Strokes
Our stroke classes are geared toward balance, control, and detailed stroke mechanics. We focus on perfecting form and technique through the use of physical and hands on corrections.
Stroke 1
Introductory class teaching basic freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke kick (whip kick). Improvement in undulation and propulsion for dolphin is continued.
Skills required to be eligible for this level:
- Push off the wall in perfect streamline position, arms under the surface of the water, keeping head down, breathing one time across the pool
- Proper starts
- Swim on their back with their arms over their head maintaining a tight streamline position
- Proper finishes
- Tread water for 1 minute without bobbing up and down
- Swim underwater for 1/2 width of the pool
- Moderate to advanced dolphin swim across the pool with arms raised above head
- Elementary backstroke with glide
Stroke 2
Continued advancement in balance and skill including kicking, arm pull, and breathing techniques for all four strokes. This is taught using drills, hands on corrections, and repetition.
Skills required to be eligible for this level:
- Freestyle with correct side breathing (unilateral)
- Backstroke with good body position and balanced kicks
- Advanced dolphin (full width)
- Correct whip kick with glide
Stroke 3
Perfecting stroke execution with the goal of performing all four strokes correctly and legally as defined by the United States Swimming Rules and Regulations.
Skills required to be eligible for this level:
- Freestyle with bilateral breathing and a balanced kick
- Backstroke with rotation and balance
- Full breaststroke
- Butterfly with timing and full recovery
Gold Award
After students have earned their Gold Award, the primary emphasis is on maintaining excellent stroke technique and efficiency. Competitive swimmers thrive from Sutton's stroke critique and attention to detail.
