Streamline cues: Locked Thumb, Squeezed ears, Looking down / up (cue)
Definition: The three things to focus on for streamline posture in Level 2, where streamline is done for three body lengths on front and back with or without kicking, and body posture is of utmost importance.
Core cues:
- Locked Thumb
- Squeezed ears
- Looking down / up
Coach interpretation:
- Locked Thumb: one of the three things to focus on for streamline posture.
- Squeezed ears: one of the three things to focus on for streamline posture.
- Looking down / up: one of the three things to focus on for streamline posture.
- Body posture: of utmost importance for streamline for three body lengths.
- Head should remain down, in water, perpendicular to bottom when streamlining and then doing front crawl arms.
- Body should remain flat and straight, narrow, long.
- Body should remain near surface when streamlining on back.
Teaching strategy:
Focus on all three things: Locked Thumb, Squeezed ears, Looking down / up. Streamline 3 body lengths on front and back, with or without kicking. For backstroke streamline, it can be done in soldier position. Streamline on back is the ultimate goal; BUT it is extremely difficult for younger swimmers. Allow soldier position first, then back crawl arms. Streamline should be short ~2/3 body lengths when followed by front crawl arms. Kicking is encouraged! Catch-up stroke is good too. Kicks should have knees low in water and not bending too much. Arms should be straight up to ceiling, and pushing water naturally without straining shoulders. Streamlines and glides over short distances are the most crucial step in Level 2. Do thousands of streamlines. Hundreds of front glides in position 11. Use fins, kick boards, barbells, floats, noodles, anything to build confidence and practice pushing off the wall and kicking to move. Set up level 2 in the green sections to the left. Still rely on benches/platforms for best results. Gliding from bench to bench is ideal.
Common errors and corrections:
- Swimmer is unable to do even a basic back glide: they should remain in level 2 regardless of their front streamline ability.
- Swimmer struggling on their back: the swimmer needs to build trust and confidence to keep the body position on their back in a safe environment instead of struggling in 3.
- Fear and anxiety: remove fear and anxiety by providing ample support and using walls and benches.
Progression:
Streamline 3 body lengths on front and back comes first, with or without kicking. For backstroke streamline, soldier position can be used first, then back crawl arms. Streamline and then front crawl arms 5 body lengths, and streamline and then back crawl arms 5 body lengths follow. If a swimmer knows streamline and does it well with their head in the water and is kicking they're ready for level 3.