diving in for freestyle

Question
My son has been swimming for 4 years -- now he is 10. He has coordination
issues, but loves the sport. He is not a very good diver, and this year he has
started swimming under water as far as possible once he's in. I think it makes
him slower. What's a guideline on this?

Answer
Beth,
Thank you for writing.  You ask a good question.

I believe you are asking how long your son should stay underwater kicking in a streamline after he dives in the water.  I hope that is what you were getting at with your question.

First off, when you dive into the water, you should maintain a streamlined position.  Your hands should be clasped straight above your head.  Your body should be like a "bullet" or an "arrow" getting ready to enter the water.  This is called being hydrodynamic.  The idea is to reduce the drag once you are in the water.  The dive into the water is faster than you swim.  You want to keep that momentum and speed as long as possible without slowing down and losing your breath.  THAT IS THE ISSUE!  :-)

So you ask how long should he stay underwater?  Well, before we get to that, let me make sure he is kicking in that streamlined position.  He needs to kick his legs to help continue the speed from his dive.  In your question, you say that he "swims under water as far as possible once he's in".  Make sure that he isn't using his arms underwater after he dives in.  He only wants to kick.  He should start using his arms AFTER he comes to the surface to start swimming.

The amount of time for him to stay underwater should only be for a few seconds.  He should come to the surface right before he starts slowing down.  This should be LONG BEFORE he starts losing his breath.  I know that doesn't give an absolute answer.  It's a judgement call on his part though.

Overall, this is a complex action in swimming.  This is not something that is easily taught.  It's something that is developed over the years.  I am impressed with your son.  I started swimming at 5 years old and slowly developed my skills.  When children are younger, the more coordinated children seem to excel at swimming more easily.  You say that your son has coordination issues.  I would say that this might impede his progress with some of the more advanced skills.  DON'T WORRY!  Coordination issues slowly take care of themselves around puberty as kids grow up.  Most of the kids that excelled strictly because they were coordinated don't usually stay far ahead at this time.  The kids who have been swimming for a number of years (like your son) will have the fundamentals down and can learn the advanced skills as they gain a better understanding of their body and gain more control of their physical actions.

OK, I think I have babbled on enough at this point.  To get back to your question...

I would tell him to just kick a few kicks and come to the surface.  It's the exact same motion as coming out of a flip-turn.  Instead of kicking off the wall in a flip-turn, you are kicking after diving into the water.  The idea is to just carry on that momentum for a few kicks and come to the surface to start swimming.  Underwater swimming isn't fast or efficient.  It's a huge burden on your lungs!!!  :-)

Beth, I hope that I answered your question in my long babble.  I love working with kids, however sometimes it's difficult to compare one child to another based upon their motor-skills.  Best of luck, and tell you son to keep with it.  I still swim and think it's the best sport around!
Eric