Swimming basics: Star float on the front
Stage 1
Learning to float face-down—the star float on the front—is an important foundational skill in swimming. That’s because it helps the swimmer prepare the correct body position for the more advanced strokes they’ll be learning in the later stages!
To give it a go, a swimmer should already be able to:
- Place their whole face in the water
- Extend arms and legs away from their bodies
- Hold a position for a few seconds
Holding arms and legs out wide helps keep balance and buoyancy so the swimmer stays on the top of the water!
Our Guide to Star Float on the Front
- Feet on the floor, facing the wall
- Stretch arms out wide and straight, and hold onto the wall for support
- Put your face into the water between your arms and let legs float up behind you
- Let go of the wall and float for a few seconds, arms and legs out wide. Relaxing!
- Alternatively, use a noodle float to get into position instead of the wall
How to stop
- Push down on the water with your hands and lift your head
….and at the same time…
- Bring your knees up to your chest
- Feet flat on the floor
- Pat yourself on the back, well done!
Practicing with children?
- Get in position side by side at the wall to show them how to do it
- Make it fun: Pretend to be parachutists who have just jumped out of an airplane!
- Kids might want help coming out of the float position the first few times. Encourage them to tuck their knees to the body while also providing support.
Mastered the Star Float on the Front? Why not try the Push and Glide?
Finding this skill tricky? Have a go at Blowing Bubbles and Kicking Legs
