Streamline and then front crawl arms 5 body lengths

Streamline and then front crawl arms 5 body lengths (skill)

Definition: A Level 2 skill where the swimmer streamlines for a short distance and then uses front crawl arms to carry them forward for a total of 5 body lengths.

Core cues:

1. "Streamline should be short ~2/3 body lengths. Arms should carry swimmer forward."
2. "Head should remain down, in water, perpendicular to bottom."
3. "Body should remain flat and straight, narrow, long."
4. "Kicking is encouraged! Catch-up stroke is good too."

Coach interpretation:

• "Streamline should be short ~2/3 body lengths": Watch that the streamline phase does not extend too long; the swimmer should transition to front crawl arms after about 2/3 of a body length.
• "Arms should carry swimmer forward": Ensure the arms are the primary source of propulsion after the streamline.
• "Head should remain down, in water, perpendicular to bottom": Check that the head stays submerged and facing straight down.
• "Body should remain flat and straight, narrow, long": Monitor body alignment for flatness, straightness, narrowness, and length.
• "Kicking is encouraged! Catch-up stroke is good too": Allow and encourage kicking; a catch-up stroke is acceptable.

Teaching strategy:

Begin with short streamlines of about 2/3 body lengths, then have swimmers add front crawl arms to carry them forward. Emphasize keeping the head down in the water, perpendicular to the bottom, and the body flat, straight, narrow, and long. Encourage kicking and permit a catch-up stroke. Use fins, kick boards, barbells, floats, noodles, anything to build confidence and practice pushing off the wall and kicking to move.

Common errors and corrections:

• Streamline too long: Remind that "Streamline should be short ~2/3 body lengths" and transition to arms sooner.
• Head up: Correct to "Head should remain down, in water, perpendicular to bottom."
• Body not flat or straight: Reinforce "Body should remain flat and straight, narrow, long."

Progression:

Comes after "Streamline 3 body lengths on front and back" and before "Streamline and then back crawl arms 5 body lengths".