The Hidden Reason Your Swimmer May Struggle: ATNR and STNR Reflexes Explained

Are your swimmers’ “technique problems” actually Primitive Reflexes?
In this video, we break down how ATNR and STNR reflex patterns show up in the water, and how simple neuro-based swim drills can help your swimmers integrate these reflexes for smoother, more efficient movement.

These are the exact signs instructors notice but often can’t explain: sinking legs, bicycling kicks, inconsistent freestyle, and difficulty maintaining streamline. By training “out of the reflex,” swimmers gain better body control, improved kicking, and enhanced alignment.

Watch to see real swimmers in ATNR and STNR reflex patterns and the drills that transform them.

0:00 — ATNR + STNR reflexes appear during head turning
0:10 — Why legs sink when the head lifts
0:15 — ATNR drill: arms extended, hips extended, ear-to-ear head turns
0:28 — How this drill helps move out of the reflex
0:31 — STNR reflex in swimming: bicycling kick + extended head
0:42 — STNR drill: hips extended, dumbbell between legs, arms flexed
0:55 — Integrating the reflex for better swimming

Swim Angelfish provides free online resources for parents, swim instructors and coaches, online therapist training, as well as an online certification program in their methodology, so that all swimmers with special needs can learn to be safer and more independent in the water. For more information go to https://www.swimangelfish.com

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

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