How To Doggie Paddle Video

The doggie paddle is a stroke that is useful for beginners. The doggie paddle is a natural starting stroke for children. Get expert tips and advice in this swimming video.

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Natural progression for children
Keep head above water
Make simple movements with arms & legs

About this Author

Phillip Toriello has 16 years of competitive swimming experience. 12 of those years he has been teaching and organizing swim events for swimmers of all levels and ages. He is has competed in all four strokes, and their corresponding events. Though his favorite race, is the individual medley. Phillip is the Aquatic Director at the high end Avila Bay Athletic Club.

PHILIP TORIELLO: Hi. My name is Philip Toriello, and this is how to doggie paddle. When was the last time you doggie paddled? I know it's been years for me, but basically the doggie paddle is one of the most natural progressions for children when they first learn how to swim. The first thing that it does is it allows for them to keep their head above the water and they just move their arms back and forth in a squatting fashion. So basically, they're swatting their arms forward just like a dog, swatting their arms forward and more than likely using a flutter kick or they're using kind of a modified frog kick in a manner of speaking. It's not a bad thing if children gravitate towards doggie paddling so long as they're keeping that breath and they feel confident in the water, it's a phenomenal thing. They can learn the other strokes as they get into swim lessons and start learning more about the freestyle, the backstroke, and the more involved strokes as they go along. So long as the child's keeping their head above the water and they know how to breathe comfortably and stay comfortable in the water, that's the most important thing, and that shouldn't leave out adults. If an adult is wanting to use the doggie paddle as opposed with any other stroke, by all means. Just remember, it's a simple swatting motion forward as it forward and a flutter kick; however, you wish to do it to propel yourself as well. To learn more about the doggie paddle, go online, contact your local swim instructor or swim coach and see what they have to say.

How to Doggie Paddle Video

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