Why Learn Front Star Float and Back Star Float? Benefits for Beginner Swimmers
Learning how to float is one of the most important fundamental skills in swimming. Before beginners learn freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, or butterfly, they should develop confidence in allowing their bodies to float in water.
Two common floating techniques taught during beginner swimming lessons are the front star float and back star float.
These skills help swimmers understand buoyancy, develop body awareness, practise breathing control, and establish the foundation for more advanced swimming movements.
At Friendly Dolphin Swim School, floating exercises form an important part of progressive swimming instruction for children and adult beginners.
In this article, we explain what front and back star floats are, their benefits, how to perform them, and why both are important when learning swimming.
What Is a Front Star Float?
The front star float, also known as the prone star float, is a floating position in which the swimmer faces downwards in the water while extending the arms and legs outwards.
The body resembles a starfish when viewed from above.
How to Perform a Front Star Float
- Stand in shallow water with an instructor nearby.
- Take a comfortable breath.
- Lean forwards and gently place your face in the water.
- Extend both arms outwards.
- Spread both legs comfortably apart.
- Allow the water to support your body.
- Return to standing when you need to breathe.
Beginners may initially practise with support from a swimming instructor.
The objective is to become comfortable with a horizontal, face-down floating position.
