The 7 Basic Swimming Strokes: How to Swim Them

Swimming is important, no matter your motivation, whether it's for competitive swimming, exercise, survival, self-improvement, entertainment, or to get over your embarrassment at pool parties. Almost any body of water can be swum in using these methods.

The 7 Basic Swimming Strokes: How to Swim Them


You propel your body through the water with swimming strokes, which are active movements. It is more natural for some swimmers to use specific swimming techniques than others. Regardless of the level of competition, there are strokes for recreational and fitness swimmers.


Here Are 7 Different Swimming Styles and Strokes:

Detailed descriptions of some of the most common swim strokes and styles are presented below, as well as information on when each style should be used.


1. Freestyle.


The front crawl, also known as freestyle, is one of the most commonly pictured swim strokes. Swim lessons for beginners or on your own are some of the first strokes you learn.
Coordinating breathing, kicking, and arms are necessary to do a competent front crawl. Swimmers do a front crawl by lying flat on their stomachs.
Starting with a push-off with the feet can help with momentum. By alternately moving their arms forward in a windmill fashion, the swimmer shoves the water underneath with their hands, scooping down and then raising above it.
The legs should be doing a flutter kick while the arms are making a windmill motion. The toes are pointed and the knees are locked, resulting in straight legs. During swimming, the legs are moved up and down alternately, and the arms assist in moving the body through the water.



2. Backstroke


There is no such thing as Back Crawl, but Backstroke is the opposite of Front Crawl (Freestyle). A famous Olympian named Harry Hebner popularized the Backstroke. During the 1990 Olympics in St. Louis, backstroke was recognized as a competitive sport. During front crawl swimming, it was difficult to breathe. Due to this, Backstroke has sometimes been referred to as Back Crawl. Body posture can be improved by swimming backstroke, according to experts.



3. Butterfly

The butterfly can be attempted once you have mastered the first few strokes. Swimming this stroke is an advanced stroke, but it gives your body an excellent workout! The butterfly is a favorite of Michael Phelps, an Olympic gold medalist. Be aware that butterfly is hard to learn and will tire you out, so make sure you have enough strength before trying it.

As you begin to do the butterfly, you should lie face down on your stomach with your arms at your sides. Then, as you push yourself forward in the water, bring your arms over your head at the same time. Continue to rinse and repeat! A body's arms are essentially wings that propel it forward. In addition to moving your arms, make sure your head and shoulders remain above the water. I agree it's difficult!

A dolphin kick should be performed while doing butterfly strokes. Keeping your legs together and extended straight, like the tail of a dolphin, is the key.


4. Breaststroke

In competitive swimming, the breaststroke is the slowest stroke, and it is also the most commonly taught. Due to the fact that you don't have to put your head underwater, it's often taught to beginner swimmers. Competitive swimmers, however, submerge their heads at designated points in the stroke and breathe.

Performing this stroke on your stomach is the correct way to do it. In a half-circular motion in front of your body, your arms move simultaneously beneath the surface of the water. At the same time, your legs perform the whip kick. By bending both your knees and hips, you execute the whip kick by bringing your legs from straight behind you close to your body. After moving outward, your legs move off to the side before extending and returning together. Often, this technique of swimming is compared to that of a frog.

When you stroke your arms, time them with your leg movements to maximize your propulsion by resting your arms while your legs kick and straightening your legs when you stroke your arms. As a result, forward movement is always maintained.


5. Sidestroke

Even though it is not one of the official four strokes in competitive swimming, the sidestroke is an excellent survival technique. The reason lifeguards use this is that you can hold on to another person while you swim and keep them above water. As you lie on your side, scissor your legs forward to propel yourself forward. Because the majority of the propulsion is done by your legs, it's a great leg workout. Hold your hands together and dart your arms outward, one back and one forward, alternately. The process of learning how to help others can be challenging, but it is vital to their well-being.


6. Combat Side Stroke

Among the swimming techniques taught to US Navy Seals is the combat side stroke. A sustainable energy system conserves and utilizes energy efficiently. Having to learn three strokes is challenging.

There are three strokes in one: the breaststroke, the front stroke, and the sidestroke. When a swimmer is keeping a low profile in the water and does not want to be seen, this is essential.

As a result, they are able to maximize their efficiency while remaining invisible. It focuses on balancing, rotating, and lengthening. As in sidestroke, the arms pull and the legs flutter kick, so the water is less disturbed.



7. Elementary Backstroke


As its technique is relatively simple, the elementary backstroke can also be considered one of the basic swimming strokes. Swimming the elementary backstroke on the back is done horizontally. In this position, therefore, a novice swimmer must have some proficiency in floating.

Elementary backstrokes are performed simultaneously with symmetrical arm movements. In the beginning, the arms are placed at the sides of the body, with the palms facing towards the body. In the arm stroke, the hands are drawn up along the body to the shoulders. With the palms facing backward, the arms are extended fully to the side once the hands reach the shoulders. A further pull back and inward creates propulsion before the arms return to their starting position.

As well as performing simultaneous, symmetrical movements, the legs also do so. Swimmers float on their backs instead of their chests in backstroke, which uses similar leg movements. It is first necessary to extend the legs and hold them together. Kicks begin with the heels being pulled toward the buttocks. An upright position is achieved by bending the knees about 90 degrees, spreading the legs, and turning the feet outwards.

As a result, the legs are stretched and brought together again, as well as the feet are turned inward. The kick's last phase generates propulsion. After the arm strokes and kicks have been completed, a short glide phase follows. Swimmers can swim in a relatively relaxed and economical manner using the elementary backstroke. At the end of the stroke cycle, there is a glide phase that is observed between the arm and leg movements.


Furthermore, the face remains above the surface of the water the entire time, so breathing is not restricted. Beginners are well served by the elementary backstroke because of these reasons.




6 Tips for Learning Swimming Strokes

A swimming stroke requires practice, focus, and patience, just like any other skillful physical activity. If you are learning a new stroke, follow these tips:

1. At first, learn just one or two strokes. By doing this, you will get some variety as well as a more comprehensive workout. In addition to learning the basics, you will move on to more advanced and demanding strokes.

2. Take time to rest and recover. It's probably not a surprise to you that swimming quickly tires you out.
Do not overdo this, as it can feel good and be an excellent way to exercise.
In addition to reaping the benefits of swimming, rest and recovery can help you minimize the risks involved.

3. Use swim drills: Develop your fundamentals by incorporating basic drills into your swimming routine. Kickboards are useful for practicing leg strokes or practicing one arm stroke followed by another.

4. Be sure to practice your breathing: A swimmer's mouth is only exposed to the air for a brief moment when performing certain strokes, such as the butterfly stroke. Backstroke and other strokes you can perform with your face above the water are good places to start.

5. It is important to learn how to float: No matter what stroke you choose, floating is an integral part of swimming. Learn how your body's buoyancy works. It's natural to float, especially when you're on your back since our bodies are mostly water and our lungs are always filled with air. In swimming, the more comfortable you are in the water, the easier it will be for you to progress.

6. You should always swim with others. A buddy is always a good idea, whether you're in the pool or the ocean. An instructor, a friend, or even an entire class might do this. The power of numbers lies in their strength and safety.






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