Competitive Enrichment Swim Clinic (Ages 7 To 9)
Montclair State University-Panzer Athletic Center
1 Normal Ave,
Montclair,
NJ 07043
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Introduction
COMPETITIVE ENRICHMENT SWIM CLINIC: BACKSTROKE TECHNIQUE (Ages 7 to 9)
Fitter & Faster is producing a Competitive Enrichment Swim Clinic for swimmers ages 7 to 9 years old at the Montclair State University-Panzer Athletic Center in Montclair, New Jersey on November 29th, 2025. Please see below for swim camps for additional age groups in Montclair, NJ.
This engaging clinic is designed to help young swimmers build foundational competitive skills, boost their confidence, and foster a lifelong love for swimming.
Scroll Down for details on the curriculum!
-> Availability in this session is limited to 24 participants to ensure the highest level learning experience.
Session Start Time: Check-in 12:15 PM, Camp 12:30-2:30 PM
ADDITIONAL SWIM CAMPS IN MONTCLAIR, NJ:
Suggested Participants
Our top priority is to provide a world-class learning experience for all participants at all of our camps. This camp is specifically designed for competitive swimmers ages 7 to 9, focusing on developing essential techniques and skills needed for their progression in the sport.
Curriculum
Competitive backstroke presents unique challenges for young swimmers. As the only stroke performed on the back, it requires a different approach to body position and movement. Additionally, backstroke lacks a natural glide, with arms and legs in constant motion throughout the stroke. Our expert clinicians will help your swimmer develop greater comfort and efficiency in the water allowing them to swim backstroke both faster and longer.
- BODY POSITION: A great backstroke begins with a steady head aligned with the spine. Comfort on the back is crucial, supported by a tight core and a quick, steady kick. These elements elevate the hips and toes, allowing the swimmer to maintain a straight, streamlined body position on top of the water.
- BODY ROTATION: In backstroke, the hips and shoulders rotate together, enabling the swimmer to position their hand correctly for an efficient catch (the motion of the hand grabbing the water). At the highest point of recovery, the shoulder and hip should be at their maximum rotation. Young swimmers often struggle with body rotation and timing, leading to common mistakes like "crossover," where the hand enters the water behind the head, or placing the hand in the water rather than driving directly into the catch. Our clinicians will teach swimmers proper timing, fast hand entry, and how to engage a powerful catch at the top of their stroke.
- CONTINUOUS ARM MOTION: Backstroke requires continuous, alternating arm motion. A common error is pausing one arm at the waist, resulting in an inefficient "one-arm-at-a-time" stroke. We will help your swimmer master the skill of keeping their arms opposite each other and in constant motion.
- KICKING: Backstroke kicking should emphasize a whip-like, toe-driven motion, similar to kicking a soccer ball. However, being on their back often causes young swimmers to adopt a bicycle-like, knee-focused kick. Our clinicians will work with your swimmer to develop a compact, efficient, and propulsive kick that enhances their backstroke technique.
- LANE POSITION AND WALL APPROACH: With their head steady and eyes focused upward, many young swimmers struggle to maintain a straight lane position or confidently approach the wall. Our elite clinicians will share techniques to use visual cues, allowing swimmers to stay straight and accurately gauge the wall without turning or moving their head.
ASK QUESTIONS
Swimmers and parents are invited to ask the clinicians questions during a Q&A session. Gain insight into their training regimen, diet and nutrition, and recovery tactics.
WATCH THE CLINICIANS
Observe clinicians swim at full speed and demonstrate a progression of perfectly executed drills to achieve powerful, efficient and fast swimming.
PUT YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST
Throughout the camp, swimmers will practice what they've learned with some of the world's most elite Swimmer Clinicians and coaches!
Take a photo, get autographs, and chat with your clinicians!
Inquisitive, Educated Swimmers are Faster Swimmers! Sign up today!
