst not moving very fast. What is it for? Is there a point to it? Absolutely! 

Sculling is one of the most effective drills for developing feel for the water and enhancing catch. It strengthens swimmers’ ability to grip the water, moving both the hand (palm) and forearm inwards and outwards with power to effectively move the swimmer through the water. 

This awareness translates directly into more powerful strokes, better technique and, ultimately, faster swimming. There are many different variations of sculling. Front scull, back scull, side scull, feet first scull, the list goes on! They all work to achieve the same thing in different parts of the pull. 

So next time you see that funny waving drill, we aren’t just messing about! We are fine tuning one of the most important elements in swimming. The ability to feel and hold the water. 

And not to mention that strong sculling means strong treading water, a lifesaving skill that all swimmers should have the ability to do.

How Come We Are Doing So Much Kicking?

We have three elements of swimming: body position, kicking and arm pull. In that order, we correct and in that order we introduce. All of these elements play an integral role in developing body alignment, timing and efficiency in the water.

Without correct body position, it’s hard to kick. Without a strong kick, it’s hard to add in our arm pull. This is why skill progression is so important to build a co-ordinated and balanced stroke. Ideally, we don’t want to be skipping a step! Even though it can be frustrating.  

Our poor arms can’t do all the work. Kick helps to reduce drag (keep us in line and on top of the water) and allows us to breath easier with less disruption. Your arms are your engine, but your kick is what keeps you balanced and moving smoothly, allowing you to then add in additional skills like your arm pull and breathing later on.

Using kicking as a routine activity develops power (propulsion), core strength and body alignment. Which is why you will be seeing our students kicking every lesson.

And for those swimmers who are looking to develop speed, you need to be working those legs!

Streamline – The Ultimate How-To

What is the fastest and most efficient way to move through the water? Streamline!

Also known as, ‘Torpedo’ and ‘Rocketship’ for our little swimmers.

We introduce Streamline as early as level 1 for students to understand how to move through the water easily and smoothly. As soon as those arms bend or that head tilts forwards, the body comes out of line.

Torpedo minimises the amount of drag the body creates in the water through an ideal position – arms locked behind ears, one hand a top the other, eyes down, long body, legs together and high on top of the water. Our ‘push and glide’ is where we can create this ideal positioning, slowing it right down. The stronger the streamline, the further the glide.  

Streamline can be used with all four of our kicks: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Dolphin kick. This position encourages swimmers to swim with their body close to the surface of the water. We can always bring swimmers back to this position to remind them of how it feels to swim efficiently through the water.

Whilst streamline is a drill we constantly use, the goal is for swimmers to carry this body position into all of their strokes. The closer they stay to this shape, the less resistance they will make in the water. Streamline becomes the ‘reset’ for when swimming is feeling inefficient.

A few questions to ask when feeling a little inefficient and like your using a whole lot of energy but not getting very far:

• Where is my head?
• Is my body too low in the water?
• Arm my arms strong and hands together?
• Are my legs long?

Ask these questions and your well on your way.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Artemis Aquatics, we focus on building that same feel for the water in every swimmer, no matter their level.

Our Learn to Swim program is designed not only to help your child learn and improve, but to do so in a safe and supportive environment. With our highly trained and qualified instructors guiding each session, your child is always in safe hands while developing essential skills such as technique, strength and water awareness.

Get in contact with us today to find out more about our swimming programs and how we can support your child’s journey in the water.