SWIMMING INSTRUCTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18625, 5 August 1922, Page 12

SWIMMING INSTRUCTION

TO THE EDITOR. Sin,—Will 7011 kindly permit me to reply to the criticisms of those gentlemen who have shown such a commendable interest in the subject of swimming? To me, constructive criticism is always appreciated but, unfortunately, in this case many of the statements made in the press concerning the advantages and disadvantages of instruction in the use of the “crawl and trudge” strokes to beginners have missed the point. .... , I am in entire agreement with those gentlemen who uphold swimming as one of the best means of physical development. That swimming is one bf the finest forms of exercise in creating good deportment and gracefulness is borne out by all physical instructors. ' ■ ... Several medical pratotitioners have stated that swimming by means of the trudge and crawl strokes is not detrimental to the physique of the normally developed child. The point which I wisV to make clear is that there is _ a larger number of onr children suffering from physical mal-formations especially in spinal curvature. Several critics have offered their opinions concerning''' the cause of this deformity—e.g., school desks, short cots, etc. —but while we are interested in the cause of the trouble, wo are especially so in its cure, and I believe that the crawl and trudge strokes, as practised by the learner, accentuate rather than alleviate this physical deformity.- tor some time J watched closely the movements of both of these strokes as against the breast and back, more particularly among those who wore learning their first lessons, and I could see that the movements of the arm and shoulder were the reverse to a straight spine and correct carriage. Further, the number of children sent to mo for special exercises to correct a drooping posture, and on investigation proved these defects through overarm strokes. Where an instructor has within a limited time to do justice to all his pupils he has little time for individual instruction, and while he might give the best possible instruction in the art of swimming, there is a grave doubt regarding its practice, especially by young children. Imitation is the sincorest form of flattery, and many of the children m their desire to move thrbugh the water by trudge and crawl as quickly as the experienced boy, develop unconsciously improper movements, and movements which accentuate rather than cure any spinal deformity. It is essential that a child should, in learning to swim, have confidence in hi o ability to keep above water, and neither the trudge nor the crawl is conducive to this end. And, while endeavouring to do these strokes, a learner has little time to focuss his or her mind- on their action o There is little co-ordination between mind and muscle, and this again gives rise to the danger of improper positions. It has been suggested that in order to gain an unbiased opinion regarding this question an exhibition of the trudge and crawl strokes should be given "Before medical men, educational authorities and physical instructors. May I suggest, since we are particularly interested in learners, that these gentlemen make an impromptu visit to such a class? There seems to be an unwarranted anxiety conceming cur future swimming champions in the minds of our critics, and I am just afraid that too much importance' is placed upon this, rather than that the children nr, a whole should be taught properly to swim, as is the wish of all parents. I would like to remind these critics that, championships are a secondary consideratjorf to (he im portanoe of a correct physical development. I would prefer the corbect development of one child to the production of quite a few champions. Wo shall have our champions even if they learn the breast, side, and back strokes before the advanced strokes, trudge and crawl. Regarding the decision of the Otago Edii. cation Board, I was pleased to see its stand. Although it may seem drastic, we must recognise the chief physical instructor’s duty : to parents and children as a whole in his decision, and I have no doubt he went into the matter thoroughly before notifying the hoard of it. •, In conclusion, Sir, I would suggest; that since physical instruction in all its branches aims at. the development of a strong, physic-ally-fit citizen, we whose task it is to bring about this end should welcome criticism rather than make it the cause of rather extravagant assertions such as have ap : peered from time to time in the press.—l am, etc., J. V. Hanxa. Y.M.C.A.. August 5.