Stop at the Top
Swimmers pause each arm straight up at the top of the recovery to check it is straight, thumb-first turning to little-finger-first.
- Stages
- Stage 4, Stage 5
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Skills
- Backstroke Arms
- 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 backstroke with a recognisable arm action
- Backstroke with shoulder rotation and a steady rhythm
How to run it
- Kick on the back.
- Lift one arm, thumb first, and stop it pointing at the ceiling for a moment.
- Check: is it straight? Turn the hand so the little finger faces the water.
- Continue into the entry. Alternate arms.
Teaching cues
- Straight to the sky.
- Stop and check.
- Turn, little finger in.
Make it easier
- Single arm only with a float on the tummy.
Make it harder
- Remove the pause but keep the straight arm.
- Add a quick shoulder peek as the arm goes up.
Common faults
- Elbow bending at the top.
- Hand flopping forward instead of turning.
Corrections
- 'Show me a straight arm like a flagpole.'
- Assistant touches the elbow as a reminder.
Assistant / L1 role
- Stand beside the lane and say 'straight' or 'bent' at the stop – nothing else.