Front Crawl – swimming activities

Developing the alternating arm action, kick and breathing of front crawl.

Activities

• Breakout Timing – Swimmers practise the moment to take the first stroke after a push-off, so speed carries straight into swimming.
• Catch-Up Crawl – One hand waits on a float until the other arm catches up – slows front crawl down so swimmers can feel each part.
• Eyes on the Line – Swimmers keep their eyes on the line on the pool floor – a steady, low head gives a flat body and higher legs.
• Head-Up Crawl – Front crawl with the head up, eyes forward – builds a stronger kick and prepares for water polo, lifesaving and open-water sighting.
• Keep the Engine Running – A partner watches the swimmer's feet: the legs must keep kicking while the arms work – fixes kicks that stop when arms start.
• Kick and Breathe Sideways – Kicking with a float, swimmers turn the head to the side to breathe instead of lifting it – the first step to front crawl breathing.
• Medley Mix – Swimmers swim the four strokes in medley order with the right turn between each – changing strokes cleanly and in control.
• Noodle Crawl – A noodle under the chest keeps the body high so swimmers can focus on front crawl arms and breathing.
• Octopus Tag – Tagged swimmers become octopus arms that stay put and reach out – crossers must swim a chosen route to avoid them.
• Press the T – Swimmers gently press their chest (the 'T' across the shoulders and down the breastbone) into the water to bring the hips up.
• Puppy to Crawl – Swimmers who already paddle gradually lengthen the paddle until the arm recovers over the water – a natural route to front crawl.
• Show Your Shoulder – Front crawl where swimmers roll enough for one shoulder to break the surface each stroke – easier breathing and a longer reach.
• Spy on the Side – Swimmers 'spy' on the teacher walking alongside by turning to breathe – a game that fixes lifting the head forwards.
• Stroke Copycat – Swimmers copy the teacher or a leader's stroke on poolside – a quick way to practise switching arm and leg actions.
• Stroke Switch Relay – Each relay leg uses a different stroke or kick, so swimmers practise switching between skills under light pressure.
• Swim to Me – The teacher backs away as the swimmer swims towards them, gently stretching the distance they swim without stopping.
• Technique Relay – A team relay where points are awarded for technique points the teacher calls – fast swimmers with poor technique don't win.
• Water Polo Taster – Head-up front crawl dribbling a ball and passing while treading water – a fun introduction to water polo skills.
• Windmill Arms – Swimmers learn the alternating front crawl arm action standing and walking before trying it swimming.