Train Tracks
Hands enter the water on two imaginary train tracks in line with the shoulders – stops crossing over and keeps swimming straight.
- Stages
- Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6
- Difficulty
- Developing
- Skills
- Front Crawl Arms, Body Position
- Equipment
- None, Float
- Age
- 6–99 years
- Group size
- 1–14 swimmers
- Time
- About 4 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
What it develops
- Swim front crawl with side breathing
- Front crawl with breathing timed to the arm action
- Efficient front crawl with rotation and rhythmic breathing
How to run it
- Show the two tracks: lines in front of each shoulder.
- Swim front crawl slowly; each hand enters on its own track.
- Use the lane line or floor line as a guide.
- Partner walks alongside and watches.
Teaching cues
- Hands on the tracks.
- In front of your shoulder.
- Swim straight.
Make it easier
- Single-arm with a float.
- Catch-up front crawl.
Make it harder
- Full stroke with breathing to both sides, staying on the tracks.
- Swim with eyes closed for three strokes and check you stayed straight (in a clear lane).
Common faults
- Hand crossing in front of the head.
- Hips swinging side to side as a result.
Corrections
- 'Aim for the corners of the pool, not the middle.'
- Exaggerate a little wider at first.
Assistant / L1 role
- Stand at the end of the lane facing swimmers and watch hand entry – point to the shoulder that crosses.