Which teacher comment would most help a fifth-grade student learning front crawl who is sinking with the feet and legs?

• A. Look at the bottom of the pool except when you turn your head for breaths.
• B. Keep your head up and eyes forward
• C. Paddle with your arms only
• D. Breathe every stroke

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a horizontal, streamlined body position is what keeps the legs and feet from sinking in the front crawl. Looking toward the bottom helps keep the head in a neutral position, which keeps the hips up and the kick effective. When you breathe, turning the head to the side rather than lifting it high allows the body to stay balanced and minimizes drag, so the feet stay closer to the surface.

Choosing to keep the head up and eyes forward tends to raise the head, which drops the hips and makes the legs sink. Focusing only on the arms ignores the important kick and body line that help stay afloat. Breathing every stroke disrupts rhythm and balance, making it harder to maintain a steady, horizontal position.