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Learn to Swim Stage 8

At Stage 8, swimmers focus on improving efficiency and technique across all four strokes (front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). They also begin to learn competitive skills such as starts and turns, while developing greater stamina by swimming longer distances.

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Key Learning Points for stage 8

  • Complete a set lasting 400 metres (e.g. 16 x 25 metres, 8 x 50 metres, 4 x 100 metres) on a specific turnaround time agreed by the teacher or coach (e.g. 1.00 minutes for each 25 metres) with a focus on stroke technique and consistency.
  • Swim 400 metres continuously using one stroke.
  • Push and streamline then kick 25 metres backstroke with or without using a board.
  • Push and streamline then kick 25 metres breaststroke with or without using a board.
  • Push and streamline then kick 25 metres butterfly without using a board.
  • Push and streamline then kick 25 metres front crawl with or without using a board.
  • Perform a backstroke turn from 10 metres in to 15 metres out.
  • Perform a breaststroke turn from 10 metres in to 15 metres out.
  • Perform a butterfly turn from 10 metres in to 15 metres out.
  • Perform a front crawl turn from 10 metres in to 15 metres out.
  • Perform a dive track or grab start, and kick butterfly underwater in a streamlined position for 5 metres with the focus on progressing it to 10 metres.*

    ‍*Delivery will depend on the pool design and facilities available.
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