Backstroke Basics: Why It’s the Most Crucial Stroke to Teach Kids While front crawl (freestyle) often gets the spotlight, backstroke is arguably the most important survival stroke for children. Here’s the critical difference: Breathing is Continuous: Unlike all other strokes, the child’s face is out of the water 100% of the time. This means they can breathe consistently and effortlessly, reducing the risk of panic and energy depletion. Rest and Relaxation: Because breathing is easy, backstroke a